“A CFO today is not just about balancing the books; we are strategic enablers of sustainable, profitable growth,” says Virginie Costa, whose three-decade career in corporate finance spans the luxury, beauty, and food sectors. Former CFO at Hermès, Burberry, Godiva, Wella and now North America CFO at Mondelēz International, Costa has carved out a reputation for driving financial growth through business transformation. “Understanding corporate finance is one thing, but knowing how to apply it to fuel growth and scale businesses is what truly sets a leader apart,” she says.
Driving Business Transformations Across Industries
One of Costa’s defining moments came during her tenure as CFO for Hermès in the U.S. “When I joined, luxury wasn’t as big as it is today. The business was still being built,” she recalls. Under her leadership, the company’s revenue doubled in five years, and the retail footprint expanded from eight to seventeen stores. “That kind of growth doesn’t happen by chance. It requires a strong financial foundation, precise governance, and a clear strategy to enable fast expansion while maintaining brand integrity.”
Her approach to business transformation revolves around structure and connectivity. “One of the biggest strategies I’ve implemented is establishing a transformation office,” she explains. “This ensures that every project aligns with our growth ambitions, with governance and discipline at the core.” The key to scaling a business is connecting all the dots — finance, operations, and strategy — so that growth is fast while also being sustainable. “It’s essential to understand the business in depth,” she says.
The CFO as a Strategic Partner
“I’ve always seen my role as more than just numbers; a CFO should be attached at the hip to the CEO,” says Costa. “We co-drive the business vision into reality, ensuring that financial strategies are fully aligned with long-term objectives.” Her ability to adapt to diverse industries, from luxury fashion to consumer-packaged goods—has been a defining strength, one that’s emerged from a strong understanding of corporate finance and good governance. “Each sector operates differently. Luxury is about brand equity, beauty moves at a fast innovation pace, and food requires an exceptional supply chain strategy. Yet, the fundamentals of financial leadership remain the same: enabling growth while mitigating risk,” explains Costa.
Lifelong Learning and Global Mindset
Costa attributes much of her success to her commitment to continuous learning. “To be a great CFO, or any C-Suite executive, you need to be relentlessly curious,” she says. “I dedicate time to staying informed on the latest trends, whether that’s attending conferences or reading up on subjects like artificial intelligence.”
Her international experience has also played a crucial role in her leadership approach. “When I traveled frequently to Latin America, I realized that to truly connect with the teams, I needed to understand their culture—and that included learning Spanish,” she shares. “It’s not just about language; it’s about appreciating different ways of thinking and conducting business. That’s how you build strong, effective global teams.”
Networking and mentorship are another cornerstone of her professional growth. “I always tell my mentees: build and nurture your network. I constantly engage with other CFOs and business leaders to exchange insights. A simple question like ‘What keeps you up at night?’ can spark incredible discussions that help us all navigate challenges more effectively.”
Balancing Leadership and Life
Despite her high-profile role, Costa emphasizes the importance of balance. “People always ask me: how do you manage being a CFO, a mother, a wife, and a daughter? My answer is discipline and time management,” she says. “I block out space in my calendar for strategic thinking and ensure that I have dedicated family time—like uninterrupted dinners together. Those moments matter.” She also advises professionals to set aside structured time for reflection. “Every Friday afternoon or Monday morning, I check in on my objectives: Are my priorities aligned with my long-term strategy? That simple practice helps me stay on track without getting lost in day-to-day operations.”
A “Future-Back” Approach to Career Growth
Costa believes in planning with the end goal in mind. “I tell my teams and mentees all the time: think future-back. Where do you want to be in five or ten years? Work backward to determine what skills and experiences you need to get there,” she advises. “When evaluating opportunities, I don’t just ask if it’s a good role—I ask if it’s the right step toward the next step to a larger goal.”
Her final piece of advice? “Stay open and curious. Growth happens outside your comfort zone. Be willing to challenge yourself, and you’ll be amazed at where it takes you.” For more insights on corporate finance and leading global teams, follow Virginie Costa on LinkedIn.
