Leading the Future of Supply Chains: AI & Sustainability with Chris Sultemeier

Episode Description

In this episode of the eCom Logistics Podcast, Chris Sultemeier, Operating Partner at New Road Capital and former EVP of Logistics at Walmart, shares his perspective on leading the future of supply chains through AI and sustainability. With over 30 years of leadership experience, Chris discusses how innovation and practical solutions are driving logistics transformation. He emphasizes the importance of strong leadership in navigating change, sustainable practices with ROI, and the growing role of AI in improving operational efficiency. This episode provides valuable insights into the strategies shaping tomorrow’s supply chains.

Episode Notes

Chris Sultemeier is an Operating Partner at NewRoad Capital Partners. Chris has over 30 years of experience in leadership and supply chain operations. Chris served as President & CEO of Walmart Transportation and EVP of Logistics at Walmart, where he was responsible for over-the-road trucking, global shipping and warehousing. In his time at Walmart, Chris developed an extensive network of industry executives across transportation, third-party warehouse distribution and fulfillment and retail companies. In 2007, he was awarded the prestigious Sam M. Walton Entrepreneur of the Year Award on Sustainability. Chris currently serves on the Board of Directors for Duke Realty and Logistics Innovation Technologies. Chris holds a BS in Mechanical Engineering from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. He was an Army Airborne Ranger and received his professional engineering license in Civil Engineering.

HIGHLIGHTS

[00:04:00] – Scaling Walmart’s logistics network from $20 billion to $500 billion.

[00:17:00] – The role of AI and sustainability in transforming supply chain operations.

[00:22:00] – Key leadership strategies for navigating supply chain growth and innovation.

[00:28:00] – Doubling fleet efficiency through sustainable logistics initiatives.

[00:35:00] – Practical applications of AI in improving logistics, from picking processes to reverse logistics.

QUOTES:

[00:28:00] – “Sustainability has to have an ROI. It can’t be just a hobby; it has to pay back.” – Chris Sultemeier

[00:35:00] – “AI gets me excited when I see it used in ways that deliver real payback, like improving picks per hour by 40 to 45% in a fulfillment center.” – Chris Sultemeier

[00:22:00] – “Your career doesn’t just go upward. You need to move laterally, gain breadth of experience, and that makes you a better leader.” – Chris Sultemeier

[00:29:00] – “Efficiency in logistics is key to sustainability. It’s about doing more with less, which is what leads to long-term success.” – Ninaad Acharya

[00:17:00] – “If you blend technology like AI with real industry experience, that’s when logistics innovation happens. You can’t just Silicon Valley this thing.” – Ninaad Acharya

FIND MORE ABOUT THE GUEST:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-sultemeier-263363120/

New Road Capital Partners: https://newroadcp.com/