Derek Bateson, a seasoned professional with over three decades of expertise in supply chain finance, has played an instrumental role in transforming and leading global financial platforms. During his tenure at General Electric (GE), he significantly expanded the company’s SCF business to manage assets exceeding $6 billion and handle annual volumes surpassing $20 billion. After GE's sale to MUFG in 2019, Bateson successfully transitioned operations, maintaining cash flow stability while ensuring a seamless experience for employees, clients, and suppliers. In his current role as Managing Director at MUFG, he continues to drive innovation by negotiating new agreements post-GE's restructuring, enhancing dynamic discount solutions, and expanding MUFG's reach into regions like Mexico and Canada. His strategic vision focuses on strengthening client partnerships through continuous improvement frameworks and introducing innovative capabilities.

Bateson’s leadership extends beyond operational excellence; it includes advancing MUFG’s competitive positioning in the market. By implementing tailored solutions for large corporations and broadening MUFG's service offerings, he has achieved significant cost savings for clients while fostering growth opportunities. Future initiatives include extending U.S.-based programs globally, delivering cutting-edge solutions impacting corporate profitability, and achieving SOC II certification to meet stringent market requirements.

Masterful Transition and Expansion Leadership

As a pivotal figure during GE's sale to MUFG, Derek Bateson ensured minimal disruption and maintained cash flow stability throughout the transition process. He oversaw the reconnection of over 35 ERP systems and transferred the majority of supplier spend to MUFG. Furthermore, he implemented a dynamic discount solution catering specifically to smaller North American vendors, showcasing his commitment to inclusivity and efficiency. This transition was marked by the successful migration of all global employees, clients, and suppliers, reflecting Bateson's meticulous planning and execution.

Prior to joining MUFG, Bateson spearheaded GE's SCF business growth to monumental heights. Under his leadership, the program supported more than 35,000 suppliers worldwide. Post-sale, he accelerated timelines to eliminate balance sheet impacts on GE, demonstrating his ability to navigate complex financial landscapes. His efforts extended to negotiating six new global supply chain finance agreements following GE's division into separate entities, ensuring regional continuity in technology, organization, and processes. Through these negotiations, Bateson not only met aggressive deadlines but also enhanced MUFG’s position by securing a Fortune Top 50 client. Within nine months of launching a dynamic discount solution, over 6,000 suppliers were enrolled, yielding approximately $6 million in annual cost savings in the first year, with projections reaching $15-20 million annually by mid-2025.

Innovative Solutions and Global Reach

Under Bateson’s guidance, MUFG has expanded its dynamic discounting and support services into Mexico and Canada, further advancing clients' cash flow objectives. His team introduced new capabilities such as drafts and payment batching, differentiating MUFG’s platform from competitors. These enhancements have increased the reach for smaller spend clients and improved existing client satisfaction. Bateson's strategy focuses on engineering solutions that align with client needs, operationalizing programs through change management, and adhering to a framework of continuous improvement.

Moving forward, Bateson plans to broaden MUFG's value proposition by extending U.S.-based client programs globally to include EU and Asian subsidiaries and their suppliers. His vision encompasses delivering innovative solutions that impact corporate clients’ profitability and obtaining SOC II certification to meet go-to-market requirements. Collaborating closely with external auditors, he aims to ensure compliance and enhance MUFG’s competitive edge. Through these initiatives, Bateson is set to solidify MUFG’s position as a leader in the supply chain finance industry, leveraging his extensive experience and strategic acumen to drive future success.