John Griffin
Summary
Senior leader with over 15 years of experience in finance and operations, specialising in Commercial Finance, FP&A, Demand Planning, and M&A processes. Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and collaborate effectively to drive strategic initiatives and optimise performance. Skilled in developing financial strategies that align with business goals, enhance profitability, and support sustainable growth. Experienced in managing complex post-acquisition integrations to maximise value and streamline operations.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Chief Executive Officer
Walsh Whiskey
Carlow
01.2024 - Current
- Company Overview: Leading an exceptional team across supply and logistics to support commercial objectives of our Group parent (Amber Beverage Group).
- Performance focused leader responsible for developing and executing strategy for the Irish Whiskey portfolio.
- Lead the strategic direction of the company, overseeing all operations, finance, and supply chain activities to ensure alignment with business goals.
- Oversee post-acquisition integration processes to ensure a smooth transition and alignment with corporate strategy, culture, and operational efficiencies.
- Collaborate with Commercial teams to enhance product positioning, pricing strategies, and marketing initiatives aimed at increasing market share and profitability.
- Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to track financial performance, operational efficiency, and margin improvements.
- Foster a culture of continuous improvement by implementing best practices in supply chain management, inventory optimisation, and cost control.
- Engage with stakeholders, including investors, suppliers, and customers, to strengthen relationships and drive business growth.
- Leading an exceptional team across supply and logistics to support commercial objectives of our Group parent (Amber Beverage Group).
Finance & Supply Chain Director
Walsh Whiskey
Carlow
05.2016 - 12.2023
- Directed M&A processes on the sell side, successfully negotiating and closing a 100% sale to Amber Beverage Group (ABG).
- Led post-acquisition integration initiatives, ensuring seamless alignment of financial and operational systems within our ABG.
- Leading an exceptional team across supply and logistics to support commercial objectives of our Group parent (Amber Beverage Group).Drove revenue growth by providing data-driven recommendations based on comprehensive performance evaluations. Revenue EUR 8.6m in 2024 vs EUR 4.3m in 2016.
- Lead the annual budgeting and forecasting processes, ensuring alignment with strategic business goals.
- Develop and maintain financial models to support long-term strategic planning and scenario analysis.
- Developed key performance indicators (KPIs) for financial and supply chain operations, leading to improved performance tracking and accountability.
- Prepare comprehensive financial reports and dashboards for senior management to facilitate data-driven decision-making.
- Collaborate with sales and marketing teams to evaluate pricing strategies and initiatives aimed at enhancing profitability and market share.
- Delivered actionable insights from market and financial analysis to support strategic decisions.
- Conduct competitive analysis and market research to identify trends and opportunities for growth.
- Lead cross-functional teams in financial reviews, ensuring alignment between finance and commercial strategies.
- Mentor junior finance team members, fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement.
- Monitor and report on ROI metrics for commercial initiatives, ensuring effective allocation of capital resources.
- Evaluate cost structures and uncover opportunities for margin enhancement through operational efficiencies and strategic sourcing of raw materials inventory.
- Executed cost-saving initiatives throughout supply chain, achieving approximately 10% reduction in operating expenses over two years while maintaining quality and service levels
- Developed comprehensive demand planning strategies increasing forecast accuracy by ~30%, aligning production schedules with market requirements and decreasing surplus inventory.
Pricing Analyst
Kerry Group
08.2015 - 05.2016
Finance Analyst
Glanbia
01.2015 - 08.2015
Finance Business Partner/Controller
Pfizer/Nestle
10.2011 - 01.2015
Financial Accountant
Jaguar Capital Limited
06.2011 - 10.2011
Audit Manager
Lalor O’Shea Chartered Accountants
07.2006 - 06.2011
Education
Executive MBA -
Smurfit Business School
Dublin12-2024
FCA -
Institute of Chartered Accountants Ireland
01.2011
BSc - Business Management (Accounting)
Technology University Dublin
Dublin11-2006
Skills
- Leadership and business strategy
- Stakeholder management
- Financial planning and analysis
- KPI development and performance tracking
- Supply chain management
- Demand forecasting
- Market analysis and competitive intelligence
- Cross-functional collaboration
- M&A strategy and integration
- Due diligence processes
- Change management
- Budgeting and forecasting
Personal Information
Hobbies: Sports and Fitness – soccer, GAA, running, cycling, Reading – non-fiction and Business Biographies (Shoe Dog (Nike), That Will Never Work (Netflix story), Practising Meditation and Mindfulness Techniques, Spending time with family & friends
Timeline
Chief Executive Officer
Walsh Whiskey
01.2024 - Current
Finance & Supply Chain Director
Walsh Whiskey
05.2016 - 12.2023
Pricing Analyst
Kerry Group
08.2015 - 05.2016
Finance Analyst
Glanbia
01.2015 - 08.2015
Finance Business Partner/Controller
Pfizer/Nestle
10.2011 - 01.2015
Financial Accountant
Jaguar Capital Limited
06.2011 - 10.2011
Audit Manager
Lalor O’Shea Chartered Accountants
07.2006 - 06.2011
Executive MBA -
Smurfit Business School
FCA -
Institute of Chartered Accountants Ireland
BSc - Business Management (Accounting)
Technology University Dublin
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