‹ back to Managing DirectorsR. David Nelson

With more than 25 years of executive-level expertise in procurement and supply chain management, David Nelson has developed a well-earned reputation as a leading figure in purchasing methodology and cost management. He has experience in a wide variety of industries, with an emphasis on:

Mr. Nelson has assisted numerous companies with supply process improvement. He specializes in assessing supply strategies, identifying problem areas and recommending best practices to ensure a more efficient, cost-effective process. Among his noteworthy achievements, he:

• Worked with the executive supply management team of one of the world’s largest airplane manufacturers to identify strengths and weaknesses in the supply chain and presented solutions to help the company implement best practices
• Preformed an assessment of procurement and supply chain management for the world’s leading medical technology company and made recommendations for best practices
• Vice president of global supply management for one of the automotive industry’s leading suppliers of mobile electronics and transportation technology, where he was the main advocate for the company’s global supply management task team
• Vice president of worldwide supply management for the world’s leading farming and forestry equipment manufacturer where, under his direction, the company earned a reputation for superior supply management processes and best practices
• Senior vice president of purchasing and corporate affairs and member of the board of directors for an automotive manufacturing plant with an annual vehicle production capacity of 440,000, where he was instrumental in helping the company earn Purchasingmagazine’s prestigious Medal of Professional Excellence
• Served in various manufacturing, purchasing and sales and marketing roles at one of the world’s largest and most diversified suppliers of automotive systems, modules and components

Over the years, Mr. Nelson has received countless awards and distinctions, including the J. Shipman Gold Medal Award, the Institute for Supply Management’s highest distinction. He is a Certified Purchasing Manager, chair emeritus of the Institute for Supply Management and a founding chair of the Original Equipment Suppliers Association (OESA) Chief Purchasing Officers Council. He also served on the board of trustees for CAPS Research, an organization that promotes academic research in strategic supply management, and is actively involved with The Shingo Prize for Operational Excellence, which promotes Lean Manufacturing concepts.Additionally, Mr. Nelson has co-authored three books: one on Honda and two on best practices for managing supply chains.