Tourism & Hospitality | Monday 25 May, 2015 9:00 am |

Etihad Airways’ Procurement & Supply Management department has received three prestigious awards from the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS).

The department was shortlisted in five different categories and successful in two categories, namely ‘Best People Development Initiative’ and ‘Best International Procurement’. The team also carried home the judges’ award for ‘The Overall Winner’.

The Middle East Awards ceremony was held on 11 May at the InterContinental hotel in Abu Dhabi.

James Rigney, Chief Financial Officer at Etihad Airways, said: “A great deal of hard work has gone into winning these awards by our Procurement and Supply Chain team. This achievement underlines the important role the team plays in our business.

“I know they will build on this momentum during the year ahead and continue to support the ongoing financial strength of the business.”

During the last two years, Etihad Airways’ Procurement and Supply Management team has undergone a complete business transformation in its procurement model and processes.

This shift enabled the team to support Etihad Airways’ business growth and strategic objectives as well as the wider objectives of Abu Dhabi 2030 vision.

By contributing to the UAE economy through supplier selection, the team have realised significant cost savings and strengthened its professional procurement practices.

Adil Al-Mulla, Etihad Airways’ Vice President Procurement and Supply Management, said: “We are delighted to receive this recognition from the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply.

“The awards reflect the team’s innovative and collaborative procurement practices that deliver real financial benefits to the airline.

“The awards set the benchmark for our performance for the next year and provide international recognition for the department as procurement professionals.”

A panel of industry experts and senior procurement professionals judged the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply awards process which was chaired by Duncan Brock, Group Customer Relationship Director of FCIPS.

Duncan Brock, Group Customer Relationships Director of CIPS, said: “Delivering real benefits from leveraging scale across eight different airlines is challenging. Many collaborative sourcing projects fail due to lack of senior executive support and aligned goals.

“Etihad Airways leads an excellent joint procurement program with its equity alliance partners and has already delivered significant results with more to come.”

The Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply is considered the premier global organisation, serving the procurement and supply profession.

CIPS is dedicated to promoting best practice within the profession, and is the largest provider of specialist courses across all aspects and levels of the supply chain, from the start of a career to senior management level.