Anne Laure Descours: The Invisible Engine of Global Retail

Everyone talks about sustainable retail products and saving the planet, but who really cares? Retailers? Customers? Government?The global retail sourcing & supply chain is invisible to most consumers, yet it is one of the most complex, highly integrated and culturally nuanced business ecosystems in the world.James H Stewart sits down with Anne-Laure Descours, one of the world’s most senior and respected leaders in global sourcing and sustainable manufacturing in the footwear and apparel industry.Anne-Laure spent more than three decades in the engine room of global retail — living and working across China, Vietnam, Bangladesh and Hong Kong — and ultimately serving as Chief Sourcing Officer of PUMA, overseeing the manufacturing and supply-chain operations that power an €8+ billion global brand.Before PUMA, she held senior leadership roles at Li & Fung, the legendary Hong Kong-based sourcing powerhouse that helped shape modern global manufacturing.Since leaving PUMA in 2025, Anne-Laure has continued her work in responsible supply chains, joining the board of Gildan Activewear (owner of American Apparel) and serving as an advisor and board member to Haelixa, a Swiss innovator in DNA-based traceability solutions for fashion and textiles.In this wide-ranging conversation, we explore:What global supply chains actually look like behind the scenesThe realities of sustainable sourcing across AsiaCultural intelligence and leadership under pressureThe role of government and regulation in driving changes to sourcing models and sustainability reportingWhy end of life products are the biggest unsolved hurdle for sustainable manufacturing - and this goes to the heart of consumer demand.How DNA tracing is reshaping sourcing transparencyWhat three decades in high-stakes global operations teaches you about resilience and trustThis is a rare, inside-the-system perspective from someone who has led through crisis, transformation and geopolitical disruption — at scale.🔎 ConnectJames H Stewart is a former KPMG restructuring partner and Australian Board member who interviews global leaders about the hard lessons they’ve learned in business — and survived.Connect with James:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jameshstewart/Website: https://jameshstewart.com⚠️ DisclaimerThis podcast is for general informational and educational purposes only. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of their past or present employers, affiliated organisations, or the host. Nothing discussed in this episode constitutes financial, investment, legal, regulatory or professional advice. Listeners should seek appropriate independent advice before making any commercial or investment decisions. All commentary is based on publicly available information and personal experience at the time of recording. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.