01
Global Sourcing Strategy
Designs and implements sourcing models that align with business objectives and drive commercial value — with the operational rigour to translate strategy into delivered savings.
Senior Consultant · Netherlands · Global
Steve Koutros.
Procurement & Commercial Transformation Leader
Simplify complexity. Deliver measurable value.
Senior interim leader with over 25 years' international experience in procurement, sourcing and commercial transformation across complex multinational organisations — including AkzoNobel, Capgemini and ISG. Steve has led more than €4.9 billion in outsourcing and shared services transitions across Europe and beyond.
25+
Years
International experience in procurement, sourcing and commercial transformation
€4.9bn
Outsourcing Led
In outsourcing and shared services transitions across Europe and beyond
15
Senior Roles
Across global enterprises, advisory firms and his own founder ventures
NL · EU · GLOBAL
Coverage
Netherlands-based, available for European and international assignments
About Steve
Strategic sourcing, commercial transformation and enterprise-scale outsourcing.
With over 25 years of international experience, Steve Koutros specialises in delivering high-impact procurement, sourcing and commercial transformation solutions for complex, multinational organisations. He has supported leading companies such as AkzoNobel, Capgemini and ISG — successfully leading over €4.9 billion in outsourcing and shared services transitions across Europe and beyond.
Known for his strategic mindset, hands-on leadership and ability to simplify complexity — Steve partners with C-level executives to design and execute sourcing strategies that deliver measurable value.
Whether navigating large-scale contract negotiations or building global sourcing functions from the ground up, Steve brings structure, resilience and commercial clarity. Starting his career in finance and operations, he combines financial acumen with a deep understanding of procurement ecosystems — trusted for his ability to lead cross-functional teams through change while ensuring alignment, compliance and long-term success.
Career-Defining Achievement
€4.9bn
In outsourcing and shared services transitions led across Europe and beyond — spanning GBS, BPO and ITO programmes for multinational clients.
A scale of delivery that places Steve in a small group of European interim leaders who have actually run, not just advised on, transitions of this magnitude. The work covered global sourcing strategy, complex multi-tower contract negotiations and multi-year transformation programmes.
How Steve Can Help
Five capabilities. Procurement and commercial transformation, end-to-end.
Steve's offering spans the full procurement and sourcing transformation lifecycle — from strategy design through to interim leadership, contract negotiation and complex outsourcing transitions. Each capability is grounded in real-world delivery at enterprise scale.
02
Procurement & Operational Transformation
Streamlines procurement processes, governance and supplier engagement to improve agility and control across complex multinational footprints.
03
Interim Leadership & Transition Support
Senior leadership during periods of change, M&A, contract renegotiation or restructuring. Stabilises the function while the permanent solution is found.
04
Outsourcing & Shared Services (GBS / BPO / ITO)
Leads complex outsourcing transitions, renegotiations and global business services design. The credential anchored by €4.9bn of delivered programmes.
05
Contract Strategy & Commercial Advisory
Negotiates high-value contracts and aligns sourcing with business risk and growth priorities. Commercial clarity at the table where it matters most.
Where Steve Has Operated
A career inside global enterprises and advisory firms.
Steve has held senior procurement, sourcing and commercial transformation roles inside some of the most demanding multinational organisations in the world — combining global enterprise scale with the rigour of advisory and analyst work.
AkzoNobel
Coatings · Multinational
Capgemini
IT Services & Consulting
ISG
Information Services Group
Ariba
Procurement Technology
ExxonMobil
Energy / Oil
HFS Research
Analyst & Advisory Firm
Why Work with Steve
Three reasons clients return.
Whether you are undergoing a commercial transformation, optimising your sourcing strategy or navigating complex supplier relationships, Steve brings the insight, leadership and executional strength to deliver.
REASON 01
Enterprise-scale credibility
€4.9bn in outsourcing and shared services transitions led, plus senior roles inside AkzoNobel, Capgemini and Ariba. Steve has operated at the scale most procurement leaders only read about.
REASON 02
Finance-first procurement
Started his career in finance and operations — ExxonMobil, then SHL Systemhouse as Director of Finance and CFO at Pencom. Brings financial acumen alongside procurement expertise, which is rarer than it should be at this seniority.
REASON 03
Strategy that ships
Pairs strategic mindset with hands-on leadership. Designs the sourcing model, then leads the cross-functional team that delivers it — ensuring alignment, compliance and long-term commercial value.
Areas of Expertise
Disciplines and sectors Steve operates across.
A senior interim leader with deep specialisation in procurement, sourcing, outsourcing and commercial transformation — available for European and international assignments at enterprise scale.
Global Sourcing Strategy
Procurement Transformation
Outsourcing Transitions
Contract Negotiation
Operational Turnaround
Interim Leadership
Shared Services Design
GBS (Global Business Services)
BPO (Business Process Outsourcing)
ITO (IT Outsourcing)
Indirect Spend Management
Supplier Engagement
Procurement Governance
M&A Procurement Integration
Commercial Advisory
CFO Services
Cross-Functional Programme Leadership
Multinational Operations
Industrial / Coatings
IT Services & Consulting
Energy / Oil
Positions Held
Senior procurement, sourcing and commercial leadership across global enterprises.
Steve's career spans 15 senior positions across multinational enterprises, advisory and analyst firms, and his own founder ventures — including marquee names AkzoNobel, Capgemini, ISG, Ariba and ExxonMobil.
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Managing Director — OLT ConsultingIndependent Advisory
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Advisor Partner — HFS ResearchAnalyst & Advisory Firm
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Non-Executive Director — Aurora-ecsBoard Role
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Director, Total Global Indirect Spend — AkzoNobelCoatings · Multinational
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Managing Director — Delta Management Advisors (DMA)Advisory
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Managing Partner — Senority, Service Excellence NetworkAdvisory Network
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Partner, EMEA CFO Services — ISG (Information Services Group)Sourcing Advisory · Listed Firm
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Corporate Board Member & MD Europe — Ariba / AllienteProcurement Technology
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Adjunct Director, Global Supply Networks — Capgemini NetherlandsIT Services · Netherlands
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Vice President, Package-Based Solutions — CapgeminiIT Services · USA & Netherlands
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Managing Director — SHL Systemhouse, BostonIT Services · United States
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Director of Finance & Administration — SHL Systemhouse, New YorkIT Services · United States
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CFO / CIO — Pencom SystemsFinance & Technology Leadership
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Founder & CEO — TAFT CompanyFounder Venture
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Managing Consulting Accountant — ExxonMobilEnergy / Oil · Multinational
Full Profile
Download Steve's full CV.
PDF · Free Download
Steve Koutros — Full Profile and CV
Looking to transform your procurement strategy, optimise sourcing operations or lead your organisation through complex commercial change? Get in touch with Steve for expert support in strategic sourcing, contract negotiation and operational transformation across global and multi-industry environments.
With 25+ years' international experience and €4.9bn in outsourcing transitions delivered, Steve combines enterprise-scale credibility with finance-first commercial discipline.
Download CV → LinkedIn profileStart a Conversation
Sourcing strategy.
Commercial transformation.
If you are facing a procurement transformation, an outsourcing transition, a contract renegotiation or a sourcing function that needs interim leadership — tell us in 25 minutes what you need. Steve or one of our 40+ senior consultants will tell you honestly whether we can help.