Leader’s Corner: Sacha Herrmann, Soldo

Discover how Sacha Herrmann is redefining the role of finance leaders, in this Leader’s Corner interview at The Studio.

Sacha Herrmann, Chief Financial Officer at Soldo, is at the forefront of a significant shift in the role of CFOs. Far from being confined to financial management, Herrmann has expanded his responsibilities to include legal, HR, IT and sales functions, positioning himself as a cross-functional leader. Through his strategic vision and collaborative efforts, Herrmann is not only guiding Soldo through a volatile economic period for the industry, but is also building a strong community of finance executives dedicated to mutual growth and innovation.

Leader's Corner Insights with Sacha Herrmann:

• Redefining the CFO role
• Navigating economic cycles
• A trusted strategic partner

Watch the full Leader's Corner interview below:

Redefining the CFO role

Sacha Herrmann is not your traditional CFO. In an era where the role of finance leaders is rapidly evolving, Herrmann has taken on responsibilities far beyond the confines of financial management. "Sometimes there is this belief that CFOs are just looking at numbers," Herrmann explains. "In reality, this has evolved a lot over the past couple of years, especially because CFOs have received other responsibilities than just finance."

At Soldo, Herrmann’s role encompasses not only finance but also legal, HR, IT and even elements of sales. This broad scope of responsibility has enabled Herrmann to leave a stronger footprint in the organisation, positioning him as a cross-functional leader rather than just a finance executive. His ability to navigate these diverse areas has fundamentally changed how the CFO role is perceived within the company.

Navigating economic cycles

Herrmann's approach to the CFO role is deeply influenced by the broader economic environment. He observes that the perception of the CFO's importance can shift depending on economic conditions. "When money is cheap, companies tend to listen more to marketing folks, spend money, and grow at all costs," Herrmann explains. "But when there’s a bit of headwind and money gets more expensive, then it's kind of the rise of the CFO position."

In challenging economic times, the CFO becomes a critical figure, often seen as the captain of the ship alongside the CEO. Herrmann’s ability to guide Soldo through these cycles has earned him the trust of board members and investors alike. "In boardrooms, the CFO has really become the trusted partner of board members and investors, besides the CEO," he says.

A trusted strategic partner

Under Herrmann’s leadership, the role of the CFO at Soldo has transformed from a purely financial function to one of strategic importance. His cross-functional expertise, commitment to building a strong finance community, and ability to navigate economic challenges have positioned him as a key leader within the organisation.

Watch the full Leader’s Corner interview with Sacha Herrmann to learn more about his finance career and his role in spearheading the HotTopics CFO Community.

CFO Interview: Check out our line-up of HotTopics Leader's Profile and Leader's Corner Interviews.

HotTopics produces interviews with a diverse array of leaders, C-suite marketing and technology leaders. These take place in-person during our much-anticipated flagship event, The Studio, and virtually with leaders based all over the world. Learn more about what makes these leaders tick, and their experiences and expertise that have supported them in their careers so far.