Anne-Françoise has worked as a senior finance executive in global FTSE listed companies for many years, which alongside a strong business acumen and deep sector knowledge provides her with the experience required to be part of the Smith+Nephew leadership team.

She demonstrates a high competency for delivering operational excellence across different geographic markets and leading large teams who are responsible for significant budgets.

She has an impressive and diverse background and her ability to translate financial insights into results helps guide Smith+Nephew.

Current external appointments

Senior Independent Director and Chair of the Audit Committee at Compass Group plc.

Previous experience

Anne-Françoise joined GlaxoSmithKline plc in 1997 where she worked for 16 years, holding multiple senior finance roles including Senior Vice President, Global Vaccines.

Anne-Françoise served as Chief Financial Officer for Dechra Pharmaceuticals plc in 2013 where she successfully implemented financial strategies to support the growth of the business.

She was Chief Financial Officer of Merlin Entertainments Limited (formerly Merlin Entertainments plc) from 2016 to 2020, leaving after successfully completing the transaction to take the company private.

Nationality

British/French

Anne-Françoise holds an MA degree in Management Sciences from Grenoble Ecole de Commerce and an MBA from Henley Management College. She qualified as a Chartered Management Accountant in 1996.

Anne-Françoise joined GlaxoSmithKline plc in 1997 where she worked for 16 years, holding multiple senior roles, including Vice President and Finance Controller, Europe (2003-2006), Vice President Forecasting and Planning, US Pharmaceutical (2006-2009) and Senior Vice President Finance, Global Vaccines (2009- 2013).

She demonstrates a high level of passion towards life science companies where she has spent the majority of her senior career.

Anne-Françoise served as Chief Financial Officer for Dechra Pharmaceuticals plc in 2013 where she successfully implemented financial strategies to support the growth of the business. Most recently, she was Chief Financial Officer of Merlin Entertainments Limited (formerly Merlin Entertainments plc).

NED and Chair of the Audit Committee at Compass Group plc.