CEO Insights Magazine

Leaders from top business consulting firms in Hong Kong exhibit a unique blend of strategic acumen and cultural agility, navigating the dynamic Asian business landscape. Their visionary approaches drive transformative solutions for clients, fostering sustainable growth and innovation. One such standout figure is Keith Gauntlett, renowned for his diverse journey from consumer electronics to strategic procurement leadership.

With a keen understanding of Asia-Pacific markets, Keith's roles at DHL and the Hong Kong Jockey Club exemplify his ability to spearhead impactful strategies. Joining ARCBLUE in 2017, he brings this rich tapestry of experiences, elevating the consulting firm's prowess in sourcing and procurement. In an in-depth conversation with CEO Insights Asia Magazine, Keith shares with us his leadership methodologies, future roadmap for ARCBLUE, and much more. Let’s hear it from him.

How would you define ARCBLUE as an organization and its current position in the market?

ARCBLUE is not just a consultancy, but a dynamic force fueled by a fusion of seasoned industry leaders and passionate consultants. Our unique proposition lies in delivering sustainable savings to clients while fostering a culture of knowledge sharing that enables the upliftment of procurement capability, delivering even greater value to their organization. What sets ARCBLUE apart is our hands-on approach, with most of our consultants boasting over 15 years of senior leadership experience. This positions us uniquely to not only shape strategic development but also to empower our clients on a journey towards self-sufficiency, ensuring a lasting impact beyond our engagement.

What are your flagship offerings and the value additions that customers can expect from these offerings?

At ARCBLUE, we stand at the forefront of consulting, training, and analytics, specializing in procurement and supply chain. Our focus is empowering organizations to transform procurement into a catalyst for efficiency, value, and impactful insights. Through our offerings, we not only drive substantial savings but also cultivate a social and sustainable impact. We strive to be dedicated partners committed to delivering tangible value, fostering growth, and leaving a lasting positive footprint on both their operations and the societies they serve.

Tell us about your leadership approach. What are the methodologies that you follow as a leader?

My leadership approach is a harmonious blend of directness, people-centric values, and a relentless commitment to continuous improvement. Rooted in the philosophy that a team's strength surpasses individual brilliance, I prioritize empowerment and collaboration. Incorporating lessons from my experiences in sports, where teamwork is crucial, I've cultivated a style that not only drives results but also nurtures the potential within each team member.

I prioritize continuous improvement influenced profoundly by my self-taught journey in Lean Six Sigma. Achieving a Green Belt certification, I lead by actively demonstrating the benefits of process efficiency within the procurement landscape. Having navigated the ever-changing landscape of DHL, where acquisitions were frequent, I view change as an opportunity rather than a challenge. My coaching experiences at DHL have instilled a crucial skill which is ‘listening to understand.’ Reflecting on my earlier years, I recognized the importance of embracing silence to truly comprehend before responding, which is a skill I actively impart to my teams today.

How do you keep yourself up to date with ongoing industry trends to steer your organization towards the future?

ARCBLUE being acquired by Bain and Company in 2022 has been an enriching experience that keeps me on the cutting edge of industry trends. The acquisition opened doors to a wealth of expertise and contemporary thinking, fostering a dynamic environment where learning is constant. Navigating the ever-evolving landscape of our field can be challenging, but the excitement of discovering and assimilating new insights fuels my passion.

Leveraging the extensive knowledge pool within Bain and Company, I stay abreast of current trends, ensuring our organization remains agile and future focused.

What is the future destination that you have envisioned for ARCBLUE?

Our journey at ARCBLUE is expanding across the dynamic landscapes of the Asia Pacific region. While our roots are in Australia, with regional offices in Singapore and Hong Kong, we have recently ventured into Malaysia. As we continue to strengthen our teams and resources, the allure of Southeast Asia, including China, remains a core focus. Despite global discussions on supply chain de-risking, it's crucial to emphasize that it doesn't equate to decoupling. China stands as a pivotal area for future growth.

Keith Gauntlett, Director, ARCBLUE

Keith Gauntlett, a seasoned professional with a BSc in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from University of South Wales, commenced his career in consumer electronics in the UK. Relocating to Asia during the satellite television boom, he played a crucial role in new product development for the launch of Sky Television. Transitioning to sourcing and procurement, Keith's journey included establishing compliance programs for major US apparel retailers. His strategic procurement leadership expanded at DHL, heading Asia Pacific procurement. Later, as Head of Supply Chain Administration at the Hong Kong Jockey Club, he oversaw procurement and logistics. Leveraging this diverse expertise, Keith joined ARCBLUE in 2017, excelling in strategic sourcing and procurement consulting.

Favorite Hobbies: Playing Rugby & Scuba Diving

Favorite Cuisine: Japanese & Thai

Favorite Book: Military action thrillers from authors such as Andy McNab and Chris Ryan

Favorite Travel Destination: Philippines, Thailand, & Malaysia