As head of HR services and VMS/MSP global governance in corporate procurement at ABB Ltd., Michelle Joos is a force for positive change. ABB is a global technology company that energizes the transformation of society and industry to achieve a more productive, sustainable future. By connecting software to its electrification, robotics, automation and motion portfolio, ABB pushes the boundaries of technology to drive performance to new levels. ABB’s success is driven by about 105,000 talented employees in over 100 countries. ABB’s procurement functions oversee the contingent workforce program across all labor categories for ABB, including professional, light industrial and engineering.

A nearly 10-year member of ABB, Joos added MSP governance to her plate in 2020, when, in addition to dealing with the global pandemic, ABB as an organization was undergoing a decentralization. Committed to improving access to and management of contingent talent for the organization as a whole, Joos has worked with leaders across all business areas and partnered with each of its three MSP providers to accelerate improvement and to advocate for the value the contingent workforce program delivers. This became even more necessary during the pandemic and the volatile need of labor.

Her efforts saw a highly increased spend under management throughout the program from the first quarter of 2020 to the second quarter of 2021. The program is live across six countries, with expansion plans to additional countries.

In a male-dominated industry, Joos is always looking for new ways to bring women into the contingent space, partnering with the head of diversity & inclusion within ABB to achieve this goal.

“I am proud of being part of ABB and working with a very passionate team,” she says.