BAE Systems has participated in the World Commerce & Contracting (formerly IACCM) Leaders of the Future initiative since its inception. It provides a great platform to expose our talent to a range of inspiring, exciting and thought provoking opportunities and individuals. Our participants acknowledge the experience as a unique and valuable development opportunity and have created new networks that continue to be sustained. I am thrilled that World Commerce & Contracting are able to offer this initiative in our new, virtual environment.

The Leaders of the Future Program is a great initiative from the World Commerce & Contracting (formally IACCM) which allows the new generation of Commercial & Contract managers to mingle with more experienced professionals, and to be exposed to the most innovative trends and best practices shared in the industry. All of our young leaders who had an opportunity to participate to the program came back thrilled, energized and with a network of other young CCM professionals with whom they stay in contact. This program is a source of inspiration for our young colleagues and it constitutes an opportunity for us to reward our best talent.

The Young Leaders program has been a key element in our ability to encourage and grow young talent in the commercial community. We use it as a focus for our internal selection competition which uses the World Commerce and Contracting (formerly IACCM) Theme within a business improvement project given to the candidates. The individual benefits from interaction with the wider commercial community, while the business benefits from new ideas and continuous improvement. This year being virtual we have been able to commit two candidates to the program. We recommend the program to all businesses to encourage growth and talent.

Great progress being made and along with the Leaders of the Future program continues to position IACCM for greater growth and influence ahead – and that speaks to strong leadership and a strong team. Well done!