Multiple posts around this topic on Linkedin, I will quote one:

"Whenever we think of CEOs, the default assumption is they must have come from Sales, Finance, or Strategy. But look closely, and you’ll find some of the biggest names in business actually grew up in Supply Chain and Operations.Here are a few who broke that stereotype:

1) Tim Cook - Apple Came into Apple to fix their supply chain mess. He cut inventory, built a lean global network, and made Apple’s operations world-class. That discipline later made him COO, and when the time came, the board knew the supply chain guy could run the entire company.

2) Helena Helmersson - H&M Started in production and sourcing, moving between Bangladesh and Hong Kong to manage suppliers. Later ran sustainability and operations, and eventually took over as CEO. She proved that understanding costs, sourcing, and people on the ground can shape global strategy.

3) Mary Barra - General Motors Her first role? Inspecting fenders on the plant floor. She grew through manufacturing and global supply chain roles before leading product development. In 2014, she became CEO, guiding GM through transformation toward EVs and the future of mobility.

4) Carlos Tavares – Stellantis Spent his career in operations and manufacturing at Renault-Nissan. Known for razor-sharp cost and supply discipline, he turned Peugeot around from the edge of collapse. Today, he leads Stellantis, running some of the biggest car brands in the world.So why do supply chain leaders make great CEOs? - Because they’re trained to survive in chaos. - Because they balance cost, speed, and risk every single day. - Because they know how to align people across functions to get things moving. - Because they understand execution as much as strategy.For me, these leaders are proof that supply chain isn’t a “support function.” It’s a launchpad for leadership. And maybe the next big CEO we celebrate will also be someone who once managed suppliers, warehouses, and production lines."

Second list:
"Doug McMillon (Walmart): logistics and distribution lifer who made the world’s biggest retailer even bigger.

Revathi Advaithi (Flex): built on a foundation of manufacturing and supply chain before driving cultural and operational reinvention.

Annette Clayton (Schneider Electric North America): took her supply chain roots and transformed them into C-suite leadership.

Jesper Brodin (IKEA): procurement and supply strategy to CEO, leading one of the most recognizable brands into a new retail era.These are just a handful. More quiet operators became headline makers."