From Fixed to Flexible: Unlock new value across your supply chain

As a CFO, you always want to focus your attention on what’s key to your business – as well as your cash flow and bottom line – especially in uncertain market conditions like the environment we’re experiencing right now. I had the opportunity to discuss how to navigate increasingly complex supply chains while driving business performance on the CFO stage at the Retail Summit 2025 in Warsaw.

In my keynote, I explored why logistics, long viewed as an operational matter, is now emerging as a strategic asset for resilience and growth.

According to recent McKinsey data, nearly half of annual cash is at risk from supply chain disruption. In response, over 85% of companies are undergoing supply chain transformation and the pressure on CFOs has clearly intensified. Traditional in-house logistics models often mean fixed cost structures for businesses while limiting their ability to scale or adapt quickly.

But there can be an alternative path. Namely, outsourcing logistics to a trusted 3PL partner. By transferring responsibilities such as warehouse leases, workforce management, and automation infrastructure, companies can shift fixed costs into variable ones, increase financial agility, and free up capital for strategic initiatives. All with improved consumer experience.

Our approach to outsourcing at GXO is designed to deliver value from day one. It follows a structured transition model that begins with operational and financial alignment, followed by execution, stabilization, and long-term scaling. Throughout the process, GXO assumes full operational management, while maintaining continuity for staff and performance, based on four key drivers:

• Finance: Flexible financing structures and financial expertise that reduce overhead and unlock savings
• Operations: Operational expertise that enables fast KPI stabilization and improved efficiency
• Technology: Advanced in-house technology, including AI planning tools and robotics integration
• People: A people-first approach that ensures smooth transitions and long-term engagement

By rethinking the role of logistics, finance leaders can unlock new value across their supply chains. GXO’s outsourcing model offers a clear and proven path to get there.

Eric Rougié, SVP, Finance, Europe

With 30+ years in finance and 15 years as CFO in various multinational logistics, manufacturing, and service companies, Eric Rougié is driving GXO’s financial performance and strategy across Europe.