Francoise MeritChief Financial Officer, Endeavour Energy

Francoise Merit is a seasoned CFO and executive who thrives to make the complex simple. She has over 20 years’ experience in the engineering, infrastructure and defence sectors encompassing finance, risk management, project performance, commercial and contractual negotiations in organisations such as Transfield Services Group, Australia Defence Industries, Thales and Aurecon.

As an authentic and inspirational leader, she enjoys building, developing, inspiring and retaining high performing teams through coaching, mentoring and development ensuring talent is identified and nurtured.

In addition to her strong operational understanding, Francoise has demonstrated success in transforming finance functions with emphasis on automation, standardisation and developing the strategic partnership model. She is well respected and recognised as a valued business partner contributing to improve profitability of specific projects and overall business.

Francoise is also passionate about increasing female leadership in senior and executive roles and regularly speaks at leadership forums such as the CFO Summit, the Royal Australian Navy leadership development program, Workday global conference and French Foreign Trade advisory Board about her experience and strategies to reap the organisational rewards associated with increased diversity and inclusion in all its forms.

Francoise is a fellow of CPA Australia and holds a Masters in Business Administration from ESSCA Business School in France. She is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD). She joined the French Foreign Trade Advisory board in 2018 and was appointed Chair in January 2020.