The Next-Gen Procurement Podcast | AI-Powered Category Management

Last Updated on May 28, 2026

Season 2, Episode 5 of The Next-Gen Procurement Podcast is now available on demand.

Focal Point CEO Anders Lillevik and Roy Anderson of Northeastern University explore one of procurement’s most important emerging capabilities: AI-powered category management.

In this episode, they cut through the hype to focus on how procurement teams can use AI to drive smarter strategies, stronger decision-making, and measurable business outcomes.

You’ll hear insights on:

• What AI-powered category management looks like in real procurement environments
• How AI can help generate deeper insights and more effective category strategies
• Practical ways to implement AI across category workflows
• How to align category management with broader business priorities

As category management continues to evolve, the opportunity is no longer just better data. It’s better decisions, faster execution, and greater strategic impact.

Watch the replay now and learn how to bring AI into your category strategy.

Speakers

Anders Lillevik

Serial Chief Procurement Officer with 20+ years of experience in building and turning around large, complex procurement organizations to be best in class. Anders has extensive background in rolling out new procurement infrastructure and optimizing legacy technology investments. With this experience, Anders founded Focal Point to help organizations maximize the value of their procurement spend.

Roy Anderson

Roy Anderson is a procurement and supply chain leader with over 30 years of experience across global organizations. He has served as Chief Procurement Officer at companies like Tradeshift, State Street, and MetLife, and is now a lecturer from Northeastern University, helping develop future procurement professionals.