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In Conversation with David Taylor: Rob Levene and David Discuss Procurement, Leadership and Constellia’s Future
Last week, Constellia was delighted to announce the appointment of highly experienced procurement leader David Taylor, who has joined the company board as a Non-Executive Director. To learn more about his long and successful career, and to hear his views on what outstanding procurement looks like, David sat down with Constellia’s CEO, Rob Levene, to answer some questions about his new role.
David, we’re incredibly excited to have you join us at Constellia. Tell us a bit more about your experience across the procurement sector.
Thanks, Rob, I’m excited to be here at this stage of Constellia’s development. I’ve spent decades in procurement and supply chain leadership across both private and public sectors, working with organisations from start-ups to blue-chip multinationals and major government departments.
I started in technology and telecoms, including with media startup Vizzavi, before taking on global roles at Sony, Vodafone, Orange and Hertz. I then joined the Home Office in 2008, spending almost twelve years there, including five as Chief Commercial Officer. After serving as the Government’s Deputy Chief Commercial Officer, I returned to the private sector as Chief Operating Officer at CIPS, followed by consultancy work with Efficio. It’s been a varied journey that gives me great insight into Constellia’s diverse work.
David Taylor | Non-Executive Director
From all your experience across Government and the private sector, how important is it to have access to the best suppliers for procurement contracts across the board?
Access to innovative and effective suppliers is crucial to every procurement partnership. The UK has an amazingly strong and diverse range of suppliers and improving their access to contracts improves outcomes for taxpayers while supporting economic growth. Throughout my time in government and at CIPS, I saw companies of all sizes delivering for their customers with professionalism, passion and pace.
What excites you about the opportunities for a company like Constellia?
Constellia is one of the fastest-growing and most dynamic businesses in this sector, making a real impact on procurement outcomes for businesses and government at both local and national levels. The neutral vendor model widens access for vendors while simplifying processes for clients to deliver speed to value
Social value is clearly at the heart of Constellia’s proposition, visible across so many of the opportunities you’re leading. The chance to help Constellia continue delivering high-quality outcomes with a values-based customer experience is really exciting.
What impact are you hoping to have at Constellia, both on how we run our business and how that can improve procurement outcomes?
People have always made the difference in my career, so getting to know and supporting the Constellia team will be key – bringing support, guidance and challenge where helpful.
I hope my experience will benefit Constellia’s clients as we continually improve our offering. I’ve also built up a wide network over decades in this industry, which I’d love to use judiciously to support Constellia’s objectives.
Tell us something about you we don’t know, something that would surprise us!
Good question! Recently, I’ve really gotten into spinning and am now a regular attendee at spin classes. It’s a great way to keep fit, and a nice break from refurbishing my house, which is the other thing taking up lots of my time at the moment. If Constellia continues growing as strongly as it has been I might ask our owners to buy me a Peloton next year!
If you would like to find out more about David’s appointment, you can access the article here.
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