TranslateWhen John Taylor joined Medtronic in November 2016, he brought 15 years of experience in supplier diversity, strategic sourcing and insights that spanned across the agri-business industry. In this role, he is responsible for increasing alignment and coordinating supplier diversity goals among Business Units and Functions. Mr. Taylor is an active participant in local and national organizations dedicated to stimulating the growth of minority-owned, veteran, service disabled, woman-owned and HUB Zone businesses. He also works closely with Medtronic Indirect Supply Management, & Procurement colleagues to support small businesses and businesses owned by minorities or other disadvantaged groups when seeking new sources of supplies or services. Mr. Taylor also focuses on mentoring activities with the leaders of disadvantaged businesses. His advocacy includes developing and administering the Company’s supplier diversity strategies and initiatives.
Prior to joining Medtronic, John served as the director of supplier diversity for Cargill and the director of corporate & supplier diversity for the Archer Daniels Midland Co (ADM). In these roles, he was responsible for developing and administering the Company’s diversity strategies and initiatives. He began his career as a grain merchandiser for ADM.
John received a Bachelor of Science degree in agribusiness from the Ohio State University and a Master of Business Administration from Millikin University. He earned his diversity professional certification (CDP) from Cornell University.
John serves as the Vice-Chair for The North Central Minority Supplier Development Council board, the treasurer for the African American Leadership Forum (AAALF) and vice-chair for Diversity Information Resources. In 2017 John was recognized by Minnesota Business Magazine as a Power 50 & by the NWBOC as a Corporate Champion. In 2016 & 2012, John was awarded the Corporate Partner of the Year, from the Women’s Business Development Center. In 2012 John was awarded Corporate Partner of the Year from the Mid West Minority Supplier Development Council. Also, in 2012 John was named to the Top 100 Executives by Uptown Professional. In 2011 he received the “Award of Excellence” from the Wisconsin, Iowa & Central Illinois Minority Supplier Development Council. In 2010 John Taylor was named to Savoy Magazine's Top 100 Most “Influential Blacks in Corporate America”. And, in 2007, John received the Eagle Award for Leadership from the National Eagle Leadership Institute.
