LConnect

lyiakoumilyiakoumi

LConnect is a media and insight platform founded by Louis Yiakoumi, sharing real stories and strategic thinking from leaders in automotive logistics, supply chain, and beyond. Through interviews, surveys, and industry commentary, LConnect connects decision-makers and highlights transformation across the sector. Flagship features include “In Conversation With…”, “Behind the Exec”, and independent research used by OEMs, logistics firms, and suppliers globally.

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16 episodes
Avg 40 min
English

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September 9 · 21 min
In conversation with Marcio Lucon, General Motors
I recently sat down with Marcio Lucon, who leads Global Logistics at General Motors. We talked about logistics cost, what GM really wants from its logistics providers, automation versus AI, and why logistics needs to be part of the wider business. One comment particularly stayed with me: “I don't want to make a decision to drive the best logistics cost. I want to make a decision to drive the best enterprise company result.” It’s around 20 minutes — and a very open conversation with someone at the heart of one of the world's largest automotive logistics operations. Enjoy the conversation. I'd genuinely be interested to hear what you think. My thanks to Ryder for sponsoring this interview.
May 30 · 26 min
Beyond the Forklift: What Automotive Can Learn From GE Appliances' Logistics Journey
Harry Chase, Senior Director of Central Materials at GE Appliances, talks with Louis Yiakoumi about how logistics and supply chain operations have been transformed by automation and AI over the past eight years. Drawing on a career that spans automotive — including Hyundai, Denso and Ford — and appliances, Harry shares practical insights on everything from autonomous mobile robots and real-time supply chain visibility to freight auditing and warehouse cycle counting. He also reflects on the cultural differences between automotive and appliance manufacturing, why logistics is finally getting the technological investment it deserves, and what the industry needs from its next generation of talent.
March 14 · 44 min
From Afterthought to Strategy: The Changing Role of Packaging in Automotive Supply Chains
For many years packaging was treated as a technical detail — something addressed late in a vehicle program or only when problems appeared.That is beginning to change.In this LConnect webinar, based on insights from the 2025 Automotive Packaging and Container Management Survey, senior automotive supply chain leaders discuss why packaging is increasingly being treated as a strategic element of supply chain design.The discussion brings together experts from Volvo Cars, Nissan and Yazaki, alongside packaging specialists, to explore how packaging decisions made early in product development can influence the efficiency of the entire supply chain.Topics include:• Why packaging must be considered early in vehicle and component design• How packaging strategy can improve transport density and logistics efficiency• The growing collaboration between engineering, logistics and suppliers• Ownership and management of returnable packaging loops• The role of packaging in supporting sustainability and CO₂ reduction goalsOne theme emerged clearly from the discussion:Packaging is no longer just about boxes — it is about designing smarter supply chains.
February 11 · 40 min
From Control to Resilience with Carlos Vazquez
In this conversation, Carlos Vázquez (Global Purchasing & Supply Chain Procurement for Transport & Logistics, Stellantis) charts the shift from “control & continuous improvement” to scenario planning—and now to resilience and antifragility. He outlines why today’s end-to-end means connecting factories, customers and multi-tier suppliers worldwide; how IT and AI should move data → information → action; and why people remain the differentiator. We dig into open, co-designed RFQs, real partnerships with LSPs, sustainability embedded by design (and by regulation), and the skills new leaders need to orchestrate complex networks across 10+ brands. Practical advice for LSPs: bring a clear, distinctive value proposition, anticipate needs, and avoid pure commodity plays.
Dec 11, 2025 · 47 min
“Go Slow to Go Fast": Advice He Wishes He Knew Earlier. LConnect in conversation with Marc Brazeau
In this conversation, I sit down with Marc Brazeau, whose career has taken him from Canadian Pacific Rail, to DaimlerChrysler/FCA/Stellantis, to oil & gas, and now to Constellation Brands. Few people have seen as many industries through the eyes of logistics.Marc talks candidly about:Why logistics “chose him”, and why logisticians make some of the most adaptable leaders.What automotive gives you that no other industry can — and why it prepares you for almost anything.The cultural shock of moving into a new sector, and his biggest lesson: “go slow to go fast.”Why finished vehicle logistics, oil & gas and beverage logistics are surprisingly identical.How cost, service and quality work differently outside automotive — and why culture matters more than process.The truth about AI: not a magic transformation, but a practical tool to clear repetitive work and free teams to think.Why supply chain leaders may well be the next CEOs.If you’ve ever worked in automotive logistics, moved industries, or wondered where the next generation of supply-chain leadership is coming from, this is a conversation worth hearing.
Oct 9, 2025 · 29 min
Why supply chain leaders make great CEOs…with Frank Baur, EVP Diebold Nixdorf
In this episode, Louis Yiakoumi speaks with Frank Baur, a seasoned operations leader whose career spans automotive, FMCG, renewable energy, and industrial technology.Now EVP of Operational Excellence at Diebold Nixdorf, Frank shares how lessons from Bosch and GE Vernova shaped his approach to continuous improvement, quality, and people-first leadership.He discusses:Why he prefers “Source, Make, Deliver” to “Supply Chain.”How COVID-19 put operations in the boardroom — and why it must stay there.The role of AI in driving value, not just efficiency.Why the next generation of CEOs will come from supply chain.And his core belief: “Be comfortable being uncomfortable — that’s where growth happens.”A must-listen for anyone passionate about operations, leadership, and lifelong learning.
Sep 18, 2025 · 47 min
Beyond Basic AI: Insights from Supply Chain Pioneer Phil Abrahams
Phil Abrahams is a visionary supply chain leader, scientist, and inventor with more than 40 years’ experience transforming logistics and technology. He has worked with global companies including Kmart, Walmart, Domino’s Pizza, and General Motors, and founded pioneering firms such as Manugistics, and involved in Covisint, and Vector SCM.At the forefront of innovation, Phil has developed early cloud migration technologies, AI and complexity science platforms, and applied blockchain to real-world supply chain and healthcare challenges. Known for simplifying complex systems, he is passionate about giving supply chain leaders the “easy button” for navigating technological change. Above all, he describes himself as a “supply chain guy”—driven to predict future challenges and create practical solutions.
Sep 12, 2025 · 42 min
Behind the Exec with Martin Corner, Aston Martin
In our latest Behind the Exec conversation, Martin Corner, Head of Global Supply Chain at Aston Martin, shares how a Middlesbrough lad with football dreams built an international career with Nissan, Renault, Volvo, and now Aston Martin.We talk early jobs, cultural lessons from living in Sweden and France, favourite foods, music festivals, and why he’s more passionate about supply chain complexity than cars themselves.
Aug 13, 2025 · 33 min
Behind the Exec with Peter Hoerndlein, Managing Director, Vehicle Logistics, VW Konzernlogistik
In this Behind the Exec conversation, I speak with Peter Hoerndlein, Head of Vehicle Logistics at Volkswagen Group. We go beyond job titles to explore Peter’s early influences, love of skiing, global logistics journey, and views on leadership, balance, and finding purpose in your work. It’s a candid and often humorous look at the person behind the profession.
Jul 29, 2025 · 49 min
LConnect in Conversation with Dr. Jörg Mosolf, Chairman and CEO, Mosolf Group.
In conversation with Dr. Jörg Mosolf – Leadership, disruption, and driving the future of vehicle logisticsI recently had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Jörg Mosolf, Chairman and CEO of the Mosolf Group, in a wide-ranging conversation about leadership, innovation, and transformation in automotive logistics.Dr. Mosolf shared his core principles—listening carefully, understanding the market deeply, and reacting quickly to change. From navigating COVID-19 and supply chain volatility, to driving bold decisions that now account for 40% of the company’s turnover, his approach is anything but traditional.We discussed Mosolf Group’s strategic global expansion, including the acquisition of Transport Overseas, and its forward-looking investments in sustainability—from solar carports to electric trucks. He also offered sharp insight into the real potential of AI, especially in areas like driver sourcing and training.This is not just a conversation about logistics—it’s about transformation, responsibility, and the infrastructure we need to support it.
Jul 29, 2025 · 49 min
LConnect In Conversation with..Mike Polich, VP & CPO Global Logistics & Trade Operations, HoneyWell
Mike Polich is an automotive logistics veteran with 16 years at the “old world” Ford and 7 years during Tesla’s high growth Model “S.E.X.Y” phases. Mike currently leads Honeywell Logistics supporting Sourcing, Operations, and FP&A across their automation, aviation, energy, and sustainability verticals. In this interview, Mike discussed lessons learned in his career journey including the brain chemistry change to succeed at Tesla. He carries these automotive lessons into his work supporting the broad Honeywell portfolio and their active transformations and M&A.
Jul 29, 2025 · 49 min
LConnect In Conversation with...Benedikt Birner, VP Global Logistics, adidas
In conversation with Benedikt Birner, a senior executive who spent many years in global automotive logistics before making a successful move into the fashion and retail sector as Vice President Global Logistics at Adidas.We discussed what automotive supply chains can learn from retail—and vice versa. From speed and flexibility to structure and mindset, it’s a conversation full of relevant takeaways for logistics professionals across sectors.
Jul 22, 2025 · 32 min
LConnect interview with Mike Meier, Vice President of the Americas, DSV Logistics
Conversation on the Future of Logistics!We're excited to feature a leading Multi-Billion Dollar LSP in our latest discussion on the pivotal role of 4PL in the logistics world.🔍 Topics Covered:Transportation Asset ManagementCutting-edge Technology UtilizationThe Crucial Role of Human ResourcesGain insights into the complexities of this ever-evolving industry from top experts! Don't miss out on this opportunity to learn and engage.With Mike Meier, Vice President of the America’s, DSV Logistics
Jul 22, 2025 · 56 min
LConnect In Conversation with...Gereon Hempel, CEO & Founder of 21. Consulting
Great conversation with Gereon Hempel, previous senior strategic procurement manager at a major carmaker. With more than a decade of experience managing supply chain across the globe he started 21. Consulting, a Supply Chain and Procurement Consultancy focusing on the Mexican, US and German markets. Topics covered in the conversation include selecting LSPs, tenders and sustainability.
Jul 22, 2025 · 36 min
LConnect - In Conversation with Francesca Gamboni, SVP Global Supply Chain, Stellantis 2021
An Exclusive Interview from 2021 with Francesca Gamboni, Senior Vice President of Global Supply Chain for the newly formed global vehicle maker, Stellantis. We learned about leading a global supply chain organization in a time of a merger, and huge changes in the automotive industry , and doing all of that virtually. Why it is a good idea to also have experience outside of automotive; the importance of a green supply chain strategy; digitization; and of course, the 2021 chip crisis.
Jan 1, 1970 · 47 min
Go Slow to Go Fast": Advice He Wishes He Knew Earlier. LConnect in conversation with Marc Brazeau
In this conversation, I sit down with Marc Brazeau, whose career has taken him from Canadian Pacific Rail, to DaimlerChrysler/FCA/Stellantis, to oil & gas, and now to Constellation Brands. Few people have seen as many industries through the eyes of logistics.Marc talks candidly about:Why logistics “chose him”, and why logisticians make some of the most adaptable leaders.What automotive gives you that no other industry can — and why it prepares you for almost anything.The cultural shock of moving into a new sector, and his biggest lesson: “go slow to go fast.”Why finished vehicle logistics, oil & gas and beverage logistics are surprisingly identical.How cost, service and quality work differently outside automotive — and why culture matters more than process.The truth about AI: not a magic transformation, but a practical tool to clear repetitive work and free teams to think.Why supply chain leaders may well be the next CEOs.If you’ve ever worked in automotive logistics, moved industries, or wondered where the next generation of supply-chain leadership is coming from, this is a conversation worth hearing.

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