Procurement Podcast: Dennis Evashenk on AI, Trust & SaaS

Procurement continues to evolve far beyond its traditional reputation as a cost-control function, and Episode 2 of Procurement Magazine’s Weekly Podcast Series explores that transformation through a dynamic and practical conversation with one of the industry’s most globally experienced voices.

In Episode 2, titled “Dennis Evashenk on AI, Trust & SaaS”, host Aaron McMillan speaks with Dennis Evashenk, Global Strategic Sourcing & Category Manager for Corporate Services & SaaS at DoorDash. Drawing on a career that spans nonprofit transformation, international operations, global sourcing, and leadership roles across major organisations, Evashenk offers a grounded perspective on how procurement leaders can reposition themselves as strategic business partners in an increasingly complex world.

Rather than viewing procurement purely through the lens of purchasing or process, the conversation focuses on a more strategic mandate: creating efficiency while building trust across the enterprise. For Evashenk, procurement’s future is not simply about delivering savings, but about becoming a function that stakeholders actively want to engage with. That means shifting procurement away from being perceived as a barrier and towards being recognised as an enabler of business success.

A central theme throughout the episode is the rise of AI and emerging technology. Evashenk addresses one of procurement’s biggest topics head-on, arguing that AI should not be viewed primarily as a threat to jobs, but as a tool that can enhance productivity, improve decision-making, and support teams as they navigate growing complexity. His perspective reflects a broader shift in the industry, where technology is increasingly becoming a core part of procurement’s strategic toolkit.

The discussion also explores one of procurement’s most persistent challenges: perception. Evashenk candidly examines why procurement is often misunderstood, sometimes seen as a “check the box” function or a blocker to progress, and explains how this varies significantly depending on organisational maturity, geography, and company culture. His solution is rooted in relationship-building, adaptability, and education, including practical strategies such as stakeholder webinars and internal engagement sessions designed to demystify procurement’s role.

Regulation and risk management also take centre stage as Evashenk reflects on operating across multiple markets and navigating geopolitical and regulatory disruption. From Brexit to broader international uncertainty, he highlights the growing need for procurement teams to move beyond reactive responses and instead build diversified, resilient operating models with contingency planning embedded into sourcing strategy.

Another standout thread is the intersection of procurement, ethics, and brand trust. Evashenk discusses how modern procurement teams must increasingly collaborate beyond their traditional boundaries, particularly with marketing, to ensure ethical sourcing, consumer trust, and responsible supplier decisions become competitive advantages rather than compliance obligations. This reflects procurement’s expanding role in protecting and strengthening brand reputation.

The episode closes with a forward-looking view of innovation, as Evashenk predicts that regulation itself will continue to drive technological advancement and force procurement teams to become even more creative, agile, and integrated into enterprise strategy.

Overall, Episode 2 offers a practical and insightful look at how procurement leaders can balance AI, regulation, stakeholder engagement, and trust while reshaping the function for the future.

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