From Lowest-Cost to Risk-Adjusted Sourcing

A supply chain head who sees resilience as the ability to absorb the unexpected — and keep the business moving

Technology creates value when it strengthens existing processes and supports effective execution. Mr. Ashwani Gautam believes that combining smarter systems with operational discipline is key to turning technological improvements into tangible business results.

Currently serving as Head – Supply Chain & Fulfilment at Valeo Health, he champions a leadership approach built on flexibility, strong relationships, and decisive action to help organisations navigate uncertainty and adapt to change.

Advocating building supply chains that can respond confidently to unexpected challenges, Mr. Ashwani Gautam is recognised as one of the 10 Leading Supply Chain Leaders in Asia 2026. He shares his perspective on how international trade and geopolitical uncertainty are reshaping supply chain risk management in an exclusive conversation with Corporate TrendZ Asia:

“Working with partners across 50+ countries has fundamentally shaped how I view supply chain risk. Earlier, risk management was largely about responding to disruptions; today, it is about anticipating uncertainty and building the ability to adapt quickly. Geopolitical tensions, trade restrictions, sanctions, shifting tariffs and regional conflicts have shown that a supply chain can be operationally efficient yet strategically vulnerable.”

He further added:

“For me, the biggest shift is from ‘lowest-cost sourcing’ to ‘best-risk-adjusted sourcing.’ This means understanding critical supplier locations, identifying single points of failure, developing alternate sources and routes, and maintaining the flexibility to switch when conditions change. Ultimately, resilience means absorbing the unexpected, responding quickly and keeping the business moving.”

🏆 10 Leading Supply Chain Leaders in Asia 2026 — Mr. Ashwani Gautam, Head – Supply Chain & Fulfilment at Valeo Health. ✨