Local Leadership: Gavin Thistlethwaite

Gavin is an experienced Finance Director with an extensive track record in financial performance management, business growth partnering, core process transformation and the FMCG sector.

He has a degree in Mathematics from Cambridge University and began his career at the strategy consultants McKinsey & Co. in London, working on a range of clients in the media and grocery retailing sectors.  From there he joined the business development team at FMCG multinational PepsiCo and had a range of commercial roles, including an assignment in Sales as the National Account Manager for Tesco, before moving into the Finance function.  His finance experience at PepsiCo included directing financial support to the Sales and Marketing functions, leading financial management of the Quaker and Tropicana divisions, execution and integration of the Golden Wonder acquisition, running core process transformation and productivity projects, and implementing Sarbanes–Oxley revenue recognition controls.

Gavin is the UK Finance Director for IRI with responsibility for ensuring strong and efficient financial governance of the UK business, supporting the commercial and operational functions to deliver growth for their client base, and partnering with the business leadership team to set the right strategic course for IRI UK.  He is also the executive board representative for the Procurement and Facilities Management teams.

Gavin is married, has a son and daughter, and lives near Newbury.  He’s an avid sports fan, lover of the great outdoors, and a music enthusiast.