Where does the real advantage lie when AI handles the routine? Sonepar explored exactly that during the 10th anniversary of Vivatech 2026, Europe’s leading tech event for the first time as Gold Sponsor.
On June 19, 2026, Sonepar Chief Transformation Officer Jérémie Profeta joined Corine de Bilbao (Microsoft France) and Valérie Beaulieu-James (Manpower) to explore how organizations are moving from AI as a tool to AI embedded in operations.
“AI can have the answers, but only effective leadership and teamwork can turn them into customer impact,” Jérémie Profeta, Chief Transformation Officer, Sonepar.
Watch the replay of Jérémie’s panel discussion here:
Sonepar’s approach to AI is built on foundations laid six years ago. Since 2020, we launched our global omnichannel platform, Spark, invested over €2.5 billion in modernizing our supply chain, and deployed digital tools to 25,000 sales associates. When AI entered large-scale operations, Sonepar was ready – recognized by Microsoft as one of its ‘Frontier Firms’, capable of deploying AI at an industrial scale in the B2B market.
The growing capabilities of AI are not about replacing talent. Instead, they are designed to enhance human potential. By automating repetitive tasks and supporting decision-making, AI allows employees to focus on higher-value activities such as judgment, creativity, and relationships.
Beyond individual productivity, the transformation driven by AI is now reshaping entire organizations. Leading companies are moving past isolated use cases and are redesigning how work is structured.
This transformation includes:
- Rebuilding processes to integrate AI-driven workflows
- Developing new skills across teams
- Creating stronger collaboration between humans and intelligent agents
Organizations that take this broader approach are better positioned to unlock long-term value from AI.
As access to knowledge becomes more democratic, the most valuable skills are increasingly human. Critical thinking, curiosity, creativity, and communication are emerging as key differentiators.
In this context, the ability to ask the right questions and assess the relevance of information becomes essential. These capabilities define a new competitive advantage in an AI-driven world.
AI continues to redefine how people and organizations work together. By combining technological capabilities with human expertise, companies can create more agile, innovative, and resilient ways of working.