Register now - Digital supply chains: Beyond AI
As AI promises transformative gains for automotive supply chains, organisations are increasingly focusing on the structures, priorities and practical steps needed to turn potential into sustained performance.
Register below
From supply chain mapping to end-to-end orchestration and intelligent demand forecasting, the role of AI in automotive supply chains is both transformational and exceptional.
However, in a rapidly evolving landscape, developing the right digital strategy and forming a robust structure to support large-scale AI applications can be daunting and often poses immediate, significant challenges.
OEMs and tier suppliers looking to harness the full power of AI within their supply chains need to navigate a complex set of considerations, from data governance and investment options to strategic business alignment, before they can develop their AI roadmap and truly benefit from enhanced efficiencies, reduced lead times, improved inventory and higher levels of resilience.
Featuring John Rich, director of AI transformation at Mazda North America, this livestream will focus on the potential of AI in automotive supply chains and the practical steps organisations need to take to really benefit from it.
Key topics include:
- How to resist the hype, recognising AI as a means to an end, and aligning business metrics with supply chain performance from the outset.
- Assessing what is really needed in each element of your supply chain (whether it’s supplier assessment, demand planning, process optimisation or visibility and compliance automation) and developing AI tools to fit in.
- Working on manageable projects, developing use cases, showing a ROI and scaling up in a sustainable and practical way without blowing the budget.
- Recognising the current limits of AI while positioning the organisation to take advantage of the next wave of AI opportunities; from collaboration with humans and AI agents to transforming supply chain planning altogether into a proactive competitive advantage.
Event details:
- Date: 5 March 2026
- Time: 15:00 GMT | 10:00 EST | 16:00 CET
- Format: Online livestream
Speakers:
John Rich, director AI transformation, Mazda North American Operations
John Rich is an innovative data and analytics leader with over 15 years of experience driving digital transformation and advanced analytics in the automotive and logistics industries.
As Director of AI Transformation at Mazda North American Operations, he leads the development and execution of Mazda’s Enterprise Data & AI Strategy. He is currently focusing on modernizing platforms, capabilities, and processes to enhance data-driven decision-making.
John brings a global perspective to his work, bolstered by his successful expatriate assignment in Mexico with Honda North America, where he streamlined supply chain operations and achieved multimillion-dollar efficiencies.
Previously, at McLeod Software, John led advanced analytics initiatives that automated key business processes, reducing manual effort by 90%, and improved operational efficiency across diverse business groups. His expertise spans across the Data & AI technology landscape and continues to foster growth by implementing scalable cloud solutions that drive digital innovation.
John’s passion for leveraging data and technology continues to advance Mazda’s data strategy through strategic partnerships, cross-functional collaboration, and cutting-edge Data & AI solutions.
Moderator:
Emily Uwemedimo, managing editor, Automotive Logistics
Emily Uwemedimo is the managing editor of Automotive Logistics, where she leads content strategy and production for the publication and broader automotive cluster.
With extensive experience in B2B publishing across various sectors, she plays a pivotal role in shaping and delivering editorial across digital, print, and multimedia platforms, covering key issues and trends in the global automotive supply chain and logistics sector.
Interested in sponsoring this livestream?
Please contact Freya at freya.english@ultimamedia.com or your usual account manager.
Upcoming livestreams:
Please keep an eye out for updates on our 2026 livestreams - further announcements to follow.
Automotive Logistics livestreams are a key part of our 360-degree content ecosystem, offering timely discussions on the industry’s biggest challenges and opportunities. Complementing our digital hub, in-person events, reports, and publications, these sessions deliver actionable insights aligned with the trends shaping automotive logistics.
