CombineNet names new strategic sourcing chief

In a move signaling greater concentration on procurement expertise, CombineNet, Inc. announced the hiring of Brett Cornell, as senior vice president of strategic sourcing. The former senior executive from Johnson & Johnson promises to place an emphasis on spend management.

“CombineNet offers me the opportunity to translate my procurement and supply chain leadership knowledge where it can do the most good,” said Cornell.

As the post-recession economy continues its sluggish recovery, many businesses are still shy about investing in human resources, noted Cornell in an interview.

“Obviously, the trend continues to do more with less,” he added. “Part of my mission will be to drive significant bottom-line and productivity savings with new and existing technology.”

Prior to CombineNet, he spent over 20 years at Johnson & Johnson, most recently as Vice President and Category Leader of Packaging Procurement, where he provided strategic direction and leadership for global, corporate-wide packaging procurement teams, managing more than 20 packaging sub-categories and utilizing over 1,000 suppliers. In that role, he also developed collaborative relationships with business partners and suppliers toward improved growth, innovation, and cost-savings, as well as co-led J&J’s Procurement Sustainability Initiative and championed the Procurement Leadership Development program.

“The ongoing uncertainty in the world continues to cause constraints on investment,” said Cornell. “Our job is to provide companies with sustainable and scalable e-sourcing solutions. My previous background will help me evaluate some of the challenges from the customer’s point of view.”