Helen Smiley
About Helen Smiley
Helen Smiley is the Chief Sourcing and Procurement Officer at AXA XL, with a diverse background in procurement and operations across various industries. She has held leadership roles at several organizations, including WPP, DAZN Group, and The Bank of New York Mellon, and possesses expertise in mergers and acquisitions.
Current Role at AXA XL
Helen Smiley serves as the Chief Sourcing and Procurement Officer at AXA XL, a position she has held since 2024. In this role, she is responsible for overseeing sourcing and procurement strategies within the organization. Her leadership focuses on optimizing procurement processes to enhance operational efficiency and drive value across the company.
Previous Experience at WPP
Before joining AXA XL, Helen Smiley worked at WPP as the Head of Digital, Operations and Excellence from 2023 to 2024. During her tenure, she contributed to the organization's operational strategies, focusing on digital transformation and excellence in operations within the marketing and communications sector.
Expertise in Procurement and M&A
Helen Smiley possesses expertise in Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) and has a strong background in transforming spend governance processes across various industries. Her experience includes significant roles in procurement, where she has implemented strategic sourcing initiatives and demonstrated strong business development skills.
Education and Qualifications
Helen Smiley studied Law at The Open University, where she achieved a degree in Legal Studies. This educational background complements her extensive career in procurement and sourcing, providing her with a solid foundation in legal and regulatory aspects relevant to her roles.
Career Progression in Procurement
Helen Smiley has held various significant positions in procurement throughout her career. She worked as Group Head of Procurement at DAZN Group from 2018 to 2021 and as Director of Procurement at Guardian News & Media from 2010 to 2013. Her career also includes roles at Newedge, FIS, and The Bank of New York Mellon, where she developed her expertise in procurement and sourcing.