The Treasury Career Corner

• Why Corporate Treasury Needs to Be a Career Choice, Not Just a Happy Accident

  What does it really take to build a successful career in treasury? In this candid and insightful episode recorded live at TEXPO, three accomplished treasury leaders share the surprising, unconventional journeys that led them to the top of their field. From early jobs in fast food and consulting to navigating corporate restructures and capital markets, their stories reveal how curiosity, adaptability, and mentorship shaped their careers. You’ll hear real-world insights on raising treasury’s profile, building effective teams, embracing new technology, and why communication is now as critical as cash flow. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to lead at a higher level, this episode is packed with actionable advice and inspiration from those who’ve walked the path.Meet the Guests:Jeremy Reedus - VP, Global Treasurer at Varel Energy SolutionsJeremy leads global treasury at Varel, with past roles at Air Liquide and Saudi Aramco. Known for building scalable global structures, he champions treasury as a strategic business partner. A former President of the Houston Treasury Management Association, Jeremy champions treasury as a strategic partner within organizations.Danecia Stewart - Director of Treasury at NextDecade LNGDanecia brings a rare 360° view of treasury - from practitioner to consultant to vendor. She’s a go-to expert on treasury tech, digital transformation, and global cash strategy.Martijn van Steenpaal - Senior Vice-President & Treasurer at Darling Ingredients Martijn runs global treasury at Darling, with deep experience in cash management, complex financing, and M&A. He’s a seasoned leader known for delivering results across continents.Main topics discussed:How each panellist "fell into" treasury from vastly different backgroundsThe moment they realized treasury was their long-term pathKey treasury skills learned through unconventional rolesThe shift from reactive cash management to strategic value creationThe increasing importance of communication and stakeholder managementChallenges in attracting new talent to the treasury professionThe role of education, certifications, and self-learning in career advancementWhy mentorship and team-building are essential in treasury leadershipHow treasury’s visibility and brand are evolving - inside and outside the companyThe future of treasury: AI, automation, and growing strategic influence---🎙️ 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...

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• Treasury Trading to Smelting Furnaces – A Treasurer’s Journey Into Industry

  What does it take to transform from a market trader to a strategic corporate treasurer? Erik Hultman the Group Treasurer at Elcowire shares his journey and hard-earned insights on building treasury functions from scratch, influencing corporate strategy, and mastering financial risk in the commodities sector.Erik is the Group Treasurer at Elcowire, a leading European manufacturer of copper and aluminum wire products. With a background in trading and banking, Erik has built and led treasury operations in both financial institutions and industrial corporates. His career spans roles at major Nordic banks and at Sparbanken, where he established a treasury function from the ground up before moving to Elcowire.Main topics discussed:Erik’s career beginnings in trading and how he transitioned into treasury.Building a treasury function from scratch at Sparbanken SydThe shift from banking to a corporate treasury role at Elcowire.Challenges and rewards of managing treasury in a heavy industrial setting.Integrating treasury into strategic business planning.The importance of scenario planning and risk frameworks.How treasury can add value by partnering with other business functions.The role of storytelling and influence in treasury leadership.The impact of commodity risk and hedging in a manufacturing environment.Leveraging technology and data integrity in treasury operations. You can connect with Erik Hultman 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. ICD changes that!🎓 Save $150 on CTP, FPAC & AFP Boston 2025 – Exclusive discounts for treasury professionals – thanks to our trusted partners.🧠 Leadership Under Pressure – Practical tools and coaching that work – from the team at Gazing Leadership🧩 What if your whole team had one clear view of your group structure - Fuseable makes it happen🔐 Managing signatory lists manually? Cygnetise gives treasury teams a smarter, safer way👉 FIND OUT MORE HERE https://treasuryrecruitment.com/partners/

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• Building Treasury Careers - How Houston’s Top Treasurers Make Themselves and Their Teams Visible

  What does it take to thrive as a treasury leader in today’s complex business environment? In this engaging panel discussion recorded LIVE at our recent event in Houston, we bring together three powerhouse treasury professionals - Brook Ballard, Jordan Timberlake, and Fred Schacknies - who pull back the curtain on their careers, leadership philosophies, and the real-world challenges they’ve faced. In this episode you’ll hear how they transitioned from banking and early finance roles into strategic treasury leadership, how they drive performance in hybrid teams, and why visibility, collaboration, and a strong sense of purpose are key to long-term success. Whether you're building your career or managing a treasury function, this candid conversation delivers invaluable insights and practical takeaways straight from the top of the profession.Meet the Guests: Brook Ballard – Most recently the Treasurer of Oceaneering InternationalA veteran treasury leader with experience spanning Anadarko, Live Nation, AIG, Cheniere, and Oceaneering. Brook shares insights from building treasury functions across diverse industries.Jordan Timberlake – Vice President, Treasurer and Investment Operations at Memorial Hermann Health SystemFormer banker turned treasury executive, Jordan discusses her career growth, managing investments and debt, and fostering team development in a major U.S. health system.Fred Schacknies – Vice President & Treasurer at TechnipFMC With a global background in FX, operations, and systems, Fred explores how treasury leadership has shifted from numbers to people and process.Main topics discussed: Career journeys from banking and other industries into treasury leadershipBuilding, scaling, and motivating treasury teamsThe impact of hybrid work and how it shapes collaboration in treasuryThe importance of cross-functional relationships and “Treasury 101” educationStrategies to increase the visibility and impact of the treasury functionInternships and talent pipeline development in treasuryThe importance of identifying your “why” in your careerAdvice for junior professionals on preparing for leadership rolesCreating metrics-driven environments and aligning treasury with corporate goals---🎙️ Subscribe to the Treasury Career Corner podcast - Never miss an episode! Hit subscribe on your favourite platform:🍏Apple Podcasts – https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/treasury-career-corner/id1436647162🎧Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/641KUrhdoQPynLc1q2Guqn🎓 Save $150 on CTP, FPAC & AFP Boston 2025 - Exclusive discounts for treasury professionals – thanks to our trusted partners.🧠 Leadership Under Pressure - Practical tools and coaching that actually work –...

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• How AFP and Its New CEO Pat Culkin Are Equipping Treasury Professionals for the Future

  What does it take to transform a treasury-focused organization into a global powerhouse for finance professionals? In this episode, Pat Culkin, the incoming CEO of the Association for Finance Professionals (AFP), shares his fascinating career journey and insights on the evolving role of treasury in today's business landscape.Pat Culkin is the Executive Vice President and incoming President and CEO of the Association for Finance Professionals (AFP). With over two decades of experience at the organization, Pat has overseen global strategy, partner development, and organizational growth. As he steps into the CEO role, he shares his vision for AFP and the future of treasury and finance professionals worldwide.Main topics discussed: Pat’s unexpected entry into AFP from an external recruiting roleHow AFP evolved from a treasury-only body to a global finance professional hubThe changing landscape of treasury: from back-office to strategic leadershipUpskilling and the new baseline for professional growthThe impact of technology and AI on treasury functionsPat’s personal “why” and mission as AFP’s new CEOAFP’s approach to community building and global expansionThe importance of branding and networking for treasury professionalsHow early career engagement is shaping the future of the professionPractical advice for professionals looking to engage with AFPYou can connect with Pat Culkin on LinkedIn. ---🎙️ Subscribe to the Treasury Career Corner podcast - Never miss an episode! Hit subscribe on your favourite platform:🍏Apple Podcasts – https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/treasury-career-corner/id1436647162🎧Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/641KUrhdoQPynLc1q2Guqn🎓 Save $150 on CTP, FPAC & AFP Boston 2025 - Exclusive discounts for treasury professionals – thanks to our trusted partners.🧠 Leadership Under Pressure - Practical tools and coaching that actually work – from the team at Gazing Leadership.🤝 Support for Your Treasury Career - From education to events, tech to training – meet the partners helping treasury professionals like you grow and succeed.👉 Explore your support network here - https://treasuryrecruitment.com/partners/

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• “Think Like an Owner" Is the Best Career Advice I Ever Got

  Frank Melaccio, Vice President, Finance & Treasurer at Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey, reveals how this mindset propelled his career from banking to executive leadership - and why it could do the same for you.Frank Melaccio is Vice President of Finance and Treasurer at Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey, one of the United States’ largest and oldest health insurers. With a career spanning banking, Big Four consulting, and health insurance, Frank brings a wealth of insight into strategic treasury, risk management, and the future of finance. He’s also an adjunct professor at Hofstra University’s Frank G. Zarb School of Business and a passionate advocate for continual learning and professional development.Frank holds an MBA in finance from Hofstra University and a BS in both finance and economics from Fordham University. He’s also a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), Certified Public Accountant (CPA), and a Certified Financial Risk Manager (FRM).Main topics discussed:Franks career journey: from commuting into Manhattan and dreaming of Wall Street to rising through regional banks and transitioning to health insurance.Frank's move from consulting at PwC during the financial crisis to leading treasury at a health insurer.Building ORSA models and becoming Chief Risk Officer in response to regulatory changes.Franks thoughts on CTP, CFA, CPA, and FRM - how to choose the right one for your path.The importance of team building and how leadership evolves with responsibility.Leveraging AI, coding, RPA, and treasury management systems to modernize and streamline processes.How teaching derivatives and healthcare finance keeps Frank sharp and benefits his corporate leadership.The power of adaptability, planning your path, and the dangers of chasing money over opportunity.You can connect with Frank Melaccio on LinkedIn. ---🎙️ Subscribe to the Treasury Career Corner podcast - Never miss an episode! Hit subscribe on your favourite platform:🍏Apple Podcasts – https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/treasury-career-corner/id1436647162🎧Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/641KUrhdoQPynLc1q2Guqn🎓 Save $150 on CTP, FPAC & AFP Boston 2025 - Exclusive discounts for treasury professionals – thanks to our trusted partners.🧠 Leadership Under Pressure - Practical tools and coaching that actually work – from the team at Gazing Leadership.🤝 Support for Your Treasury Career - From education to events, tech to training – meet the partners helping treasury professionals like you grow and succeed.👉 Explore your support network here - https://treasuryrecruitment.com/partners/

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