Empowering the Future of Finance at CCEP
Building a scalable finance function is now a critical priority for global organizations as the demands on finance leaders rapidly evolve. Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP) recognized that its finance professionals needed to move beyond technical expertise and embrace broader, strategic roles in response to digital transformation and market change. To address this, CCEP partnered with KPMG in the UK to launch the innovative “Future of Finance Academy,” designed to upskill its finance team and future-proof the business.
The Changing Role of Finance Leaders
Today’s finance leaders are expected to be much more than number crunchers. They are increasingly required to act as strategists, storytellers, collaborators, and change agents. The rise of AI, the complexities of geopolitics, and a shifting workforce have all contributed to this transformation. CCEP’s leadership understood that building a scalable finance function would require a new approach to talent development—one that prioritizes adaptability, digital fluency, and strategic thinking.
As Mike Clark, former VP Finance Strategy and Transformation at CCEP, noted, “The future of CCEP Finance is dependent on the skills and capabilities of our next generation of finance talent.”
Implementing the “Future of Finance Academy”
KPMG in the UK collaborated closely with CCEP to co-create a comprehensive learning program targeting senior managers and associate directors within the finance function. The process began with a deep dive into CCEP’s unique business context, ensuring that the curriculum was relevant and impactful across its diverse, multinational operations.
One of the most innovative aspects of the program was its experiential learning approach. Trainees were challenged to apply their new skills to real business problems and present solutions to the board in a business pitch-style competition. This hands-on element proved to be one of the most successful pieces of the Academy, driving engagement and practical understanding.
Before launching the program, KPMG and CCEP jointly developed a detailed plan outlining project governance, quality assurance, and approaches for managing any changes in scope. Senior finance leaders from CCEP worked alongside KPMG’s own specialists to create bespoke content, with a focus on analytics, automation, and strategic decision-making. Over the course of eight weeks, participants engaged in practical projects, case studies, and collaborative exercises, all designed to support building a scalable finance function at CCEP.
A Culture of Continuous Learning
The “Future of Finance Academy” consists of five core modules, delivered both virtually and in-person:
- The changing global finance landscape
- Leading data and analytics practices
- Governance and risk management
- How to lead successful transformation
- Applying learning to sustainability, AI, and digital transformation
To date, four cohorts have completed the Academy, with eight more planned, ultimately upskilling 360 finance leaders. CCEP has already seen a marked increase in employee engagement and retention as a result. Participants are not only gaining vital new skills, but also helping to embed a culture of continuous learning throughout the organization.
As Fiona Burns, Director of People Consulting at KPMG in the UK, explains, the Academy is “the start of a journey, equipping our people with the skills and capabilities to both face the future and to thrive.”
Measurable Impact and Lasting Change
The impact of building a scalable finance function at CCEP goes well beyond upskilling. The program has allowed finance leaders to refresh their core competencies while expanding into areas like AI and change management. The real-world learning context, combined with leading insights from KPMG, has empowered participants to break down silos, collaborate across the business, and drive transformation initiatives with confidence.
By investing in talent development and future-oriented skills, CCEP is setting a benchmark for how large organizations can respond to the changing landscape of finance. The “Future of Finance Academy” is more than a training course; it’s a strategic initiative to ensure that CCEP’s finance function is scalable, adaptable, and ready to meet tomorrow’s challenges.
Conclusion: Shaping the Future of Finance
Building a scalable finance function is essential for companies operating in today’s dynamic business environment. Through its partnership with KPMG in the UK, CCEP is demonstrating how targeted learning and a commitment to continuous improvement can future-proof both people and processes. As the demands on finance continue to evolve, investing in strategic upskilling will remain a key driver of organizational success.
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