Initially founded as a flour mill in 1866 and headquartered in Minnesota, United States, General Mills is one of the largest packaged food manufacturers in the world.
Since 2022, Kirsty Craig has overseen Treasury Operations in Europe, the Middle East and Africa for General Mills. Leading a team of three senior analysts, she is one of the youngest females to head a regional treasury centre for a Fortune 500 company. Kirsty’s dynamic leadership extends to managing a global supply chain finance programme of significant volume. Her constant growth, pursuit of knowledge and knack for seizing opportunities make her a strong role model for aspiring professionals in the industry.
Building a foundation in treasury
Like many in her field, Kirsty landed in treasury by chance. She first became aware of treasury during an internship for a global bank, when her manager announced a move into treasury. Kirsty was soon encouraged to make the leap herself, despite having little treasury knowledge, joining Eaton Corporation in 2017.
Rapidly immersing herself in foreign exchange, Kirsty spearheaded a successful cross-organisational initiative in 2019 to harmonize FX processes from Pune, India. Kirsty displayed an ability to quickly grasp complex topics, sharing her learnings to train two treasury back office specialists on front office issues. This exchange of knowledge led to strengthened processes within the business.
A swift ascent
Looking to gain broader experience of the treasury function, Kirsty joined General Mills in March 2021 as a Senior Treasury Analyst. Joining during a busy time within the treasury department, Kirsty highlighted her motivation and leadership skills by taking on additional responsibilities beyond her role and years.
Not long after joining the company, Kirsty led the divestiture of the Yoplait business for treasury, where General Mills gave up their 51% controlling stake in the European business of Yoplait to the French dairy cooperative Sodiaal in exchange for full ownership of Yoplait’s Canadian business. Her efforts were recognised by the company and in April 2022, after a suite of promotions, she took on the European Treasury Lead mantel.
In addition to her many responsibilities, since 2024, Kirsty has also assumed responsibility for governance, execution and control of all global supply chain finance activities within the General Mills group – a significant programme with over US$1bn outstanding payables as at the end of the 2023 fiscal year. Kirsty is motivated to take on these projects and responsibilities by her strong-willed personality, but when it comes to her success she insists, “it is always easier to do your best in an area that you are really passionate about.”
“Kirsty’s professionalism and dedication to projects, to the company she works for and now the team she is managing is very impressive. She has what it takes to succeed and be globally successful. Kirsty’s enthusiasm and passion for her role inspires me on a regular basis.”
Christine Lange, Director, Treasury Officer, Bank of America
Curiosity and wisdom
Kirsty credits part of her success to her inquisitive mindset and confidence to ask questions. “Being in a leadership position so young I quickly realised it is important to recognise where you are, recognise what you can give but also recognise what you have to learn,” she said.
“Kirsty is always curious and interested to learn about new topics, products and themes in the industry and I regularly notice from our discussions that she is very passionate about what she does,” comments Chirstine Lange, Director, Treasury Officer at Bank of America. “Kirsty is a fast learner and has the capability to understand complex situations and products.”
“Kirsty’s achievement is truly exceptional. I have never seen someone go from little to no experience in Supply Chain Finance to leading one of the largest SCF programmes in the world in less than a year.”
Markus Schiffers, Managing Director, Orbian
Kirsty’s commitment to advancing the treasury profession extends beyond her role, as evidenced by her active engagement within the treasury community and her advocacy for gender diversity. “Women in Corporate Treasury shouldn’t shy away from being loud and visible – there are still not enough of us out there, especially in leadership roles” she says.
Kirsty regularly attends industry conferences and has spoken at EuroFinance 2022 and GTE Exchange 2022, as well as at several bank events in 2023. She is also an active member of the Swiss Treasury Association (ACTSR).
Commenting on what winning the Adam Smith Awards 2024 A Rising Star award means to her, Kirsty concluded, “I am very thankful for this award and also for the companies and leaders surrounding me that encouraged and enabled me to do the best I can.”
The Adam Smith Awards are the industry benchmark for best practice and innovation in corporate treasury. The 2024 awards attracted 389 nominations. To find out more please visit treasurytoday.com/adam-smith-awards
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Kirsty’s commitment to advancing the treasury profession extends beyond her role, as evidenced by her active engagement within the treasury community and her advocacy for gender diversity. “Women in Corporate Treasury shouldn’t shy away from being loud and visible – there are still not enough of us out there, especially in leadership roles” she says.
