The new world of Finance Transformation in consumer products

6 January 2012:

A number of converging trends are creating unprecedented challenges for companies in the Consumer Products. Each one of these trends is in itself significant; the fact that they are increasingly interrelated makes the challenges for executives even more complex, requiring tighter integration between Finance and the commercial teams. They include:

Dramatic growth in emerging markets; slowing growth in developed ones.
Focus on cost cutting, liquidity, international growth, and diversification.
Cost-conscious consumers who are more mobile and empowered by technology.
Sharper focus on the responsible sourcing of materials, commodity cost volatility, and sustainability.
Continuing consolidation across sectors and geographies.
Increased regulatory and tax pressures having a growing impact on business strategy.
Ongoing economic pressures underscore the need for an optimized global finance model.

This point of view on Global Finance Transformation in Consumer Products addresses five key drivers for Finance Transformation and examines the shifting role of finance in the industry from “support function” to business partner.