Perspectives – Andy Long – Co-President and Chief Financial Officer, Speedo International

Co-President and Chief Financial Officer, Speedo International

Only a relatively small proportion of professionals who have shaped the treasury activities in their organizations most effectively spend their whole careers in treasury. Indeed, many of those who have been most successful bring a wider range of skills and experience. Andy Long’s commercial, financial and project delivery capabilities have benefitted the treasury functions with which he has worked considerably; conversely, his treasury skills have proved an important attribute in his subsequent senior executive role.

Tell us a little about your career history and what your key responsibilities are today.

I started my career as a graduate recruit in finance at Procter and Gamble and qualified through CIMA. After several commercial roles in the Cosmetics and Haircare divisions, I led part of the project to introduce financial shared services in Europe. The biggest part of my role was managing the European banking operations, working closely with the regional and global treasurers to ensure we implemented the cash management policies effectively as well as operating one of the first in-house banks.

My treasury knowledge adds depth to my understanding of some of the dynmaics that impact our business.

I then joined Boots plc as Finance Director for Manufacturing and Support Services, before leading the SAP implementation programme, firstly in finance and then across the enterprise. Introducing the SAP treasury module to Boots was part of this project and consequently, I received the support of the company to study for Associate Membership of the ACT. Having worked closely with treasurers in both organizations, it was a great opportunity to fill the gaps in my knowledge and enable me to offer better value in delivering a complex change programme.

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