VIRTUAL PROFESSIONAL MEETING
TUESDAY, October 27, 2026
Topic: “Inside Global Sourcing: Experiences and Techniques from 3M”
Global sourcing means buying from suppliers worldwide and coordinating that buying across regions. For a diverse manufacturer like 3M, key techniques likely include category management, spend analysis, total cost of ownership (freight, duties, lead time, quality, currency), supplier qualification, risk diversification, and compliance. With speaker's background (Six Sigma, 15 years in IT, procurement, package engineering, then teaching at Fanshawe), expect a practitioner’s view of global sourcing that stresses process discipline, data and systems, and procurement from a Canadian operating perspective, rather than abstract theory.
Speaker: Jeff van Geel, M.Sc.
Jeff van Geel, sourcing manager, joined 3M Canada in 2005. He began his 3M career as a print consultant as part of a six sigma black belt project. He became sourcing manager in 2006 and is responsible for overseeing procurement for the entire 3M Canada supply chain. In 2010 van Geel acquired responsibility for Accounts Payable and in 2011 acquired responsibility for Package Engineering. Prior to 3M, van Geel worked for 15 years in IT for Canada Trust. After retiring from 3M Canada, van Geel joined Fanshawe College as a Supply Chain Professor for five years.
Van Geel graduated with a master of science degree, majoring in information technology, from the University of Liverpool, United Kingdom. He lives with his wife of 38 years, Sylvie in London, Ontario and enjoys biking, golf and pickle ball.
Prior to this event, an email will be sent with the ZOOM link to connect to this ASCM Professional Meeting