DSV leaders call supply chain a boardroom priority amid fashion disruptions

In a fireside chat with Sourcing Journal’s logistics editor, DSV executives said supply chain has become a boardroom topic as fashion faces disruption. They noted the topic will be on the agenda at Sourcing Journal’s Fall Summit on Sept. 29.

DSV used its regional presence to help partners keep goods flowing into the Middle East after local ports closed and flights were grounded earlier this year. The executives stressed that real‑time visibility and agile responses are critical during disruptions such as weather events, geopolitical upheaval, and trade changes such as tariffs. Poort advised retailers to view inventory as a whole rather than allocating it to channels too soon to improve omnichannel flexibility. To cut reverse‑logistics costs, he recommended keeping salable evergreen goods near delivery markets instead of returning them to central distribution centers.

“The only good thing that came out of all the disruptions we have found over the last years is that supply chain—not logistics, but actual supply chain—has become a boardroom topic, and that’s where it should be,” Ronald Poort, executive vice president of the consumer vertical at DSV said.

“The true nature of a partnership comes in when you have the disruptions, because everyone expects that everything always goes as planned,” Lene Dalsgaard, chief commercial officer of air & sea at DSV said.

For the past few years, brands have faced disruptions from weather events, geopolitical upheaval, and trade changes such as tariffs. These challenges have brought supply chain management into the limelight for fashion companies.

What we know

• The Fall Summit is scheduled for Sept. 29.

• Ronald Poort is executive vice president of the consumer vertical at DSV.

• Lene Dalsgaard is chief commercial officer of air & sea at DSV.

• DSV is a transport and logistics firm.

• Supply chain orchestration directly impacts revenue, sustainability and customer experience.