Pioneering Procurement Excellence: An Interview with Youssouf Djire, Founder & CEO of 3novex Global
As procurement and supply chain management continue to evolve, industry leaders must stay ahead of trends, foster collaboration, and drive meaningful change. Youssouf Djire, Founder & CEO of 3novex Global, has done just that—building a powerhouse of high-impact events that bring together procurement professionals, solution providers, and thought leaders from around the world.
Since founding 3novex Global in 2018, Youssouf has transformed the procurement event landscape, expanding from Malaysia to the UAE and establishing the CPO Series as a leading global platform for procurement excellence. His ability to anticipate industry shifts and embrace innovation has not only strengthened 3novex Global’s influence but also led to the launch of JustNetwork in 2024, a business networking platform that has already facilitated over 1,700 high-value meetings.
In this interview, Youssouf shares insights into the journey behind the CPO Series, how technology is shaping procurement, and his vision for the future of 3novex Global.
Inception of the CPO Series: What inspired you to establish the CPO Series under 3novex Global, and how has it evolved since its inception?
The CPO Series was created to fill a clear gap in the market for high-quality, executive-level procurement events. When I founded 3novex Global in 2018, I noticed that procurement professionals lacked a dedicated platform that addressed both strategic challenges and emerging innovations.
What began as a single summit quickly evolved into a multi-event platform spanning multiple countries. Over time, the series has grown into a recognised leader in procurement conferences, attracting top executives and solution providers. Beyond geographical expansion, we have also deepened our focus, curating specialised content tailored to regional needs and industry shifts.
Target Audience and Objectives: The CPO Series is designed for senior professionals in procurement, finance, supply chain, purchasing, and sourcing. How does the series cater to the specific needs of these diverse roles?
The CPO Series is carefully designed to meet the unique needs of senior professionals across procurement, finance, supply chain, purchasing, and sourcing. These roles demand a blend of strategic insight, operational excellence, and technological adaptability.
Our events provide C-level executives with valuable networking opportunities and exposure to the latest industry solutions, while procurement managers aspiring to leadership roles gain insights into career progression. By curating high-impact discussions and practical workshops, we bridge the gap between experienced leaders and emerging talent, fostering professional growth within the procurement ecosystem.
Key Offerings of the CPO Series: Could you elaborate on the range of services provided by the CPO Series, such as conferences, workshops, round tables, and micro-events? How do these offerings add value to participants?
The CPO Series delivers a diverse range of high-value events, including large-scale summits, focused roundtables, hands-on workshops, and exclusive micro-events tailored for procurement technology providers. Each format is designed to cater to different levels of engagement—from broad industry discussions to deep-dive technical sessions.
Our summits bring together industry leaders to explore key trends and challenges, while workshops offer actionable insights and practical strategies. Roundtables facilitate direct peer-to-peer learning, fostering open discussions on pressing issues. Meanwhile, micro-events provide a niche platform for procurement tech providers to showcase innovations and connect with decision-makers.
By offering this variety, we ensure that participants not only gain valuable knowledge but also build meaningful business relationships that drive procurement excellence within their organisations.
Impact of the 100 CPO Summit: The 100 CPO Summit is a flagship event within the CPO Series. What are some notable outcomes or success stories from past summits, and how have they influenced the procurement community?
The 100 CPO Summit has established itself as a benchmark event in the procurement industry, driving meaningful connections and transformative initiatives. Over the years, it has facilitated major industry partnerships, accelerated procurement transformation efforts, and provided CPOs with critical insights that shape corporate strategies.
One notable success story involves a procurement leader from a Fortune 500 company who discovered a digital solution at our event—an innovation that later revolutionised their supplier management process. Such real-world outcomes reinforce our commitment to delivering events that go beyond discussions, fostering tangible impact and industry-wide advancements.
Adapting to Industry Trends: With the dynamic nature of procurement and supply chain management, how does the CPO Series stay ahead of industry trends and ensure content relevance for its audience?
Procurement is evolving rapidly, driven by digital transformation, sustainability goals, and shifting global supply chains. The CPO Series stays ahead by curating content aligned with emerging trends, engaging thought leaders, and incorporating interactive formats such as live case studies and expert panels.
We also leverage post-event feedback to continuously refine our agenda, ensuring that each edition remains relevant and impactful. By maintaining strong connections with industry pioneers and solution providers, we ensure that every session delivers cutting-edge insights that procurement professionals can immediately apply in their roles.
Role of Technology in Procurement: In your view, how is technology transforming procurement practices, and how does the CPO Series address technological advancements in its programs?
Technology is fundamentally reshaping procurement by enhancing efficiency, transparency, and data-driven decision-making. AI-powered analytics, blockchain for supply chain security, and automation tools are revolutionising procurement strategies, enabling organisations to optimise costs and mitigate risks more effectively.
The CPO Series actively addresses these advancements through dedicated technology showcases, expert-led discussions, and hands-on demonstrations from leading solution providers such as SAP, Ivalua, Zycus, JAGGAER, GEP, and Coupa. By bridging the gap between procurement leaders and cutting-edge innovations, we equip organisations with the knowledge and tools to confidently embrace digital transformation.
Global Expansion Plans: Given the success of events in regions like Dubai and Malaysia, are there plans to expand the CPO Series to other global markets? If so, which regions are being considered?
Building on the success of our events in Malaysia, the UAE, Thailand, and the Philippines, we are actively exploring further expansion. In 2025, we will be launching the CPO Series in Saudi Arabia, a rapidly growing market experiencing significant procurement digitalisation.
Beyond the Middle East and Asia, we are evaluating opportunities in Europe, Africa, and North America, where demand for high-level procurement summits continues to rise. Our goal is to establish the CPO Series as a truly global platform, fostering connections among procurement leaders worldwide.
Feedback and Continuous Improvement: How do you gather and incorporate feedback from participants to continuously improve the CPO Series offerings?
Participant feedback is central to our continuous growth and evolution. We gather insights through post-event surveys, direct conversations, and data analytics to assess engagement, satisfaction, and areas for enhancement.
Common suggestions directly shape our agenda, speaker selection, and event formats. For instance, based on participant feedback, we introduced more interactive sessions and networking-focused activities to foster deeper connections and practical learning. This iterative approach ensures that each edition of the CPO Series not only meets but exceeds expectations, delivering maximum value to our attendees.
Partnerships and Collaborations: What role do partnerships play in the success of the CPO Series, and how do you collaborate with industry leaders to enhance the quality of your events?
Strategic partnerships are integral to the success of the CPO Series. We collaborate with top procurement solution providers, industry associations, and thought leaders to deliver high-impact content and ensure our events remain at the forefront of industry advancements.
Our partnerships with technology leaders such as SAP and Ivalua provide attendees with firsthand insights into cutting-edge procurement solutions. Additionally, working closely with regional procurement associations strengthens our local relevance, ensuring that our events address market-specific needs and challenges. These collaborations enhance the overall quality of our programs, making them both globally insightful and regionally applicable.
Future Vision for the CPO Series: Looking ahead, what are your aspirations for the CPO Series, and how do you envision it shaping the future of procurement and supply chain management?
Our vision is for the CPO Series to become the premier global platform for procurement and supply chain professionals. Beyond geographical expansion, we aim to integrate more digital elements, including virtual summits, exclusive online content, and AI-driven networking opportunities to enhance engagement and accessibility.
As procurement continues to evolve into a more strategic and technology-driven function, we will adapt accordingly—ensuring that the CPO Series not only informs but also facilitates real-world industry transformation. Our goal is to empower professionals with the insights, tools, and connections needed to navigate the future of procurement with confidence.
