michael k. robinson

Retired Program director, global supplier diversity, ibm

Atlanta, Georgia & Detroit, MI | PathNorth member since 2024

Michael K. Robinson recently retired as Program Director, Global Supplier Diversity for IBM’s Integrated Supply Chain. In his last role, he was responsible for leading IBM’s supplier diversity initiatives worldwide. Michael, and his team focused on the utilization, development and mentoring of diverse suppliers who provided value-add to IBM’s Supply Chain.

Under Michael’s leadership, IBM rose to become the global benchmark for supplier diversity. Prior to Michael’s tenure the company had never won a major corporation of the year award. Michael designed and implemented solid, results-driven processes and IBM was recognized with numerous awards; a sampling of these awards are: Corporation of the Year by the NMSDC (4x), one of the Top Corporations by WBENC (16x), USBLN Corporation of the Year (2x), NGLCC Corporation of the Year (2x), Apex Award by NGLCC and HRI, the Francis Perkins Van Guard Award by the SBA., In addition to these domestic awards, IBM was recognized as the Top Global Diversity program by WEConnect International and Corporation of the Year by MSD UK and MSD China. 

These domestic and international awards are just a sampling of the numerous accolades IBM received under Michael’s leadership.  IBM has spent in excess of $2Billion, 1st Tier, annually worldwide with diverse enterprises since 2006 and in excess of $1B, 1st Tier, annually with diverse enterprises in the U.S. since 2000.

Michael’s IBM experience has spanned various disciplines. His previous positions include: Manufacturing Manager, Procurement and Production Control Manager in Charlotte, NC; Distribution Manager in Boulder, CO; ECAT Site Procurement Manager in Charlotte, NC; Materials Manager in San Jose, CA; Business Services Council Chair in Charlotte, NC and Federal Procurement Manager in Bethesda, MD.

Michael attended the Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta, Georgia; received his BS from Cheyney University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and his MBA from Atlanta University, Atlanta, Georgia.