SCM World (a RaptureWorld Company) released the 2010 Chief Supply Chain Officer Report - a survey of 400 senior global supply chain and procurement executives.

The report has been designed and developed to draw out critical insights that drive C-level supply chain executives in 2010 and beyond.

With such a rapidly shifting macro economic climate, the report uncovers how companies are redefining the role of the supply chain officer, and in turn how those executives are positioning their organizations to remain competitive in an increasingly globalized and complex operating environment.

The key findings of the report show that nearly 50% of respondents will be increasing investment in supply chain related technology this year. The number one issue driving the focus on Supply Chain Management within organizations is responding to customer and demand volatility, said 54% of respondents.

In this study, Best-in-Class firms are 50% more likely than all others to have an executive position with end-to-end SCM responsibility. Even though 81% of Best-in-Class companies report having a centralized supply chain organization, only 34% of these companies have a Chief Supply Chain Officer.

Oliver Sloane, Co-CEO of RaptureWorld says 'It is clearly a fact that the most forward thinking organizations have, or are in the process of, positioning a supply chain role at the very highest level within their company. The centrality of the supply chain to competitive advantage is key, and whilst the tough market conditions of the last 18 months may have changed the emphasis and focus within individual supply chain organizations, they have only served to further cement the significance of the function as a whole to the overall performance of global businesses.'

Download the full report here (http://www.scmworld.org/?page=cscoreport)

Is your organization in the process of or planning to redefine the role of Chief Supply Chain Officer?