Treasury 360° Nordic 2024

Subject to separate registration. For all the info about this 22 May pre-event, go to the dedicated Training Day by Treasury 360° website.  

All trainings run in parallel for four hours from 13:00 to 17:00, so you can enroll for max one. 

This starting time is definite (as is the 8:00 breakfast start), though the rest of the day could see some deviations from this draft schedule. So pick up your ticket and schedule your trip! The venue is just across the road from Copenhagen Airport terminal 3. 

With a background as Secretary General of NATO from 2009 to 2014, and Danish prime minister from 2001 to 2009, Anders Fogh Rasmussen has a strong record of helping businesses and democratic governments to understand and shape international politics – through his advisory firm Rasmussen Global. Since the outbreak of the war, he has worked on a pro-bono basis with the Ukrainian President’s Office. Asked by President Zelenskyy, he co-authored a report on security guarantees for Ukraine known as the Kyiv Security Compact, forming the basis for bilateral security agreements between Ukraine and G7 nations. 

In a world of short news cycles and complex geopolitical shifts, it is crucial to not only follow world events but also to understand the key players and anticipate decisions before they unfold.

Strawberry, formerly known as Nordic Choice Hotels, has undergone a comprehensive transformation in the last couple of years: Rebranding itself, opening and acquiring 37 new hotels since March 2020, introducing a new loyalty program in collaboration with the airline company Norwegian, and concurrently revitalising both its IT software and hardware. CFO Trine Lise Marsdal will provide insights into the strategic decisions behind these initiatives, which were undertaken while the company worked hard to turn significant losses into positive results.

Quick scroll:  [Track A] •  [Track B] •  [Track C] •  [Track D] •  [Track E]

For the middle section of the day, the program now splits into four topical tracks. Each track will feature 4–5 sessions: normally two before lunch and three after. You move between the sessions as you like, and many sessions will later be available as videos on treasury360.net.

Track A – Technology-driven transformation at the treasury

11:20 INTRODUCTION

From advanced cash management systems to artificial intelligence, robotic processing and cybersecurity … We have heard all the terms but how do we manage our innovation to make sure new solutions support, rather than disrupt, our operations? This track will feature both cases and discussion. Experiences from different Nordic countries will be discussed.

Track moderator: Britt Jensen, Client Advisory, Treasury and Trade Solutions, Citi

11:25 PANEL: Systems and Technology – challenges, pitfalls and lessons learnt

Two large-cap global cash managers and a consultant bring the journey stories from their implementations to the stage – lining out everything from the drivers, to the selection criteria, team management, the surprising bends along the trip … and not least, the lessons learnt.

Moderator:

Britt Jensen, Client Advisory, Treasury and Trade Solutions, Citi

Panellists:

Netta Christensen, Global Head of Cash Management Strategy, Maersk

Malin Löfgren, Global Cash Manager, Volvo Group

Fredrik Simonson, Treasury Advisory Group, Zanders

(A five-minute buffer at 11:55 enables you to shift tracks if you would like.)

12:00 CASE STUDY: Tapping account balances through APIs for real-time bank account overview at Better Energy

The idea is simple but the effect on cash management is radical – and still ahead of what almost any other corporates yet do. A coordinated set of API calls, to the group’s banks, will feed back their balances and present these in handy little list that offers full current overview in seconds, including the cash currency exposures. With the morning coffee, it will be natural to check up in the mobile. Transaction histories are tapped to generate curve graphs over time, offering a shortcut to spotting trends.
What the cost for this information quality would have been by traditional bank services? Ouch.
(Trivia: The project resulted from a random meeting at Treasury 360° Nordic 2023 between Better Energy and one of the conference sponsors)

Jacob Koch, Vice President, Head of Treasury, Better Energy

12:30 Lunch break

14:15 CASE STUDY: Navigating cyber threats and resilience in the finance function

Digital threats are no joke, and we are all clear on the necessity of being aware and prepared. But then … exactly what does it mean we should do? Ken Bonefeld Nielsen promises a thought-provoking session exploring areas including brand protection, crisis management scenarios, and critical infrastructure such as in the energy and telecoms sectors.

Ken Bonefeld Nielsen, Vice President, CISO, Norlys

(A five-minute buffer at 14:45 enables you to shift tracks if you would like.)

14:50 FIRESIDE CHAT: Treasury dilemma: future tech vs. today’s challenges

• Transforming treasury from support organisation to a strategic business partner at Andritz Group

• What cultural, skills and tool development will be needed?

• From commonly agreed vision and strategy to a practical roadmap steps

Minna Helppi, SVP Group Finance, Andritz Group

Harri Rantanen, Business Developer, Corporate Banking, Large Corporates & Financial Institutions, SEB

Quick scroll:  [Track A] •  [Track B] •  [Track C] •  [Track D] •  [Track E]

Track B – Nailing the deal

11:20 INTRODUCTION

This track looks at corporate finance, funding and investment initiatives, and discusses what we can learn. It will power also speakers from a range of corporate-treasurer associations in different countries, on how they seek to influence current developments, what stakeholders are their most important counterparties in their lobby efforts, and what are the methods they work by.

Track moderator: Johan Trocmé, Managing Director, Thematics, Investment Banking, Nordea

11:25 CASE STUDY: Go Get the Green Mandate

Sustainability is at the heart of the business at Topsoe, a Danish founded company that specializes in developing solutions and technologies to produce fuels and chemicals essential to the energy transition. In this session, learn from Karina Sundbæk how the finance function can play a crucial role in the green transition. Karina shares the results Topsoe is achieving because Finance is taking the green mandate, and becomes a proactive partner in leading the company towards a sustainable future. The session delivers practical insights and will inspire finance people to "go and get the green mandate".

Karina Sundbæk, VP, Head of Group Finance & Facility, Topsoe A/S

(A five-minute buffer at 11:55 enables you to shift tracks if you would like.)

12:00 PANEL: CFO perspectives

Let this select panel of corporate chief financial officers guide us to our treasuries’ business context in a set of areas – as they all look from their different viewpoints.

• The funding landscape for mergers and acquisitions (with respect to access, rating, platforms …)

• How to manage stakeholders

• Disruptive and transformative situations

• ESG and funding

Moderator: Henrik Immelborn, Managing Director, Investment Banking, Nordea

Panellists:

Håkan Folin, CFO, Epiroc

Per Johannesen Madsen, CFO, Matas

Henriette Wennicke, CFO,  Zealand Pharma

12:30 Lunch break

14:15 PANEL: This is how we lobby for treasurers, and nurture our profession

Meet senior treasury association representatives to get a grasp on how they seek to influence current developments, what stakeholders are their most important counterparties in their lobby efforts, and what are the methods they work by. How can ordinary treasury professionals contribute?

Panellists:

Annette Spencer, CEO, Association of Corporate Treasurers (ACT)

Erwin Bastianen, Director Treasury, Nike

François Masquelier, CEO Simply Treasury, Chair of the European Association of Corporate Treasurers (EACT)

Alexandros Koliavras, Head of Treasury Finance and Finance Transformation, ING Americas,President, Hellenic Association of Treasurers (HAT) 

The session is led by Caroline Stockmann, Hon FCT, Non-Exec Director and External Member SONIA Oversight Committee, Bank of England

(A five-minute buffer at 14:45 enables you to shift tracks if you would like.)

14:50 PANEL: Build the bank – The concrete secrets to in-house banking structures 

Let’s delve into the practicalities of in-house banking. What are the key requirements for implementing the structures for it – not only in relation to banks, but also considering technology providers and internal stakeholders?
Our panelists, Equinor’s Lena Myklebust and Volvo Cars’ Johan Larsson, will share what they view as best practices – and pitfalls to avoid. Gain insights into scoping and implementation schedules, and areas such as payments versus collections, regions, and currencies.

Lena Myklebust, Head of Cash Management Infrastructure, Equinor

Johan Larsson, Head of Cash & Treasury Risk Management, Volvo Cars

Christof Hofmann, Head of Corporate Cash Management, Deutsche Bank

Quick scroll:  [Track A] •  [Track B] •  [Track C] •  [Track D] •  [Track E]

Track C – Boost the process

11:20 INTRODUCTION

Most of us have our core processes and systems reasonably well under control (or let’s hope so). So today, where are the best opportunities to do things even more efficiently? Through cases and talks, and lunch, let us connect with the colleagues who share our craving to improve – or have experiences we can learn from.

Track moderator: Johan Wennerberg, Global Head of Large Corporates & Institutions, Transaction Banking Sales, Danske Bank

11:25 CASE STUDY: The importance of getting it right – M&A Treasury Integration at Danfoss

In the complex world of M&A Treasury integration, management and optimisation are key. Assistant group treasurer at Danfoss, Palle Dedenroth, will share insights on their practices and the importance of complexity reduction as well as having robust systems and processes in place. Join him for a session on Danfoss' approach to the complexities of M&A integration, consolidating operations in a robust treasury framework.

Palle Dedenroth, Assistant Treasurer, Corporate Treasury, Danfoss

(A five-minute buffer at 11:55 enables you to shift tracks if you would like.)

12:00 CASE STUDY: Establishing a payment factory at Stena Metall

With 44 billion SEK in sales in the past financial year, the recycler Stena Metall seeks to support more efficient use of the world’s limited resources. Head of Treasury Caroline Jandler joins Treasury 360° Nordic to share her organisations experience from reorganising its payments.

Caroline Jandler, Head of Treasury, Stena Metall

12:30 Lunch break

14:15 CASE STUDY: All aboard. Volvo Treasury’s rapid digitization of bond-issuance process

Running the preparations for a syndicated bond issuance is a large effort, with documentation and many complicated workflows to get right between the different banks and other stakeholders. As the first issuer of such a bond on the new debt digitisation service Origin, Volvo Treasury AB last year raised €1 billion in a dual-tranche deal with Citi as Documentation Bank and other active bookrunners including ING, Mizuho and Societe Generale. This saw draft documentation ready a couple of hours after pricing – and the trade listing subsequently performed through the platform’s API connection into the Luxembourg Stock Exchange. Since then, the company has used the platform for multiple issuance for both syndicated bonds and private placements with multiple banks.

Danijel Afolter, Portfolio Manager, Volvo Treasury

(A five-minute buffer at 14:45 enables you to shift tracks if you would like.)

14:50 PANEL: Getting the big picture right – at Sandvik and Assa Abloy

With the global and ever-changing nature of corporate treasury, predicting tomorrow’s challenges is impossible. What we can do, however, is seek to get solid structures in place, in terms of models, systems, and processes – whether to support decision-making, acquisitive growth, payments and liquidity management, or any other optimisation.So, on the highest level, how do we actually go about doing this? Hear it from large caps Sandvik and Assa Abloy how they – today – are setting themselves up for their future. 

Anneli Walltott, Deputy Group Treasurer, Head of Cash Flow Management, Sandvik Treasury

Sigrid Pettersson, Global head of Cash Management, Assa Abloy

Marion Reuter, Managing Director, Regional Head Transaction Banking Sales, UK & Europe, Standard Chartered

Jonas Landebrink, Director, Transaction Banking Sales Nordic, Standard Chartered

Quick scroll:  [Track A] •  [Track B] •  [Track C] •  [Track D] •  [Track E]

Track D - The human element

11:20 INTRODUCTION

It’s all about the people, right? From education to recruitment, motivation, continuous improvements, transformation, social sustainability and long-term wellbeing … how do we relate to our treasuries’ most powerful but also most unpredictable asset: our colleagues and ourselves?

Track moderator: Jan Dirk van Beusekom, Head of Marketing, BNP Paribas Cash Management, Trade Solutions & Factoring

11:25 PANEL: Skills through generations, part 1 – Senior treasurers’ outlook

Not only are treasurer skills rare; they are also a moving target as financial markets, technology platforms, and workplace cultures are all subject to rapid change. So, who are the treasurers of today and tomorrow, and what environment will they require, to flourish, and to stay? 
In a double-session format, let’s take a look, from each side of a generational line, at how our treasuries should cater to the need for personal development, inclusiveness, and joy. This first part, featuring a panel of long-established treasurers, looks back at their own experiences, as well as forward, at the strategies treasuries will need to apply to stay attractive and competent over the coming decades.

Panellists: 

Linette Nielsen, Corporate Vice President, Head of treasury, Novo Nordisk

Kasper Christensen, Director, Global Treasury, Pandora

Claudine Smith,  CEO, BNP Paribas Norway

The session is led by track moderator Jan Dirk van Beusekom

(A five-minute buffer at 11:55 enables you to shift tracks if you would like.)

12:00 PANEL: Skills through generations, part 2 – Young treasurers’ outlook

Part 1 just informed us of which direction treasuries should develop to safeguard their recruitment attraction and competence over time, according to some of their senior professionals.
So, now … did they nail it or not? In this second session, let’s hear it from the actual decision makers: the upcoming generation of Nordic treasury pros. What are the keys they see to work environments and career paths that will stay rewarding though the years? And in what areas have they perceived the most overdue need for improvements?

Panellists: 

Caroline Snorgaard, Treasury Analyst, Demant

Jozef Polak, Treasury Manager, European Energy

Iina Haapasaari, Regional Treasury Manager, KONE

The session is led by track moderator Jan Dirk van Beusekom

12:30 Lunch break

14:15 The journey that brought me here: Crayon’s Lei Wang Giæver

Her career is solidly Norwegian, since the start of her studies with BI Norwegian Business School two decades ago. Norsk Hydro, Kavli, Hurigruten … and now, IT management company Crayon. Still, her emotional and cultural connection stays strong with the place of her upbringing: Shanghai, China.
Treasuries are made up of their individuals. In this session, meet Lei for one of all these unique stories – and learn how she seeks to help shaping the corporate culture, and lead improvement where possible.

Lei Wang Giæver, VP Group Treasury, Crayon

(A five-minute buffer at 14:45 enables you to shift tracks if you would like.)

14:50 PANEL: You got the job – now conquer it!

Let’s revisit a highly appreciated topic from previous conferences! All professions see people shifting jobs but few approach it with a conscious plan and structure on the same level as treasurers do – whether senior or junior.
What is a good plan when we enter a new workplace or role. What challenges can we expect, and how do we best prepare ourselves? Then, well in place, how do we set our agenda and make the people around us feel confident, comfortable and motivated to support our goals – and enjoy the work?
The session will seek the general tips, while also reflecting on the broad array of situations that a new treasury job can present.

Elisabeth Elsom, Treasurer, Orkla Food Ingredients

Christian Henriksen, Head of Treasury, Ambu

The session is led by track moderator Jan Dirk van Beusekom

Quick scroll:  [Track A] •  [Track B] •  [Track C] •  [Track D] •  [Track E]

Track E – The global view

11:20 INTRODUCTION

When corporates need a treasury, it is usually because of the complexities that come with international expansion, so let’s properly get the world into the conference! This new track is enabled by experts in cross-border business and finance relations – making the Treasury 360° Nordic conference a touchpoint not just for the Nordics but for the treasury world as a whole. What’s the big picture we should all see and understand in 2024?

Track moderator: Caroline Stockmann, Hon FCT, Non-Exec Director and External Member SONIA Oversight Committee

11:25 Managing treasury in complex countries

We are all familiar with the challenges posed, to varying degrees, by complex countries, especially in emerging markets. Trapped cash, low interest rates, high inflation, rapidly depreciating currencies, limited (or even no) service from core international partner banks, regulations which change rapidly and are not always clear – these are just some of the challenges which are the daily lot for treasurers dealing with these countries. Join this discussion to see how treasurers cope with these challenges, and get their views on the best organisation structure to manage them – local or centralised?

Moderator: Damian Glendinning, Chairman of the Advisory Board, CompleXCountries

Panellists:

Andrea Sottoriva, Group Treasurer, SITA

Karen Van den Driessche, Group Treasurer, Ortex

More panellists to be announced

(A five-minute buffer at 11:55 enables you to shift tracks if you would like.)

12:00 PANEL: Treasury in emerging markets: China

China is very much on a collision course with the US over questions like Russia, the dominant role of the US dollar, and trade tensions. At the same time, it is a very important market for most western companies, and it is one to which they are deeply committed. It continues to be a challenging environment from a regulatory point of view, though efforts continue to improve the situation.

Moderator: Damian Glendinning, Chairman of the Advisory Board, CompleXCountries

Panellists:

Andrea Sottoriva, Group Treasurer, SITA

Michel Verholen, Assistant Treasurer, Zoetis

Martin Meloun, Senior Director Treasury EMEA, JAPAC and LATAM, Edwards Lifesciences

12:30 Lunch break

14:15 PANEL: Treasury in emerging markets: Brazil and Argentina

Two countries to which the term complex can be applied, but with very different consequences for Treasurers. Whereas Argentina is a poster child for a dysfunctional economy, Brazil continues to perform well, even if inflation persists and interest rates remain high. Brazil remains a main engine of growth for the LATAM region, though everyone finds it to be a tough and highly competitive market. But in Argentina the main challenge, as we await the impact of the new president, is survival.

Moderator: Rupert Keenlyside, Founder, CompleXCountries

Panellists:

Hien Dijkstra-Pham, Treasurer, Darling Ingredients International

Michel Verholen, Assistant Treasurer, Zoetis

Martin Meloun, Senior Director Treasury EMEA, JAPAC and LATAM, Edwards Lifesciences

(A five-minute buffer at 14:45 enables you to shift tracks if you would like.)

14:50 CASE STUDY: How treasury collaboration powers global expansion at H&M

Scaling a brand from 20 to 77 countries in 20 years is no easy feat. Just ask Nevena Poumpalova, Cash Manager for Americas, Central and Eastern Europe at H&M. From adapting to the fast-paced evolution of the role of treasury, to building an interdepartmental powerhouse team, Nevena has seen first-hand how treasury collaboration drives business results. Learn how she helped guide the company and encourage partnership across lines of business in this discussion with Liselotte Andersson, Executive Director at J.P. Morgan Payments.

Nevena Poumpalova, Cash Manager for Americas, Central and Eastern Europe, H&M

Liselotte Andersson, Executive Director, J.P. Morgan Payments

In a discussion with Mikkel Gleerup, the Chief Executive Officer of Cadeler, we explore the evolution of his leadership skills during Cadeler's transformative growth in the renewable wind sector. Within a span of less than 10 years, Cadeler has transitioned from a market challenger to a prominent market leader in offshore wind installation. We delve into the changes in Gleerup's leadership approach throughout this journey and gain insights into his perspective on modern leadership in an increasingly complex world. The discussion is facilitated by Thomas Bo Krogslund Joergensen from Russell Reynolds Associates.

A good team, well prepared, can do anything. Or this was what Norwegian mountaineer Kristin Harila set out to prove as she, together with Nepali guide Tenjen Lama Sherpa last year, embarked to conquer all the world’s 14 peaks of over 8,000 metres in a record-short span of time. Their spectacular race of only 92 days halved the previous world record, set in 2019, of 6 months and 6 days (which in turn had surpassed a previous world’s-fastest that took nearly eight years).Since resigning from a management job in 2019, Kristin has dedicated her life to the outdoors. Meet her for a story of focus, team work, resilience, risk management, and not least relations.

Not familiar with Isaac And The Soul Company? Check out their home page. The show is entirely new, also featuring singer Emilia (yes, “Big big world”) – and late night-style interviews on stage. 

For the late night, meet DJ Henri Matisse. From relaxed poolsides to pumping festivals, he will set the soundtrack to have the crowd moving and smiling. With him, you are up for a long night on 23 May. For warm up, find a set of his here.