What does it take to transform treasury into a strategic driver inside a global luxury brand?

In this episode, Olivier Smekens, Global Head of Treasury at Breitling, shares how he’s leveraging fintech, automation, and agile thinking to future-proof treasury operations - and what you can learn from his approach.

With a career spanning consulting, automotive manufacturing, and high-growth private equity environments, Olivier brings a wealth of cross-industry experience. At Breitling, he’s leading the digital transformation of treasury - automating FX hedging, preparing for IPO-readiness, and exploring the frontiers of AI in financial systems.

Whether you're building a treasury function from the ground up or optimizing an established one, you'll walk away with practical insights on:

Implementing automation to manage FX risk
Evaluating next-gen treasury tech
Supporting rapid growth in a private equity setting

This conversation is a must-listen for treasury professionals ready to elevate their role as strategic enablers of growth.

What We Cover in This Episode:

Olivier’s career path: from KPMG auditor to global treasury leader
Transitioning into treasury without prior experience - and thriving
Key treasury challenges in the automotive industry (FX risk, liquidity, decentralization)
What it’s like to lead treasury in a private equity-backed company
How treasury supports high-growth initiatives at Breitling, including acquisitions and expansion
Implementing FX hedge automation using Kantox
Preparing for a TMS rollout: evaluating AI capabilities and tech providers
The role of NFTs and blockchain in Breitling’s digital innovation
Embracing a tech-forward mindset to drive treasury efficiency
How cross-cultural experience has shaped Olivier’s leadership style
Why soft skills and simplification are vital for board-level impact

You can connect with Olivier Smekens on LinkedIn.

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Automating FX Hedging And Applying AI In Treasury At Breitling

The Treasury Career Corner