Published in CPOstrategy Magazine June 2024 issue.

Walt Sheffler, President at Avendra, discusses the role operating with transparency has in achieving sustainable supply chain efficiency and reveals why its relationship with Marriott International complements this endeavor.

Transparency is Key

Operating sustainably isn’t a choice in today’s world of 2024. Legislation and customer demands dictate otherwise. Inaccurate supplier information can lead to unexpected and costly supply chain interruptions. It is a key reason why transparent supply chain practices act as the base for a more sustainable and responsible business landscape.

Knowing this all too well is Walt Sheffler. He is the President at Avendra and has been involved in the organization for over 23 years. During that time, Avendra has become one of North America’s leading hospitality procurement services providers. Its supply chain management solutions are tailored to each client’s business strategies while offering unparalleled service through a dedicated customer care team that delivers benefits beyond great savings. Sheffler explains the importance of operating with transparency in sustainable procurement practices, as it enables stakeholders to evaluate the environmental, social and ethical impacts of purchases.

“This transparency fosters critical outcomes, including greater accountability, continuous improvement, and the establishment of trust,” he explains. “Transparency in sustainable procurement drives improvement. We strive to enhance supply chain efficiency, reduce waste, and minimize negative impacts wherever possible, while proactively managing risks and promoting reliability and resilience throughout our relationship. By openly communicating our assessments of supply chain partners, we empower our customers to make better-informed decisions. They gain a deeper understanding of the sustainability-related aspects of their choices.”