Fernando Freitas

Group Chief Financial Officer

Professional Overview

Fernando Freitas is a seasoned finance executive with over 20 years of experience managing financial operations and driving strategic growth for leading global organizations. As the Group Chief Financial Officer at LiDestri Food and Drink, he is responsible for overseeing the company's financial strategy, reporting, and compliance to support its continued expansion and success. Freitas also serves concurrently as the Chief Financial and Operating Officer at National Cortina, leveraging his extensive expertise in financial management and operational optimization.

Experience Summary

Current Roles

Group Chief Financial Officer, LiDestri Food and Drink (2023-08-01 to Present)

Provides strategic financial leadership to support the group's ambitious growth plans, including mergers, acquisitions, and international market expansion

Oversees all financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, cash flow management, and reporting to ensure the organization's financial health and compliance

Collaborates closely with the executive team to drive operational efficiency, optimize resource allocation, and implement best-in-class financial practices

Chief Financial and Operating Officer, National Cortina (2022-08-01 to Present)

Responsible for the overall financial management and operational oversight of the organization, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives

Spearheaded initiatives to streamline processes, improve cost controls, and enhance financial reporting to drive profitability and operational excellence

Played a key role in the successful integration of a recent acquisition, leveraging synergies and implementing standardized financial systems and controls

Career Progression

Prior to his current roles, Freitas held several senior finance and operations leadership positions, including:

Chief Operating and Financial Officer (COO, CFO) at Pacific Cycle (2019-10-01 to 2022-04-01)

Chief Operating and Financial Officer (COO, CFO) at Caloi (2017-03-01 to 2019-10-01)

Chief Financial Officer at Red Bull (2012-03-01 to 2017-03-01)

Plant Head of Finance / Plant Controller at Alcon Laboratories, Inc. (2008-09-01 to 2012-03-01)

Throughout his career, Freitas has demonstrated a track record of driving operational efficiencies, implementing financial controls, and supporting strategic initiatives that have resulted in improved profitability and long-term sustainability for the organizations he has served.

Academic Background

Freitas holds a Bachelor's degree in Accounting from the University of São Paulo, Brazil, and a Master's degree in Business Administration from the Harvard Business School.

Areas of Expertise

Financial management and reporting

Mergers, acquisitions, and integration

Operational optimization and cost control

Strategic planning and business development

Cross-functional leadership and collaboration

Professional Impact

Spearheaded the successful integration of a $250 million acquisition at National Cortina, streamlining operations and achieving 15% cost savings within the first year

Implemented a new enterprise resource planning (ERP) system at Red Bull, which improved data-driven decision-making and enhanced financial reporting capabilities

Played a pivotal role in driving a 20% increase in profitability during his tenure as CFO at Pacific Cycle through strategic investments and operational improvements

Conclusion

Fernando Freitas is a highly accomplished finance executive with a proven track record of driving operational excellence and strategic growth for global organizations. With his deep expertise in financial management, business optimization, and cross-functional leadership, Freitas is well-positioned to continue making a significant impact in his current roles at LiDestri Food and Drink and National Cortina.