Michael Hu works at the intersection of supply chains, operations, AI, and automation, helping organizations understand where digital technologies create real economic advantage — and where structural, organizational, or operational constraints limit their impact.

Over the past two decades, he has led and advised on some of the largest supply chain and operations transformations in North America, working with CEOs, COOs, CFOs, and boards across retail, consumer goods, logistics, and technology-enabled platforms. His work focuses on translating strategy, digital innovation, and AI into operating models that deliver sustained growth, P&L improvement, and resilience at scale.

He brings a practitioner’s perspective shaped by leading multi-year, enterprise-scale transformations under conditions of uncertainty, disruption, and rapid change. Michael is particularly interested in the gap between what AI makes technically possible and what organizations can realistically adopt, scale, and sustain in complex, asset-heavy supply chain environments

Current Focus

A central theme of Michael’s work is examining the practical impact of AI and automation on supply chains today and over the near term, including:

  • Where these technologies drive step-change in value across end-to-end supply chains — and where they do not

  • How they reshape supply chain operating models, including roles, skills, and processes required to scale

  • The economics of AI-enabled supply chain platforms and their implications for traditional, asset-heavy operating models

These questions increasingly matter not just for technology leaders, but for boards and executives making long-term investment and operating decisions.

Institutional Engagement and Thought Leadership

Alongside enterprise and advisory work, Michael contributes to broader institutional dialogue on the future of supply chains, operations, and AI. His perspectives have been published through venues such as the World Economic Forum and MIT Sloan Management Review, and he regularly engages with academic centers, industry forums, and executive audiences as a speaker and advisor.

Background

    • Managing Director & Partner, Boston Consulting Group (Current)

    • Former Partner & Managing Director, Kearney

    • MBA, Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University

    • MSc, Computer Science, University of Waterloo