Emmanuel Millard is a senior finance executive whose career spans more than three decades across public administration, corporate finance, and institutional leadership. A Chartered Accountant and former top-ranked graduate in corporate finance, Emmanuel currently serves as Secretary General of Groupe Endrix, one of France’s leading independent audit, accounting, and consulting firms, with 900 professionals across 40 sites. He also holds the presidency of the International CFO Alliance (ICFOA), which he co-founded to connect finance leaders across over 22 countries.
His leadership has been shaped by roles in investment banking (JPMorgan, Goldman Sachs), public finance (French Ministry of Economy, Budget Directorate), and international advisory (World Bank, EU). At Groupe Endrix, Emmanuel is responsible for financial communication, external growth, investor relations, and international expansion.
His governance footprint includes board and leadership positions with Action Logement, AFNOR, MEDEF, DFCG, and Panthéon-Sorbonne Business School. He also serves as President of the SCMC Football Club, reflecting his belief in disciplined leadership both on and off the field.
From directing public finance performance to leading cross-functional financial strategy for some of France’s most complex institutions, Emmanuel’s work demonstrates an ability to integrate regulatory, strategic, and operational dimensions of financial leadership.
At ICFOA, his role is foundational. As the architect of its creation in 2020, Emmanuel envisioned an inclusive, globally relevant CFO platform, one that bridges perspectives between developed and emerging markets, and elevates finance professionals as architects of economic transformation.
What inspired you to pursue a career in finance or business leadership?
My wish: to change the world!
Who has been your biggest influence or mentor, and what did you learn from them?
My experiences with Arthur Andersen and Goldman Sachs!
What’s one life lesson or philosophy you live by, whether in work or life?
Never rush, don’t panic, take your time, analyze the situation and then act!
What’s a book, quote, or concept that changed how you think?
Adam Smith and Riccardo, who instilled in me the eagerness to learn economics, finance, and management!
Outside of finance, what are your hobbies or interests that people might not expect?
I am President of a football club in Paris, and we won the Champions League for the first time in 20 years!
Please briefly describe your current role and responsibilities in your organisation.
I am General Secretary, responsible for financial communication, institutional and investor relations, external growth, and international development, at one of the leading independent audit, accounting, and consulting firms in France. We rank 10th among French audit firms and are the top independent company in financial consulting, with around 900 professionals across 40 sites in France and strategic ambitions in Europe!
What are some milestones or achievements in your career that you’re particularly proud of?
I have been fortunate enough to have a fulfilling career in various sectors and at significant levels of responsibility! It’s not over yet!
What professional designation(s) or qualifications do you hold, and which one challenged you most?
I am a Chartered Accountant and was top of the class in corporate finance in 1991.
If you could give one piece of advice to a young finance professional starting out today, what would it be?
Be patient, build your career with intelligence and opportunities!
Why did you get involved with ICFOA?
I am proud to have led the creation of ICFOA at the end of 2020 and start of 2021. My ambition was to build an inclusive and alternative organizational model that brings together countries and goodwill associations across corporate finance.
What do you hope ICFOA will accomplish in the next five years?
To become the international financial organization of reference.
What role do you believe CFOs should play in solving global challenges (e.g. climate, inequality, digitalisation)?
ICFOA must be at the forefront of all financial subjects, being a force for positive and transversal proposals!
How do you see ICFOA bridging the gap between Global North and Global South CFOs?
I specifically envisioned the ICFOA as an inclusive international organization, where every country and every association should be able to make their voice heard and contribute to the major projects of international corporate finance.
What is one idea, project, or initiative you’d like to see ICFOA launch?
To become a globally visible and influential organization. We’ve been working toward that goal, and the results after two years are very strong.
Coffee or tea?
Coffee
Excel or PowerPoint?
Both, and other tools.
Books or podcasts?
IA books!
Early bird or night owl?
Depends, could be either.
If you weren’t in finance, what would you be doing?
A politician, Minister of Finance or Budget, to drive change at the ground level.