Tributes paid after sudden death of leading Stamford business chief

Tributes have been paid to a leading Stamford businessman who has died after a short illness.
David Noble, chief executive of CIPS, who has died suddenly after a short illness.David Noble, chief executive of CIPS, who has died suddenly after a short illness.
David Noble, chief executive of CIPS, who has died suddenly after a short illness.

David Noble (60), group chief executive of the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS), which has its headquarters in Church Street, Easton on the Hill, died suddenly on February 24 after a short illness.

He is recognised as a pioneer of category management and strategic sourcing at Motorola during the 1980s and as group supply director at engineering and technology group IMI.

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Mr Noble, who was born in Stockton-on-Tees, was appointed chief executive of CIPS in June 2009.

The company trains people in buying techniques around the world.

Under his leadership, CIPS became the recognised global voice for the profession, with a community of over 115,000 worldwide.

CIPS is an adviser to politicians and governments on sustainability and ethics in the supply chain and the fight against modern slavery.

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A spokesman said; “David in particular pushed the profession to tackle issues such as modern day slavery, fraud, waste and malpractice, which he believed could be eradicated by good procurement and supply chain techniques.

“He also instigated the call for a licence for buyers along the lines of accountants and lawyers to ensure that horsemeat scandals and factory collapses, along with slaves in the supply chain didn’t happen.

“He saw buyers as responsible and accountable for these disasters.”

CIPS president Sam Walsh said: “David was very clear on his vision for the procurement profession.

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“He led business and government leaders across the world on his journey, making CIPS the highly regarded voice of the profession that it is today.”

Tim Richardson, CIPS chair of the global board of trustees, said: “He will be greatly missed by all those who have met and worked alongside him.

“His passion for the profession was unquestionable and CIPS will continue his work with its global procurement community.”

“Our thoughts are with his wife and family at this very sad time.”

He is survived by his wife Jenny, daughter Michelle and granddaughter Phoebe.

His hobbies included regular sailing on Rutland Water, cycling and football.

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