Yossi Sheffi, Director of the MIT Center for Transportation & Logistics (MIT CTL) and Elisha Gray II Professor of Engineering Systems at MIT, has been named the #1 Supply Chain Influencer for 2024 by Supply Chain Magazine, replacing last year’s top influencer spot held by Apple CEO Tim Cook.
Dr. Yossi Sheffi Recognized as Leading Voice in Global Supply Chain Management
Each year, the magazine's rankings highlight individuals shaping the field through groundbreaking contributions in research, thought leadership, and public engagement. Writer Libby Hargreaves, introducing this year’s list, emphasized the vital role supply chain leaders play in driving global economic transformation:
Supply chain influencers are key figures in the modern industry, shaping the future of logistics and operations management. These experts... provide crucial insights into tackling challenges like sustainability, digitalisation and resilience. By offering practical advice on emerging technologies such as AI, IoT and blockchain, they help businesses optimise operations and maintain competitiveness. Through social media, podcasts and conferences, they foster a collaborative environment, sharing ideas and guiding decision-makers in crafting effective strategies.
Dr. Sheffi’s influence is rooted in decades of contributions to supply chain research, education, and industry practice. His work includes foundational research in systems optimization and supply chain resilience, the publication of several acclaimed books, and ongoing collaboration with companies to address emerging challenges in logistics and operations. He is also a visible presence online, with over 300,000 LinkedIn followers engaging with his insights and perspectives.
The magazine specifically cited Dr. Sheffi’s ability to bridge academic rigor with real-world applications as a key reason for his selection:
Dr. Yossi Sheffi is a distinguished supply chain influencer... His expertise in systems optimisation, risk analysis and supply chain management is covered in his extensive body of work, including foundational texts like Urban Transportation Networks and influential management books such as The Resilient Enterprise and Logistics Clusters. His latest publication, The Magic Conveyor Belt, explores the future of work and AI in supply chains. Beyond academia, Dr. Sheffi has founded or co-founded five successful companies, including LogiCorp and Logistics.com.
At MIT CTL, Dr. Sheffi has played a pivotal role in establishing the Center as a global leader in logistics and supply chain education and research. Under his guidance, the Center has launched programs such as the MIT Master of Engineering in Logistics (1998), the MITx MicroMasters® Program in Supply Chain Management (2015), and the MIT Master of Applied Sciences in Supply Chain Management (2018). These programs have collectively reached millions of learners around the world, expanding access to advanced knowledge in the field.
As global supply chains continue to face challenges ranging from sustainability and digital transformation to geopolitical risks, the leadership and insights of individuals like Dr. Sheffi remain instrumental in shaping the strategies of the future.
The full Top 10 of Supply Chain Influencers from Supply Chain Magazine can be found at https://supplychaindigital.com/operations/top-10-supply-chain-influencers. For more information about Dr. Yossi Sheffi and the MIT Center for Transportation & Logistics, visit https://ctl.mit.edu/. To learn about his latest book, The Magic Conveyor Belt: Supply Chains, A.I., and the Future of Work, visit https://magicbelt.mit.edu/.
About MIT CTL
The MIT Center for Transportation & Logistics (MIT CTL) is a world leader in supply chain management research and education, with over 50 years of expertise. The center's work spans industry partnerships, cutting-edge research, and the advancement of sustainable supply chain practices to create supply chain innovation and drive it into practice through three pillars: research, outreach, and education.
About Supply Chain Magazine
Supply Chain Magazine is an established, trusted, and leading voice on all things supply chain – engaging with a highly targeted audience of global executives, connecting the world’s largest supply chain and logistics brands and their most senior executives with the latest trends, industry insight, and influential projects as the world embraces technology and digital transformation.