Name: Patric P Job Title: Procurement Manager Strategic Outsourcing Business Area: Procurement Services Joined: 1984 Age: 42
How would you describe your current role?
I work across EMEA as the interface between service delivery teams and the procurement organisation within IBM. That means I'm responsible for the procurement of Hardware, Software, Services and Telecoms for a range of service delivery teams based in centres throughout EMEA. My role is to business manage the procurement network to ensure we meet clients expectations and maintain budgets.
How have you found the support for GLBT employees?
I first discovered EAGLE through the French daily press actually, despite having worked for IBM for some time already. I soon became a member via our intranet and in July 2000 was invited to the first worldwide conference at IBM headquarters in the US. This was an extraordinary, high profile and moving experience. As part of the conference a breakfast was arranged for members to meet with Senior Management. I had a very interesting conversation with the Senior Vice President of Technology and Manufacturing, who asked why it was that "Gay Paris" only had one representative. Since then I have been heavily involved in establishing EAGLE in France. Our aim is to raise awareness of GLBT as a business issue. I think it is progressing really well. We have regular social and business meetings and one weekend away together every year. Last year we went to Nice with the English EAGLE members.
