Edition #48
July 8, 2026
Welcome to The W Profile, a study of the women leading at the intersection of sports, media, and global business. As college athletics adopts professional structures, it is instructive to look to the visionaries who have already mastered the complexities of the corporate world. By bringing C-Suite lessons to the athletics community, this series will provide leaders with the insights necessary to build a lasting legacy.
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Introduction
The modern financial executive is no longer a corporate scorekeeper; they are the strategic engine of global growth. As Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Nestlé, Anna Manz embodies this evolution. Tasked with steering the world’s largest food and beverage company through a complex era of macroeconomic volatility, shifting consumer habits, and supply chain fragility, Manz is redefining how legacy FMCG (fast-moving consumer goods) conglomerates deploy capital.
She is responsible for overseeing a massive financial apparatus while simultaneously optimizing a sprawling portfolio of over 2,000 brands. Her leadership is defined by an uncompromising reliance on data analytics, a track record of executing seamless mega-mergers, and a fundamental belief that the finance department must act as the ultimate strategic co-pilot to the wider business.
From Consumer Goods to the Data Exchange
Manz’s executive DNA is built on a highly unique hybrid of consumer goods strategy and high-stakes data integration. She spent 17 years at Diageo, working her way up to Chief Strategy Officer, where she developed a deep understanding of premium brand positioning and geographic expansion.
However, her most defining proving ground occurred outside the consumer sector. Prior to joining Nestlé in 2024, Manz served as the CFO of the London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG). There, she was the financial architect behind the complex, multi-billion-dollar integration of Refinitiv—a massive market data provider. Managing that monumental acquisition taught her how to leverage deep data and predictive analytics to drive enterprise value. By the time she arrived at Nestlé, she possessed a rare, dual-threat playbook: a classic FMCG operator who understands exactly how to utilize modern data infrastructure to price strategically, forecast demand, and drive margin expansion.
The Nestlé Playbook
Manz approaches her role at Nestlé with a strategy that treats capital allocation as a dynamic, deeply analytical exercise. Her operating playbook encompasses three critical pillars:
➤ Ruthless Resource Allocation: Managing a company with thousands of brands requires severe discipline. Manz is focused on aggressively directing capital toward high-growth, high-margin categories (like pet care, coffee, and nutritional health) while steadily optimizing or divesting underperforming legacy assets.
➤ Data-Driven Pricing Agility: Drawing on her background at LSEG, Manz views data as a defensive and offensive weapon. In an era of sustained inflation and fluctuating commodity costs, she champions the use of advanced analytics to execute precise, hyper-localized pricing strategies that protect margins without destroying consumer volume.
➤ The Sustainability Yield: Manz operates at the forefront of modern corporate finance by treating ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) goals not as a PR exercise, but as a strict financial mandate. She actively structures the company's financial planning to ensure that massive investments in regenerative agriculture and sustainable packaging ultimately yield long-term commercial returns.
Redefining the Executive Co-Pilot
Manz has built a reputation as a transformative leader who actively breaks down the traditional silos between the finance department and commercial operations. She leads with the philosophy that a modern CFO cannot operate strictly from spreadsheets; they must deeply understand the factory floor, the supply chain, and the end consumer.
She expects her finance teams to be forward-looking commercial partners who bring proactive solutions to the table, rather than just delivering historical risk assessments. Her success proves that the most effective financial leaders are those who can translate vast, intimidating data sets into actionable, plain-language strategies for brand managers and regional executives.
Takeaways
➤ Finance is Forward-Looking: Manz's career proves that the highest-value executives are those who use data to predict future market movements, rather than simply auditing past performance.
➤ Cross-Sector Agility is a Superpower: Her successful detour into the financial data sector (LSEG) before returning to consumer goods (Nestlé) demonstrates that stepping outside of your primary industry can provide you with the exact operational tools needed to disrupt it later.
➤ Scale Requires Precision: When managing a massive global portfolio, a leader cannot rely on blanket strategies. Success requires the analytical precision to know exactly which brands to fund, which to fix, and which to cut.
➤ Partnership Over Policing: The modern finance department must act as a strategic co-pilot to the commercial side of the business, enabling growth rather than simply acting as a corporate gatekeeper.
Read. Watch. Listen.
READ: Manz sits down with McKinsey & Company's Michael Birshan to discuss what she's learned about managing through macroeconomic uncertainty, setting priorities and the evolving demands of the CFO role. (link)
WATCH: At the 2024 Capital Markets Day in Vevey, Switzerland, Manz details Nestlé's growth plans via resource allocation, performance metrics and other modalities. (link)
READ: Fortune profiles Manz as one of its Most Powerful Women for 2026. (link)
Quote to Remember
The CFO role is one of an orchestrator, ensuring that strategy flows through into execution. The connecting thread of value creation that runs through all of it is bigger than just value creation for shareholders nowadays. It includes nonfinancial metrics now, and it implies value creation for employees, consumers, and other stakeholder groups. When you look at setting the strategy, it's got to be owned by the CEO but also by the entire organization.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
Jane Fraser – Chair and Chief Executive Officer, Citigroup
Publication Date: Sunday, July 5
Linda Rendle – Chief Executive Officer, The Clorox Company
Publication Date: Wednesday, July 1
Latriece Watkins – President and Chief Executive Officer, Sam's Club
Publication Date: Wednesday, June 24
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(Posted from most recent over the last 15 days)
(NEW!) Account Executive, Ticket Sales (University of Arizona / Tucson, AZ): Fuel the future of Arizona Athletics by driving ticket sales, growing fan engagement, and delivering exceptional service from first contact to game day. More details HERE.
(NEW!) Athletics Director of Business Operations and Finance (Wichita State University / Wichita, KS): Responsible for leading revenue generation, partnerships, and operational strategy to maximize performance, strengthen collaboration, & align execution with the Athletics Department’s operating model. More details HERE.
(NEW!) Assistant Director, Marketing & Fan Engagement (University of Arizona / Tucson, AZ): Be the driving force behind game day energy! Lead marketing and promotions for assigned sports, collaborating across teams to create unforgettable fan experiences and grow the Wildcat fan base. More details HERE.
(NEW!) Assistant Coach Men's Heavyweight Crew (Massachusetts Institute of Technology – MIT / Cambridge, MA): This is a full-time assistant coaching position assisting the Head Coach of Heavyweight Men’s Crew with all aspects of conducting a successful crew program (Division 1). More details HERE.
(NEW!) Associate Director, Strategic Communications (University of Arizona / Tucson, AZ): Join Arizona Athletics to craft impactful stories, lead media relations, and bring championship moments to life through strategic communications and digital media. (Baseball & Assigned Olympic Sports) More details HERE.
(NEW!) Assistant Athletic Trainer (Gymnastics, Spirit Squad) - Sports Health Performance (University Athletic Association, Inc. at the University of Florida / Gainesville, FL): Assist in delivering athletic training services to student athletes. Provide coverage for training facility. Transition-to practice position that provides a high level of mentorship and support. More details HERE.
Senior Director of Gators VIP Experience - Gators VIP Experience (University Athletic Association, Inc. at the University of Florida / Gainesville, FL): Elevate the end-to-end experience for donors/partners/premium clients across all Gators Athletics programs. Oversees hospitality, gifting, procurement, and experience strategy to ensure excellence. More details HERE.
Assistant Coach Softball - Pitching Coach (Florida International University / Miami, FL): Provides assistance to the Head Coach with activities associated with the Softball program and student athletes, including recruitment, monitoring academic performance and social development, etc... More details HERE.
Performance Dietitian - Nutrition (University Athletic Association, Inc. at the University of Florida / Gainesville, FL): Responsible for all aspects of nutrition related to wellness/performance for assigned sports. Educates student-athletes on appropriate nutrition for optimum health and superior athletic performance. More details HERE.
Scholastic Supervisor (Texas A&M University / College Station, TX): Texas A&M Athletics seeks a Scholastic Supervisor (WBB & Equestrian) to provide academic support, mentorship, and eligibility oversight for student-athletes. Apply today. More details HERE.
Assistant Swimming & Diving Coach (Army West Point / West Point, NY): Recruiting, monitoring Cadet-athletes’ academic progress, scheduling, managing travel, and overseeing the discipline and conduct of the Cadet-athletes. More details HERE.
Assistant Swimming & Diving Coach (Ops) (Army West Point / West Point, NY): Coaching & recruiting Cadet-athletes, monitoring academic progress, and fostering their development, discipline, and conduct, overseeing the planning and execution of team operations and logistics. More details HERE.
Vice President and Director of Athletics (Florida Atlantic University / Boca Raton, FL): Visionary leader to oversee FAU Athletics, driving competitive success, revenue growth, student-athlete excellence, and strategic leadership while serving on the President's Executive Leadership Team. More details HERE. What would it cost to move to Boca Raton? Click HERE.
Athletics Travel Coordinator (Princeton University / Princeton, NJ): This role coordinates team and recruiting travel for up to 22 varsity sports and also business operations that include report reconciliation, departmental deposits, policy review and enforcement. More details HERE.
Assistant Coach - Women's Lacrosse (Duquesne University / Pittsburgh, PA): Reporting to the Head Coach, this position has the responsibility for assisting the head coach with all aspects of a Division I Lacrosse program. This is a full-time, 12-month position. More details HERE.
Head Women's Lacrosse Coach (Virginia Wesleyan University / Virginia Beach, VA): Virginia Wesleyan (becoming Batten University 7/1), a NCAA Division III institution and a member of the Old Dominion Athletic Conference, is accepting applications for a Head Women’s Lacrosse Coach. More details HERE. What would it cost to move to Virginia Beach? Click HERE.
Vice President of Athletics and Recreation (St. Mary's College of Maryland / St. Mary's City, MD): Senior Cabinet leader responsible for strategic oversight of athletics and recreation, including enrollment, fundraising, and athletic excellence while supporting SMCM’s mission and long-term vision. More details HERE. What would it cost to move to St. Mary's City? Click HERE.
Head Acrobatics & Tumbling Coach (West Virginia State University / Institute, WV): Responsible for all aspects of the Acrobatics & Tumbling program. More details HERE. What would it cost to move to Institute? Click HERE.
Diving Coach (Florida International University / Miami, FL): Provides assistance to the Head Coach with activities associated with the Swimming & Diving program and student athletes, including recruitment, monitoring academic performance and social development. More details HERE.
Assistant Athletic Trainer (Florida International University / Miami, FL): Florida International University's Athletics Department is seeking an Athletic Trainer to support the health, safety, and performance of student-athletes. More details HERE.
Assistant Coach, Women's Lacrosse (Kennesaw State University / Kennesaw, GA): Assists with coaching, recruiting, scheduling, budgeting, fundraising, player development, academic support & administrative duties while ensuring compliance with KSU, NCAA & conference regulations. More details HERE.
Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach (Florida International University / Miami, FL): Enhances the physical and mental development of student-athletes through the establishment of specific training programs and activities to increase the performance of student-athletes. More details HERE.
Sr. Assoc. AD for Revenue Generation (Southern Methodist University – SMU / Dallas, TX): The Senior Associate A.D. for Revenue Generation will assist with the implementation and execution of key strategic revenue generation initiatives across the department. More details HERE. What would it cost to move to Dallas? Click HERE.
Director, Wrestling Operations (Army West Point / West Point, NY): Manage internal team operations and logistics: team travel, team meals, on-campus recruiting, and off-campus recruiting for coaching staff. Support external efforts: designing social media strategy. More details HERE.
Director of Sports Communication (SUNY New Paltz / New Paltz, NY): Oversees all facets of athletics communications including media relations, digital strategy, website management, social media, branding, game-day operations, including live stats and event coverage. More details HERE.
Athletics Mental Health and Performance Counselor (University of Arizona / Tucson, AZ): Help Arizona student-athletes thrive. Lead mental health care, performance psychology, and wellness initiatives while shaping a championship-focused culture of growth, resilience, and success. More details HERE.
Director, Business Office, Accountant (Army West Point / West Point, NY): Focused on accounts payable, purchase orders, cash & travel advances, month end close, audits, United States Military Academy (“USMA”) and related party transactions and vendor payment processing More details HERE.
Associate Director, Development (Athletics) (Kennesaw State University / Kennesaw, GA): Join the team at Kennesaw State University and become part of a supportive and thriving community. More details HERE.
Assistant Men's Soccer Coach (Army West Point / West Point, NY): Coaching Cadet-athletes, recruiting, monitoring Cadet-athletes’ academic progress, scheduling, managing travel, overseeing the discipline and conduct of the Cadet-athletes. More details HERE.
Assistant Coach - Baseball (Missouri State University / Springfield, MO): The Assistant Coach is responsible for specifically designated aspects of the sport, exercises independent judgment in providing technical expertise in the fundamentals of the sport. More details HERE.
Assistant Director of Athletic Counseling (Oregon State University / Corvallis, OR): Provide strategic leadership for academic counseling, supervising a team of academic counselors across all sports. Responsible for establishing, maintaining, and promoting best practices. More details HERE.
Assistant Manager of Facility Events and Rentals (Massachusetts Institute of Technology – MIT / Cambridge, MA): Working in conjunction with students, coaches, faculty, and staff, provides management for the evening and weekend operations of facilities with a focus on managing and supervising athletic events. More details HERE.
Vice President of Athletics (Baker University / Baldwin City, KS): Seeking a high-energy leader committed to competitive excellence, student-athlete success, and advancing the University’s values of integrity, service, innovation, and community. More details HERE.
Senior Director/Director of Athletic Business & Finance - Business & Finance (University Athletic Association, Inc. at the University of Florida / Gainesville, FL): Perform and manage services for the UAA Business & Finance office. Oversee the monthly/quarterly/annual UAA required financial statements and reporting. More details HERE.
Director, Athletics Fields (Kennesaw State University / Kennesaw, GA): Responsible for leading athletic field operations, turf maintenance, staff, budgets, and vendors to ensure safe, high-quality, NCAA-compliant playing surfaces for athletics and special events. More details HERE.
Deputy Athletics Director, Internal Operations (Towson University / Towson, MD): This position provides oversight of internal operations, student-athlete development initiatives, departmental policy and compliance functions, conference and NCAA reporting. More details HERE. What would it cost to move to Towson? Click HERE.
Tyler Family Endowed Director of Student-Athlete Development (University of Arizona / Tucson, AZ): Empower Wildcats beyond competition. Lead career readiness, leadership development, and life skills initiatives that prepare student-athletes for success in college and beyond sport. More details HERE.
Hockey Equipment Manager (Army West Point / West Point, NY): Manages all equipment operations for the Division I Men's Ice Hockey program -procuring, maintaining, and overseeing uniforms, equipment, and gear for athletes, coaches, and support staff. More details HERE.
Financial Analysis, Manager II (University of Arizona / Tucson, AZ): Drive financial strategy for Arizona Athletics by leading complex reporting, data analysis, benchmarking, and forecasting to support informed decision-making and organizational success. More details HERE.
Nutritionist (University of Arizona / Tucson, AZ): Help fuel championship performance by delivering expert sports nutrition counseling, education, and meal planning to support the health, wellness, and success of Arizona student-athletes. More details HERE.
Assistant Director, Ticket Operations (University of Arizona / Tucson, AZ): Support the Wildcat fan experience by managing ticket operations for assigned sports, overseeing event-day box office functions, and delivering exceptional customer service. More details HERE.
Associate Director, Ticketing (University of Notre Dame / Notre Dame, IN): Part of a dynamic ticket office team - primary responsibility for a reserved seating sport while helping shape and elevate the overall ticketing strategy. More details HERE.