Q&A with Mita Gupta, EVP at WNS Procurement

Mita Gupta, EVP and Business Unit Head of WNS Procurement, is responsible for strategy, growth initiatives and financial performance.

With decades of experience launching and scaling businesses within B2B services and technology domains, she has driven the rapid expansion of some of the most successful companies in procurement and supply chain across dozens of countries in North America, EMEA and APAC.

Mita spoke to Procurement Magazine about the strategies companies can use to mitigate the impact of tariffs and how to prepare for key challenges while navigating policy shifts.

What strategies can companies deploy to mitigate the impact of reintroduced tariffs on their supply chains?

Companies must adopt a proactive, multifaceted approach that combines strategic diversification, careful sourcing decisions and continuous risk management. A key strategy is to reduce dependence on single-sourcing destinations by expanding procurement across multiple regions such as Southeast Asia, Latin America or Central and Eastern Europe.

This could help alleviate the financial strain caused by tariffs and increase resilience to geopolitical disruption, but it may be difficult in cases where products require specialist manufacturers or rare raw materials.

In addition to diversifying sourcing locations, companies may also consider nearshoring or reshoring production within the US, which could potentially unlock tax incentives and reduce tariff exposure.

However, any reshoring decision must involve a thorough evaluation of labour and operational costs to ensure the move is both cost-effective and resilient. 

Procurement leaders must continuously assess the evolving global trade landscape and leverage Generative AI-powered tools to model and forecast potential impacts on supply chains.

This strategic use of technology allows companies to swiftly identify alternative suppliers, predict cost fluctuations and refine their sourcing strategies to stay ahead of emerging risks. Ultimately, the key to navigating these challenges lies in a combination of proactive, data-driven decision-making and agile supply chain management.

In light of changing federal directives, how can companies maintain effective supplier diversity?

Maintaining an effective supplier diversity programme requires a strategic approach that balances business needs with corporate social responsibility goals.

A diverse supplier base not only enhances resilience but also mitigates risks and promotes inclusive sourcing practices, driving long-term success. By integrating AI-driven procurement tools, companies can efficiently identify and vet diverse suppliers, ensuring compliance with both current and evolving regulations.

Generative AI-driven platforms can compile valuable insights into the supply base, enabling procurement teams to assess and diversify suppliers while fostering a competitive, equitable ecosystem.

These technologies can help businesses stay ahead of regulatory shifts, proactively embedding diversity into procurement strategies. By aligning supplier diversity with broader business objectives, organisations can create sustainable value and drive continuous growth, all while contributing to an inclusive and resilient supply chain.

What challenges do you foresee for procurement leaders as they navigate policy shifts signalled by the Trump administration?

The ongoing and rapid policy shifts will continue to challenge procurement leaders, particularly as retaliatory tariffs and evolving trade policies create new cost pressures and limit global sourcing options. In addition to these geopolitical factors, responsible sourcing and emissions requirements are likely to further shape procurement processes—though with significant variation across different geographies.

For example, environmental regulations and sustainability expectations in the EU are far more stringent than in the US, requiring procurement leaders to be acutely aware of regional nuances as they navigate compliance and risk management across their global operations.  

In this shifting landscape, procurement leaders must prioritise resilience and agility in their strategies. Scenario planning will be essential to anticipate potential policy changes and mitigate risks to the supply chain.

Investing in Generative AI-driven solutions will enable organisations to move beyond diagnostic and descriptive analytics toward predictive and prescriptive decision-making. By leveraging AI-driven insights, procurement teams can proactively identify risks, optimise cost efficiencies and enhance supplier strategies—driving both savings and long-term value.  

Moreover, clear and transparent communication will be vital. While policies are constantly evolving, procurement leaders have the opportunity to turn uncertainty into a strategic advantage by ensuring that suppliers, stakeholders and customers are kept informed. By building trust through effective communication and aligning AI-driven insights with human expertise, organisations can position themselves to adapt quickly to change and navigate these challenges with confidence.

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