Rebecca Napier: From British Airways to Chief Financial Officer at Britvic plc
Rebecca Napier is a prominent executive in the UK corporate world, known for her exceptional leadership in finance and strategic direction. In September 2023, Napier took on the role of Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Executive Director at Britvic plc, a leading UK-based soft drinks company. Her appointment marks a significant milestone in her career, transitioning from a long and successful tenure at British Airways to a new challenge in the fast-paced consumer goods industry. This article explores Napier’s career trajectory, accomplishments, and impact, as well as her educational background and leadership qualities.
Early Career and Education
Rebecca Napier’s journey into the world of finance began with a solid academic foundation. She graduated with first-class honours in Management Studies from the University of Leeds, equipping her with the skills and knowledge needed for a successful career in business and finance. Her academic achievements were only the beginning, as Napier’s career would see her rise through various financial roles, leveraging her expertise to contribute to some of the most well-known companies in the world.
Rise Through British Airways
Rebecca Napier’s career truly took off at British Airways, where she spent an impressive 17 years. Her time at the airline giant showcased her ability to adapt to a variety of complex financial responsibilities and corporate environments. Napier’s initial roles involved financial management and reporting, which laid the groundwork for her eventual rise to the role of Chief Financial Officer.
In June 2019, Napier was appointed CFO at British Airways, where she led financial strategy, reporting, and budgeting for one of the world’s largest international airlines. Her ability to steer the company through financial complexities was evident in her work, which included overseeing a variety of significant financial transformations. Napier’s leadership skills were crucial in ensuring the airline’s resilience during challenging periods, particularly in navigating the financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. During her tenure, Napier also served as an Executive Director on the Board of British Airways, where she played a pivotal role in shaping corporate governance and strategic direction.
In addition to her role as CFO, Napier held several other key positions during her time at British Airways, such as Head of Finance Transformation and Director of Finance Business Partnering. She was also involved in leading strategic business units, providing oversight on short-haul flights, and coordinating financial reporting across various departments. Her experience at British Airways helped her develop an in-depth understanding of large-scale operations, financial management, and governance, skills she would later carry into her next career chapter.
Transition to Britvic plc
In September 2023, Napier transitioned to Britvic plc as the Chief Financial Officer, taking over from Joanne Wilson. Britvic is one of the UK’s largest soft drinks companies, with a diverse portfolio of brands, including Robinsons, Pepsi, and Tango. This shift marked a significant change in Napier’s career, moving from the airline industry to the consumer goods sector. Despite the difference in industries, her experience in financial leadership, strategic planning, and transformation proved invaluable in her new role.
At Britvic, Napier’s responsibilities go beyond managing finances; she is also the chair of the company’s Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Committee. In this role, she has worked to ensure that Britvic maintains its commitment to sustainability and ethical business practices, something that is increasingly important in the modern business landscape. Napier’s work on ESG initiatives aligns with her broader goals of fostering responsible corporate behavior and building long-term value for both shareholders and consumers.
Leadership at Avios Group Limited
Napier’s career is not limited to her roles at British Airways and Britvic. From 2019 to 2023, she was also a board member of Avios Group Limited, the loyalty program for British Airways and other airlines within the International Airlines Group (IAG). This experience provided her with a unique perspective on consumer loyalty and its financial implications, helping her to further understand the dynamics of customer retention and brand value.
Significant Achievements and Contributions
One of Rebecca Napier’s key strengths is her ability to lead through transformation. At British Airways, she was instrumental in driving significant changes in the financial systems and processes, ensuring the company’s financial health during turbulent times. Her leadership was especially critical during the global pandemic, where many businesses faced unprecedented challenges. Napier’s strategic vision and financial acumen helped British Airways navigate through these crises and emerge more resilient.
At Britvic, Napier has continued to drive innovation and transformation, focusing on improving the company’s financial performance and enhancing shareholder value. Her strategic direction at Britvic has included overseeing key acquisitions, cost-saving initiatives, and market expansion efforts.
Napier’s decision to purchase 12 shares in Britvic plc in October 2024 further demonstrates her confidence in the company’s future and her alignment with its growth strategy. This move reflects not only her belief in Britvic’s financial prospects but also her personal commitment to the company she now leads.
Conclusion
Rebecca Napier’s career is a testament to the power of strong financial leadership and strategic foresight. From her early days as a Chartered Accountant at Deloitte to her time as CFO at British Airways, and now her role at Britvic, Napier has consistently demonstrated her ability to lead organizations through complex financial landscapes. Her work at both British Airways and Britvic highlights her expertise in corporate governance, financial transformation, and sustainable business practices.
As Chief Financial Officer at Britvic, Napier is well-positioned to guide the company through its next phase of growth, ensuring that it remains a leader in the soft drinks industry while maintaining a commitment to environmental and social responsibility. Her career is a shining example of how expertise, leadership, and vision can shape the future of a company and industry.
In the coming years, it will be exciting to watch how Rebecca Napier continues to influence the business world, leveraging her financial expertise and leadership qualities to drive success and make a lasting impact.
