Tore Pedersen, the Head of Supply Chain and Marketing at Pisla Oy in Finland, is a seasoned professional with extensive experience in the retail sector spanning over two decades. In his role, Tore oversees the entire supply chain process at Pisla Oy, from product management to regulatory compliance. Leading a team of five individuals, he manages all operational aspects related to assortment, purchasing, and overall supply chain management.
Tore Pedersen | Head of Supply Chain and Marketing | Pisla
Tore’s journey into supply chain management was inspired by his long-standing tenure in the retail industry. Over the years, he found procurement particularly intriguing due to its global scope and significant impact on a company’s performance and profile. We at EliteX, are proud to introduce Tore Pedersen as one of the Impactful Leaders in Supply Chain, 2024.
For Tore, impactful leadership in the supply chain sector entails implementing changes that lead to tangible improvements in efficiency and performance. He emphasizes that such changes often require time and persistence to yield results. Tore has encountered numerous challenges, including navigating the disruptions caused by global events like the COVID-19 pandemic and the Ukraine conflict. Adapting to sudden changes and finding solutions amidst evolving circumstances has been a constant test of leadership. Tore has spearheaded transformative projects, such as implementing new supply chain management systems, resulting in substantial efficiency gains. Currently, he is leading Pisla Oy through a similar initiative to enhance SCM processes.
“The future of supply chain management demands constant adaptation, problem-solving, and innovation to navigate geopolitical uncertainties and ensure global operations run smoothly.” – Tore Pedersen
According to Tore, successful leaders in the supply chain field possess strong analytical skills and a comprehensive understanding of their industry. They recognize that success often stems from incremental improvements rather than isolated actions. To stay abreast of industry trends and best practices, Tore relies on various sources, including competitor analysis, industry events, fairs, and webinars. This proactive approach ensures that he remains informed about emerging trends and potential solutions. Tore Pedersen’s leadership in the supply chain sector exemplifies a commitment to driving innovation and efficiency in the face of evolving challenges, ultimately contributing to the success of Pisla Oy.
Tore faced a challenging decision when tasked with evaluating the efficiency of their facility compared to outsourcing operations. Despite extensive discussions and brainstorming, the numbers didn’t align with targets, leading to the difficult choice of closing the site. Such decisions require determination and toughness, prioritizing what’s best for the company’s sustainability and operations. To promote collaboration and communication among team members, Tore emphasizes regular meetings both in person and via virtual platforms like Teams. He believes in sharing information and involving the team in ongoing activities to keep everyone motivated and aligned with organizational goals.
“To make impactful decisions, one needs to be determined and tough enough to prioritize what’s best for the company—even if it means facing difficult choices.” – Tore Pedersen
Pisla Oy upholds a strict code of conduct for both in-house operations and external partnerships, ensuring ethical practices and sustainability throughout the supply chain. Tore also emphasizes driving efficiency in supply processes, which inherently reduces environmental impact. Reflecting on past mistakes, Tore recalls a costly oversight regarding EU regulations for importing a deep fryer. Despite thorough research, missing requirements for a metal basket led to halted deliveries and additional expenses, highlighting the importance of meticulous attention to detail.
Tore recognizes the growing role of artificial intelligence in supply chain management, streamlining tasks and handling large volumes of data. However, he emphasizes the continued importance of human expertise in navigating the complexities of supply chain operations. Constant engagement in industry events, webinars, and maintaining close relationships with peers and authorities helps Tore stay abreast of global market changes and regulatory shifts, enabling timely adaptation and compliance. Drawing from his diverse experience, Tore advises aspiring leaders to develop a comprehensive understanding of the market they operate in. He emphasizes the importance of patience and persistence, recognizing the interconnectedness of supply chain processes from factory production to consumer shelves.
Looking ahead, Tore envisions a challenging yet crucial role for supply chain management in navigating geopolitical uncertainties. He emphasizes the need for problem-solving and innovation to ensure the smooth functioning of global supply chains, pledging to contribute his expertise to this ongoing evolution.
“In the supply chain field, success often stems from a wide range of small effects from incremental improvements within the supply chain efficiency.” – Tore Pedersen
