People in Focus: Artemis Galatis

ACTSA’s primary purpose is to facilitate the exchange of information beneficial to the management of corporate treasury operations and the professional development of its members. It also provides both its members and potential members with ongoing networking opportunities, exposure to international treasury practices and a forum for the discussion of industry-specific issues.

I have been involved with ACTSA since 2007 as the General Manager. In this position I am engaged in all of its activities and also represent the Association at the International Group of Treasury Associations (IGTA). IGTA organises an annual conference at which treasurers across the globe gain international perspectives on a wide range of treasury concerns.

We aim to facilitate a dialogue between corporate treasurers and their colleagues, creating valuable opportunities and introducing new approaches and improved solutions. Our operations include collecting, publishing and disseminating materials and information on the management of treasury operations, conducting and sponsoring meetings and seminars, and promoting educational activities. ACTSA is represented in various regulatory developments and participates in discussions with the South African Reserve Bank and National Treasury.

ACTSA sees its role as a means of raising the profile of the profession by providing a portal to education specifically designed for our field and an environment in which to share learning and experience through a number of workshops and our annual Treasury Conference.

We publish The South African Treasurer journal annually in association with Treasury Management International.

Prior to joining ACTSA, I spent the majority of my professional working career in treasury, having worked originally in South Africa for a large glass manufacturing company, Pilkington Bros, which was a wholly-owned subsidiary of a UK company. It was then bought out locally and underwent a number of changes and at one stage was part of South African Breweries, the largest listed company on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange at the time. Later it was listed as a separate entity known as PGSI. It is currently a privately-owned company operating as PG Glass.

The education and experience which served me in my working career involved completing my Bachelor of Commerce degree at the University of the Witwatersrand and after that obtaining a diploma in Public Relations. My work at PGSI/PG Glass throughout its various guises allowed me, over the years, to expand my role and grow and develop in various functions and responsibilities under the guidance of an experienced Treasurer and CFO, my final position being Treasurer of Glass South Africa (head office of PG Glass). My fundamental roles were FX risk, which is very important in South Africa as we live in a highly volatile currency environment, and liquidity management.

The knowledge I gained and my years of experience, as well as the networking relationships I have built up, serve me well in being able to source relevant content for treasurers and to contribute to the activities of our Association.