Richard Chiari

Global Lead Buyer Semperit Group

Richard is currently acting as Global Lead Buyer and heading the procurement teams in Asia (CN, IN, TH) of Semperit Group, an innovative leader for Manufactured Rubber Goods (hoses, conveyor belts, profiles, form parts).

Previously he worked in the biotechnology sector, as CPO Chief Procurement & Production Officer Erber Group: animal feed additives, analytics and veterinary pharmaceuticals. Richard contributed to tripling the turnover in his 5 years there by expanding the footprint with new plants in Brasil, Vietnam, China, Panama, US and Europe.

Day 3 | 25th September 2025

11:50 AM Table 3: Remember Proper Procurement Strategies: Understand How To Ensure Cost-savings Is At The Centre Of Procurement’s Expanded Responsibilities

2:20 PM Plenary Oxford Style Debate: "Lowest Cost Should Always Be the Primary Factor in Procurement Decisions."

FOR:

Cost equals competitiveness: Lower prices boost margins and market edge
Bottom-line impact: Savings remain a key performance metric
Stronger leverage: Bigger volumes at lower cost strengthen supplier power
Fast, flexible sourcing: Cost-first frees capital for agility

AGAINST:

Price isn’t value: Cheap now can cost more later
Relationships matter: Collaboration beats penny-pinching
Ethics at risk: Low cost often means low standards
Resilience over savings: Reliable supply trumps cheap deals

For: Javier Caravantes, Procurement Director, Parques Reunidos

Against: Richard Chiari, Global Lead Buyer, Semperit

Check out the incredible speaker line-up to see who will be joining Richard.

Download The Latest Agenda