National Finance Director, Brazil
"I want to help young managers achieve their dreams - one of my greatest pleasures is to help people achieve more than they believe they can."
"I thrive on being part of a team that is continuously trying to bring products to customers that meet their needs - at a price they can afford. Everything we do is based on this. Real life examples include our direct input into Unilever's long, medium and short-term plans; cost reduction programs; and innovation projects. As National Finance Director I am in charge of financial results, treasury, and tax planning for the Unilever Group in Brazil. I am also the Finance Director for the Brazilian home and personal care business - my main role being to help to navigate the business through understanding the economic environment and its impact on business, change management, risk management and project management. Finance interacts with almost all other areas within the business - but we also have frequent contacts with external people (like banks and economists).
I would have to say that my proudest achievement so far has been to be part of a team that managed to contain a major competitor's growth in Brazil, despite their disproportionate investment. After more than four years their market-share is similar to the one they had on entering the market. Now that's real business - pure adrenaline!"
