Tim Cook, Apple’s new CEO, has done a very impressive thing. Stuck in neutral due to a workforce talent crisis and an unbreakable reputation of being an “unsexy” industry, the supply chain has produced one of the most powerful business executives in the world. The most surprising aspect of Cook’s rise up the corporate ladder at IBM, Compaq and finally Apple isn’t his reputation, track record or results. It’s his experience.

Cook may be manufacturing and the supply chain’s most visible graduate. His presence at the C-level, and now CEO, is a rarity not because supply chain experts aren’t deserving of a business’ highest position - rather, it’s that the talent pool is dry.

Yet, other technology companies should take note of Cook’s success and rise as the chief executive of one of the world’s most powerful companies. The C-level is ready for the supply chain-minded executive, and supply chain experts needs to be ready to assume the responsibility. With many global supply chains being incredibly complex, diverse, and stretched, a larger focus needs to be put on strategizing around one’s logistics network.

One of the biggest problems growing technology companies experience is the lack of focus on an integrated marketing, sales, operations, talent, and logistics strategy. With the rise of multi-channel commerce, consumers expect more from their technology - and the companies that provide it. If a company has a great supply chain but lacks products driving demand, then the business’ logistics network is wasted.

Likewise, a great product and marketing strategy can’t deliver to customers’ expectations if the product lifecycle and transportation network can’t be managed well.

These companies at least need a supply chain expert at the executive level - a SVP of Global Operations, a Chief Supply Chain Officer, or some other title. I’d argue that it needs to be taken a step further, though - the highest position in a corporation, the CEO, needs to have supply chain experience, or at the very least, a supply chain mentality.

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