About this episode
What does it take to transform treasury into a strategic driver inside a global luxury brand? In this episode, Olivier Smekens, Global Head of Treasury at Breitling, shares how he’s leveraging fintech, automation, and agile thinking to future-proof treasury operations - and what you can learn from his approach.With a career spanning consulting, automotive manufacturing, and high-growth private equity environments, Olivier brings a wealth of cross-industry experience. At Breitling, he’s leading the digital transformation of treasury - automating FX hedging, preparing for IPO-readiness, and exploring the frontiers of AI in financial systems.Whether you're building a treasury function from the ground up or optimizing an established one, you'll walk away with practical insights on:Implementing automation to manage FX riskEvaluating next-gen treasury techSupporting rapid growth in a private equity settingThis conversation is a must-listen for treasury professionals ready to elevate their role as strategic enablers of growth.What We Cover in This Episode:Olivier’s career path: from KPMG auditor to global treasury leaderTransitioning into treasury without prior experience - and thrivingKey treasury challenges in the automotive industry (FX risk, liquidity, decentralization)What it’s like to lead treasury in a private equity-backed companyHow treasury supports high-growth initiatives at Breitling, including acquisitions and expansionImplementing FX hedge automation using KantoxPreparing for a TMS rollout: evaluating AI capabilities and tech providersThe role of NFTs and blockchain in Breitling’s digital innovationEmbracing a tech-forward mindset to drive treasury efficiencyHow cross-cultural experience has shaped Olivier’s leadership styleWhy soft skills and simplification are vital for board-level impactYou can connect with Olivier Smekens on LinkedIn. ---?? Subscribe to the Treasury Career Corner podcast - Never miss an episode! Subscribe on your favourite platform:CLICK HERE for ?Spotify PodcastsCLICK HERE for ?Apple Podcasts? Managing short-term cash and investments - Without the right technology is a huge risk for modern treasurers.
