Cargill: The Finance transformation
Sandy Xu, Global Enterprise Controller Animal Nutrition, Cargill

When Cargill’s trusted and highly-rated Finance function undertook one of the most all-encompassing transformations in the history of business, it was with a specific aim in mind. Cargill aimed to drive efficiencies and reduce costs, while maintaining value-add to the business. The function undertook a multi-year, wholesale change of systems, processes, people and talent mix to drive a leaner, more effective and customer-focused Finance experience. At the same time, the Cargill business itself went through its own transformation to position it for future growth, which the Finance transformation needed to adapt and allow for. What did the business do right, and what were the lessons it learned? In this session we’ll be joined by Cargill APAC Regional Controller Sandy Xu, who’ll walk us through the myriad changes the company made, and explore how they’ve played out, both globally and in the Asia Pacific region.

Leading in a high performance environment
Janek Schergen, Artistic Director, Singapore Ballet
Ali Alsagoff, Chief Concierge, The Fullerton Bay Hotel

There’s no doubt that high performing individuals bring value to any team. But their true value is not only in their individual high performance, but in the dynamics they create with their peers. Ballet is an apt example: Principals and Soloists are top performer, and often audience drawcards, but they can only be successful in close teamwork with the corps de ballet. The role of the ballet’s Artistic Director is to bring together a large group of high performers, each with specialist skills, and get them working effectively together. Another example is a luxury hotel, where agility is the name of the game, and teams have to have the ability to flex to a range of different business models and guest demands, while working effectively together. Here the Chief Concierge plays a critical role in developing individual talent while building an effective team. Similarly, CFOs need to orchestrate outstanding performance in their own teams, and build an agile workforce to meet changing commercial demands. In this session we’ll be joined by the Singapore’ Ballet’s Artistic Director Janek Schergen, and The Fullerton Hotel’s Chief Concierge Ali Alsagoff, as we explore how he drives a high performance environment. Janek has been involved with the company since its inception in 1988, and has been Artistic Director since 2008, having previously been Ballet Master of the Royal Swedish Ballet, the Pittsburgh Ballet and the Norwegian National Ballet. He is a recipient of Singapore’s Public Service Medal, and was appointed Swede of the Year in 2019. Ali has worked in senior concierge roles in Singapore and Brunei, and before joining The Fullerton Bay was Head Concierge at the Four Seasons, and prior to that was at the Mandarin Oriental. He is a former Vice President of Les Clefs d'Or, the concierge professional body.

Members may attend with a member of their Finance team. Luncheon and light refreshments will be served.