Professional Overview
James Chapman is an accomplished Senior Finance Director and Head of Finance with extensive expertise in the consumer goods and retail industries. He is a strategic financial leader with a proven track record of driving operational efficiency, financial planning, and business performance optimization.
Experience Summary
Current Role
In his current role as Senior Finance Director / Head of Finance at Walgreens Boots Alliance, James is responsible for overseeing all financial operations and strategy for the organization's international business. He leads a team of finance professionals to ensure accurate reporting, robust forecasting, and data-driven decision-making. Under his leadership, the finance function has played a pivotal role in delivering profitable growth and improving working capital management.
Career Progression
James has progressed through increasingly senior finance roles over the past decade. Prior to his current position, he served as Finance Director at Walgreens Boots Alliance, where he spearheaded the implementation of a new financial planning and analysis (FP&A) framework that enhanced visibility and supported business unit leaders in driving performance improvements. Earlier in his career, James gained valuable experience as a Senior Finance Manager and Financial Analyst at Johnson & Johnson, where he specialized in consumer supply chain and diabetes care finance.
Academic Background
James holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He is a results-oriented finance professional with a strong educational foundation in accounting, financial analysis, and strategic planning.
Areas of Expertise
- Financial planning and analysis
- Cost optimization and process improvement
- Financial reporting and compliance
- Treasury management and cash flow optimization
- Cross-functional collaboration and stakeholder management
- Leadership and team development
Professional Impact
At Walgreens Boots Alliance, James has been instrumental in driving the company's financial transformation, delivering over $25 million in recurring cost savings through process streamlining and technology enablement. He has also played a key role in enhancing the organization's working capital position, resulting in a 12% improvement in cash conversion cycle. James's strategic insights and data-driven approach have been pivotal in supporting the company's global expansion and profitability initiatives.
Conclusion
With his extensive finance expertise, strategic mindset, and proven track record of delivering tangible business impact, James Chapman is well-positioned to continue driving financial excellence and supporting the growth aspirations of Walgreens Boots Alliance. His commitment to financial rigor, operational efficiency, and cross-functional collaboration make him a valuable asset to the organization.
