matthew clews

Ireland’s leading Yogurt manufacturer (No.1 Market Share), based in Dublin with leading brands Actimel and Activia. Instrumental in the business model review and co- led the subsequent changes to ensure cost efficiencies flowed through, as well as the business focus remaining during the transition. This change included the transition to a shared service function within finance, which was seamless with no impact to the business. Implementation of monthly financial forecasting process which resulted in creating a forum with the Executive Team to review and approve commercial investment decisions. This led to a full review of “B” brands with a change of focus to become more profitable. Review of DSS system used internally for reporting which has resulted in extra training for staff as well as an enhancement of the reports produced so that they that now add value and help in aiding decision making.

Danone’s Yogurt business unit, responsible for the selling and distribution within the UK. With No.2 market share driven by the success of Actimel and Activia (CAGR 9%). Annual budgeting process (P&L, Balance Sheet and Cashflow) / monthly commercial investment decision making process and review (ROI) / P&L forecasting / monthly Group and board reporting.

Danone’s Yogurt business unit, responsible for the selling and distribution within the UK. With No.2 market share driven by the success of Actimel and Activia (CAGR 9%). Led the implementation of a clearer process for hedging in a volatile climate => 2008 when GBP vs EUR moved down by 23% with a significant impact to costs. Implemented rolling hedging process so that the risk of movement was minimised and that there was more certainty prior to our budgeting process. Influential in successfully defending a case with the local tax authorities. Led PWC and Group Taxation to prepare and respond to tax authorities.

Griffin's was a wholly owned subisidiary of Group Danone, reporting into Singapore/Shanghai regional office. Griffin's was the market leader in biscuits and a major player in the salty snacks category. Three manufacturing plants in New Zealand. Involved with the successful sale of Griffin's to private equity investors and the purchase of Nice & Natural, through supporting the vendor due diligence process covering the balance sheet, cashflow, fixed costs and taxation matters. Helped managed the change from muti-national to private equity ownership through creating monthly reporting to new Board of Directors, managing bank covenants, setting up a treasury function and managing treasury relationships. Completed the change from NZ FRS to NZ IFRS, through working with PWC to ensure all adjustments were made to the opening position, ongoing accounting changes (ie Hedge Accounting and new Deferred Tax Proof ) were accounted for correctly on an ongoing basis and all notes to the accounts were updated with the correct information.

DB Breweries was a publically listed company with majority owned by Asia Pacific Breweries in Singapore. DB is a leading player in the beer category and has four manufacturing plants in New Zealand. Brands include Heineken, Amstel, Monteiths, Tui, Export Gold, Export Dry and DB Draught. I managed the Corporate and Sales and Marketing accounting, including taxation matters, fixed cost management, trade and consumer marketing cost management. After the dis-establishment of the DB Group office, my responsibilities expanded to include, the companies treasury requirements, management of a number of subsidiaries including a large Pub acquired in Dunedin. I was also responsible to the preparation of the annual statutory accounts for the AGM.

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