Global CFO Excellence Awards 2020

14 Acquisition International - Global CFO Excellence Awards 2020 F&B Processing CFO of the Year (Iberia): David Sagredo Nebreda Within the food industry around the globe, there are a number of techniques and procedures that require the finest equipment that money can buy. Hiperbaric is a company that specialises in designing, manufacturing, and marketing High Pressure Processing equipment for the food industry all over the world. However, it is CFO David Sagredo that has been instrumental in the continued success of the firm, exerting every ounce of his considerable experience and expertise to lead the firm in exceptional ways. Find out how as we take a closer look at the firm and its CFO. igh pressure processing is a cold pasteurization technique which consists of subjecting food to a high level of hydrostatic pressure. It is a natural and environmentally-friendly process that respects the ingredient and helps maintain the fresh food characteristics like flavour and nutrients. It is a real alternative to traditional thermal and chemical treatments, and is exactly what Hiperbaric specialises in providing equipment for. However, behind the scenes, there is a chief financial officer who has helped to make Hiperbaric into a real force to be reckoned with. Joining the firm in 2018, CFO David Sagredo has been working with Hiperbaric for two years following its acquisition by the Alantra investment fund and its management team. Hiperbaric previously belonged to the Nicolás Correa Industrial Group. However, in 2018 the former owners decided to launch a competitive sales process. The process was won by Hiperbaric's main competitor, the American Industrial Group JBT. Thanks to the CEO's right of first refusal and the support of Alantra's investment fund, together with other private investors and the help of a syndicated loan, it was possible to carry out a transaction. This is when Mr Sagredo joined, as it became necessary to incorporate financial capabilities to the company during the deal. The challenge was to go from an industrial company that had never had financial needs, to a company whose main shareholder was an investment fund and a pool of banks that had supported the operation. Mr Sagredo had previously worked in management positions in the industrial and financial world, both in the financial and business arenas. This breadth of experience allows Mr Sagredo to seamlessly fit into a role and understand the needs of an industrial project whilst at the same time, satisfying the needs of the financial world. At Hiperbaric, that is exactly what he continues to do to this day. Under his wise and watchful gaze, the firm now has an ambitious growth project included in a well thought-out and meticulously crafted business plan for the coming years. The plan ranges from further international expansion and conquest of new markets, to a business diversification project to apply the high pressure technology to the field of additive manufacturing of metal parts for the aeronautical and automotive industries. Hiperbaric is fortunate enough to be a world leader in high pressure technology in the food sector, and is in an industry that is growing significantly. Whilst the work of the firm and Mr Sagredo has already been incredible, it is by no means over just yet. The firm now has commitments to fulfil, both with shareholders and with the banks, and to carry this out will require even more impeccable service from Mr Sagredo. H Apr20080 Each company and business plan is different, and that variety massively plays into Mr Sagredo’s strengths in his current role at Hiperbaric. Arguably the most important thing for a CFO to understand well is what the needs of the company and the wider industry are, rather than simply focus solely on the financial numbers. A CFO should have a good long-term vision, and know the sector well to add value to their company. Mr Sagredo has these traits in abundance, ensuring that the long-term future of Hiperbaric is well in hand. One of the options he is currently pursuing is to become a listed company. Working on the Euronext program, Mr Sagredo is determined that the company will be prepared in case the firm decides to go public and be a listed company. With regards to his own career, Mr Sagredo continues to display all the traits that a CFO needs to be successful. His training never stops, and his desire to keep being better is both admirable and outstanding. As his financial knowledge increases, so too does his insight and understanding of new technologies, new management tools, and new business plans. Hiperbaric has its sights set on even greater success thanks to its newfound business plan and financially-savvy leader, and Mr Sagredo will be a part of that success for a long time yet. Contact: David Sagredo Website: www.hiperbaric.com/en/