Mr. Liam O’Connor

Our Council Members

Mr. Liam O’Connor

Director, Technology & Innovation

Mr. Liam O’Connor is an accomplished supply chain technology strategist and innovation leader with over 18 years of experience driving digital transformation within global logistics and manufacturing ecosystems. His expertise lies in integrating cutting-edge technologies—such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Blockchain, Internet of Things (IoT), and Robotics—into complex supply chain operations to enhance visibility, efficiency, and resilience.

As the Director of Technology & Innovation at the Chartered Institute of Supply Chain Management, Mr. O’Connor plays a pivotal role in advancing the institute’s digital agenda. He leads initiatives that promote the adoption of smart technologies across procurement, warehousing, and distribution processes, ensuring members and partner organizations remain at the forefront of global supply chain innovation.

Education & Professional Qualifications

  • Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Supply Chain Management – Trinity College Dublin, Ireland
  • Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.) in Industrial & Systems Engineering – University College Dublin, Ireland
  • Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) – APICS, USA
  • Blockchain for Supply Chain Certification – MITx (Massachusetts Institute of Technology)
  • Lean Six Sigma Black Belt – Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT)

Professional Experience

  1. Chief Technology & Innovation Officer
    Emerald Logistics Technologies Ltd., Dublin, Ireland
    (2016 – Present)
  • Led the development and deployment of AI-powered route optimization and predictive maintenance systems, resulting in a 22% reduction in transportation costs.
  • Oversaw the integration of blockchain platforms for end-to-end supply chain transparency and supplier accountability.
  • Spearheaded partnerships with European startups to pilot digital twin technologies for warehouse automation.
  1. Senior Consultant, Digital Supply Chain Transformation
    Accenture Global Supply Chain Practice
    (2010 – 2016)
  • Advised multinational clients across Europe on transitioning from traditional ERP systems to cloud-based supply chain management solutions.
  • Implemented real-time tracking systems for global logistics firms, improving data accuracy and on-time delivery rates by 35%.
  • Led training programs on digital procurement analytics and AI-based demand forecasting.
  1. Supply Chain Systems Engineer
    Siemens Logistics Division, Munich, Germany
    (2007 – 2010)
  • Designed and optimized automated warehouse control systems.
  • Coordinated system upgrades across multiple European facilities, improving operational throughput and safety compliance.

Core Areas of Expertise

  • Digital Supply Chain Transformation
  • AI & Predictive Analytics
  • Blockchain Applications in SCM
  • Smart Logistics and IoT Integration
  • Warehouse Automation & Robotics
  • Procurement Systems Design
  • Data Governance and Risk Management
  • Innovation Strategy & Technology Adoption

Contributions to the Institute

At the Chartered Institute of Supply Chain Management, Mr. O’Connor oversees the Technology and Innovation Directorate, where he:

  • Leads the Global Supply Chain Innovation Forum, fostering collaboration between academia, industry, and policymakers.
  • Chairs the Digital Supply Chain Excellence Committee, which develops frameworks for members adopting Industry 4.0 technologies.
  • Mentors young professionals in emerging technology applications through the Future Supply Chain Leaders Program.

Advises the Council on technology-driven certification pathways and digital learning platforms

Publications & Thought Leadership

  • “Blockchain and Transparency in Global Supply Networks” – European Journal of Logistics, 2023.
  • “Building Intelligent Supply Chains: The Role of Predictive Analytics” – Global SCM Review, 2022.
  • Regular contributor to the Institute’s Journal of Supply Chain Innovation and keynote speaker at international logistics summits.

Awards & Recognition

  • European Supply Chain Innovator of the Year – 2021
  • Technology Leadership Award by Logistics Ireland – 2020
  • Featured in Top 100 Supply Chain Technology Leaders (Global SCM Magazine, 2022)

Professional Memberships

  • Chartered Member, Chartered Institute of Supply Chain Specialists (CISCM)
  • Member, Institute for Supply Management (ISM), USA
  • Fellow, Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT), UK

Advisory Board Member, European Smart Logistics Consortium

Personal Philosophy

Innovation is not just about adopting new technology; it’s about reimagining how supply chains connect, collaborate, and create value sustainably.