Ricardo Ashitaka
About Ricardo Ashitaka
Ricardo Ashitaka is a Sourcing Lead at Simfoni, where he has worked since 2017. He has extensive experience in procurement and project management, having held various roles in companies such as IVECO, CNH, Barclays, and others across Europe.
Current Role at Simfoni
Ricardo Ashitaka serves as the Sourcing Lead at Simfoni, a position he has held since 2017. In this role, he engages senior stakeholders to gain strategy buy-in and implement processes on a global scale. His responsibilities include managing both direct and indirect sourcing categories, which encompass Professional Services, IT & Telecom, and Automotive. His expertise in these areas contributes to the efficiency and effectiveness of procurement operations within the organization.
Previous Experience in Procurement and Management
Ricardo has a diverse background in procurement and management across various industries. He worked at Barclays as Vice President - Spend Manager, focusing on Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) and Retail & Business Banking in the UK and Europe from 2012 to 2014. Prior to that, he held roles at CNH UK as Product Manager and Product Cost Manager, and at MM4 as Project Manager. His experience also includes positions at Occumen as a Procurement Specialist and PCC - Psychology of Culture Change as Delivery Director.
Educational Background and Certifications
Ricardo Ashitaka has a solid educational foundation in engineering and management. He earned a B.Sc in Aerospace Mechanical Engineering from the Technological Institute of Aeronautics (ITA) in Brazil. He also studied Business Management at FIAT Grad.De EEIG in the UK and Italy. In addition to his degrees, he has completed several professional certifications, including Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, Prince 2 Practitioner, and Occupational Health & Safety (City & Guilds, NVQ Level 3).
Achievements in Strategic Sourcing
Throughout his career, Ricardo has successfully implemented strategic sourcing initiatives that have led to significant cost savings. Notably, he managed a full cycle project for a major client group, which included conducting RFIs, RFPs, and eAuctions across 14 categories. This initiative achieved 8% savings from a total of 15% identified, demonstrating his capability in driving efficiency in procurement processes.
Multilingual Capabilities and Global Experience
Ricardo possesses multilingual capabilities, which enhance his communication and negotiation skills in international procurement projects. His global experience includes training in various countries, such as Indonesia and Venezuela, as part of the Schlumberger Training Program. This diverse background allows him to effectively engage with stakeholders from different cultural and professional backgrounds.