Uwe Wehnes, based in Amsterdam, plays a leading role in CRH’s transformation of the Procurement function across the group.

He is passionate to connect all Procurement professionals in CRH to act as ‘one team’ across the group. Uwe is especially interested in a Procurement operating model which ensures a strong and close collaboration with the business by implementing cross-functional and cross-regional category teams. CRH category teams have dedicated team members from Procurement, the business and other functions. Uwe further believes that it is a precondition to have local, regional and global representatives in all category teams in order to make the right decisions for the group.  

For him it is not the most important question whether Procurement is centralized or decentralized but more how you connect the relevant professionals across the group (Business and Procurement) to manage cost and to push digitalization, innovation and sustainability as strategic key elements in Procurement.  

Uwe gained expertise in these areas while working across various industries worldwide. 

Since 1996 he worked in Procurement functions in the Diagnostics/Pharmaceuticals, Chemicals and Construction materials industry.  Prior to joining CRH, Uwe held various CPO roles in Sika, Holcim and LafargeHolcim. He began his career in Procurement in 1996 as Global Category Manager for Boehringer Mannheim/Roche Diagnostics.

Uwe holds an MA in Biochemistry/Biotechnology as well as a BA in Industrial Engineering He attended several senior management trainings at London Business School and IMD in Switzerland. Outside of work, he likes travelling to learn more about other cultures and he absolutely passionate about soccer and supports Bayern München.