Why Procurement Consultancy Proxima is Expanding into APAC

Proxima, the procurement consulting arm of Bain & Company, has announced the strategic launch of operations in Australia and the wider Asia-Pacific (APAC) region through the integration of ArcBlue. 

The move sees Proxima and ArcBlue come together under the former's brand and leadership, consolidating delivery across three continents.

Both firms were acquired by Bain back in 2022 as the consulting giant sought to create a "strategy to execution" procurement offering that could serve its global client base. Now, it has created a single, simplified delivery platform, with a workforce exceeding 1,000 specialists.

"This is an exciting moment for ArcBlue, Proxima and for procurement consulting in the region," comments Daniel Collings, Executive Vice President at Proxima APAC. 

"We're not just expanding geographically; we're creating something truly exciting by bringing together Proxima's proven global methodologies with ArcBlue's exceptional local expertise and client relationships."

Strengthening Bain’s procurement proposition

Founded in 2013, ArcBlue has offices in several APAC locations. Hubs in Melbourne and Singapore will now serve as Proxima’s regional headquarters, supporting the firm's delivery across the APAC region.

Proxima’s existing centres in London, Chicago and Düsseldorf remain the firm’s primary bases for global client engagement.

The integration strengthens Bain’s procurement proposition by combining ArcBlue’s deep regional knowledge with Proxima’s established delivery methods.

Proxima’s model brings together consultant practitioners, a built-out knowledge infrastructure and structured client support spanning the entire procurement lifecycle, from idea generation through to implementation.

Meeting strategic procurement demand

The integration has been driven by growing client demand across the APAC region.

It also reflects a broader trend in which procurement takes on a central role within business operations – not only for cost control but for delivering strategic outcomes.

With global supply chains under constant pressure and increasing focus on sustainability, digital transformation and risk management, the ability to deliver value from procurement is firmly under the spotlight.

Simon Geale, Chief Procurement Officer at Proxima, explains: "Landing in APAC has long been an ambition for Proxima. Doing so in partnership with ArcBlue and Bain is the perfect springboard for our next chapter.

"We’ve seen incredible demand for our services this last year and I’m really excited by what lies ahead for our new colleagues and future clients.

"Procurement has never been more strategic for businesses and consulting teams. Procurement teams should be bold in redefining the value that we offer and deliver."

As organisations seek procurement partners capable of operating at scale while offering local insight, the Proxima-ArcBlue combination aims to meet this demand through a unified model. Proxima’s framework is designed to support organisations navigating complex procurement environments and the addition of APAC capabilities enhances the firm’s reach and relevance in global markets.

Local expertise and global delivery

ArcBlue’s position in the APAC region gives the newly-combined firm a solid foundation for growth. Its established relationships, local delivery teams and understanding of market dynamics provide the tools needed to support both regional and international clients.

By blending ArcBlue’s local roots with Proxima’s delivery model, the new business adds strategic weight to Bain & Company’s consulting offer. For procurement leaders, it offers access to a wider knowledge base and delivery capability tailored to their specific industry and regional context.

With more than 1,000 professionals across the Bain Proxima procurement business, the consultancy now operates with scale and consistency across three major economic regions: Europe, APAC and North America.

As procurement gains greater strategic visibility, the firm looks well-positioned to advise and support clients through both challenge and opportunity.