15Y + successful Management experience in all phases of Auditing, Controlling and Finance. Recognised as a hands-on and focused Professional, with extensive command of Media and Entertainment industry. Achieved reputation of resourceful and committed problem-solver, assertive negotiator and reliable change driver. Experienced international traveller, in possession of a solid blend of Language and People skills as well as of keen commercial instinct. Thrives in fast-paced and complex organisations across cultural barriers.
Kantar Group France, Head of Accounting, Controlling & Compliance Since 2016 Finance Lead for Kantar in France, in charge of 11 Operating Companies (Opcos), managing a Finance team of 46 employees (4 direct reports). Responsible for Reporting, Decision Support, Accounting and Tax, Sox and local compliance, transaction processing with the aim of aligning and simplifying all day-to-day financial operations, in charge of the relationship with the banks, counsels, auditors, advisors.
The EMEA Finance Director position was to provide financial management and strategic business analysis support to the VP of Finance and Senior Management leading operations in Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) for this US headquartered entertainment company which has gone public in 2008. The operational Southern-Europe CFO role involved extensive traveling and provides integrity and leadership to 2 financial accounting managers, a finance assistant and 2 external Chartered Accountants to ensure that the group operated effectively and efficiently across Southern-Europe.
Extensive scope of responsibilities including Financial Planning, Contractual negotiation, Business Administration and Revenue recognition for 24 Distribution Partners in Europe, Middle East, Africa and India. The function also encompassed functional and analytical support to Operations Executive Management, to facilitate International Manufacturing and Distribution of Videograms. The role had one direct report.
Initially recruited as Senior Business Analyst at Disney EMEA Headquarters and rapidly advanced to Manager of 10 auditors and an assistant and Head of the Compliance Audit Department, a division generating m$ 3 a year of revenues amongst a portfolio of 900 Publishing, Toys, Softlines and Hardlines Licensees.
Statutory audits of International Companies (Heavy Industries, Apparel, Press &Publishing, Luxury). Responsibilities also encompassed special assignments. 30 month working experience in Italy amongst which 24 months were spent at The French Audit Desk in Milan through an International Exchange Program).
Audit of statutory and consolidated reporting statements of International and French Companies. Responsibilities also encompassed special assignments such as stocktakings, due diligences and data room reviews.