The CFO Agenda: Unlocking data-driven strategies for financial leadership
For years, finance leaders have been expected to do more than just manage the books. Today, the role of the CFO is evolving faster than ever, with economic shifts, new technology, and changing business expectations redefining what it means to lead in finance.
As we edge further into 2025, what are the biggest challenges and opportunities ahead? What should finance teams be focusing on to stay ahead of the curve? And how can CFOs balance financial control with innovation?
These are just some of the questions that we'll be exploring in our upcoming webinar The CFO Agenda: Unlocking data-driven strategies for financial leadership, on April 3rd at 10:00 am (GMT), where finance experts will dive into the trends shaping the future of financial leadership.
Who will be joining us on our expert panel?
James Keating, CMO at Pleo
James Keating is a globally experienced CMO and Marketing VP, driving commercial impact for top companies like Microsoft, Oracle, Deutsche Telekom, Cognizant, and Dropbox. As CMO of Pleo, a leading European spend management platform, he translates business objectives into effective marketing strategies.
Alessandro Mazzocchetti, CFO at Odoo
Alessandro joined ODOO in 2016 as CFO and Head of HR. A member of the Executive Committee and a permanent guest of the Board, he has over 25 years of financial leadership experience, driving ODOO’s global financial growth.
Before ODOO, Alessandro ran his own financial consulting firm and began his career as an M&A lawyer before moving into operational finance. He holds a Master’s in Law from the University of Naples and a Master’s from Solvay Business School.
Michal Marom, VP FP&A at Papaya Global
Michal Marom is the Vice President of Financial Planning and Analysis (FP&A) at Papaya Global, with over 15 years of experience in finance and business analysis. She has a proven track record of driving growth and optimising financial processes across various organizations. Michal holds a degree in Economics from the Technion – Israel Institute of Technology in Haifa.
What’s on the horizon for CFOs in 2025?
The traditional CFO role is no longer just about crunching the numbers, it’s about driving strategic decisions, enabling efficiency, and ensuring resilience. Here are some key themes that will define the next chapter of finance leadership:
1. Automation and AI: Where should finance invest?
AI-driven tools are revolutionising how finance teams operate, automating routine tasks and improving forecasting and decision-making. However, with numerous options available, CFOs need to pinpoint where automation can deliver the greatest impact and ensure their teams successfully adapt to these innovations.
2. The CFO as a growth partner
Finance leaders are now expected to do more than just manage costs. They're also being asked to help drive business growth. Whether it's spotting new revenue opportunities, backing data-driven decisions, or fine-tuning cash flow strategies, CFOs are stepping up as key players in shaping the company's strategy.
3. Financial resilience in uncertain times
With all the changes in the global economy, supply chain issues, and inflation concerns, staying financially resilient is more important than ever. According to The CFOs Playbook for 2025, 68% of businesses are feeling optimistic about their performance in 2025, though this varies by country. Inflation, talent shortages, high energy costs, and rising business taxes (to name just a few) are reshaping business confidence.
4. The changing expectations of CFOs
The CFO role has expanded to cover things like sustainability, compliance, and even shaping the company’s reputation as an employer. As expectations for finance leaders continue to evolve (and arguably, sky rocket), key skills and mindsets will be essential for success in 2025, and many years to come.
Join the conversation
These are just a few of the critical topics we’ll be covering in our upcoming webinar, where top finance experts will share insights and practical takeaways to help CFOs and finance teams navigate the road ahead.
If you’re interested in learning more about how finance leadership is evolving and what’s coming next, sign up for the webinar. The future of finance is changing. Now’s the time to get ahead of the game.