Xavier Cloquet

Biography 

Xavier Cloquet is a seasoned finance and operations leader with extensive expertise in FMCG and production environments. Combining an entrepreneurial mindset with a hands-on, results-driven approach, Xavier excels at driving financial transformation, operational optimization, and strategic growth. 

As a consultant, business leader, and advisor, Xavier has consistently delivered measurable outcomes, including significant revenue growth, operational efficiency, and sustainable business practices. He is passionate about helping organizations navigate change, enhance profitability, and foster long-term success. 

Professional Experience 

Xavier has a diverse career spanning leadership, consultancy, and financial transformation roles: 

• Freelance Auditor and Consultant: Provides strategic advisory and auditing services, specializing in pricing strategies and sustainability initiatives. Works with organizations to implement impactful change and optimize processes. 

• Owner at Clox SRL: Founded a consultancy to deliver expertise in financial and operational transformation for FMCG and production businesses, helping clients achieve measurable growth and efficiency. 

• CEO at Karras: Revitalized a food production company, driving substantial sales growth and operational restructuring. 

• General Manager at Artechno SA: Led a strategic transformation that significantly increased revenue and doubled production capacity with limited capital investment. 

• Group CFO at Nicols: Managed finance, IT/IS, and procurement, implementing structural reorganizations, improving working capital, and executing strategic joint ventures. 

• Group Business Control Director at Puratos: Enhanced financial performance through pricing strategies, gross margin analytics, and strategic acquisitions. 

• Senior Financial Auditor at EY: Ensured compliance and accuracy in legal audits across various industries. 

• Assistant CFO at SKF Belgium: Streamlined financial processes and strengthened internal controls to support organizational efficiency. 

Expertise and Approach 

Xavier’s professional approach is rooted in his deep understanding of finance, operations, and leadership: 

• Financial Leadership: Expert in optimizing financial structures, improving working capital, and streamlining processes to achieve sustainable growth. 

• Operational Transformation: Skilled in driving efficiency, increasing production capacity, and implementing cost-effective strategies. 

• Sustainability and Pricing Strategies: Focused on creating value through innovative pricing models and sustainability initiatives. 

• Collaborative Problem-Solving: Leverages peer-to-peer discussions to explore innovative solutions and benchmark best practices. 

• Entrepreneurial Mindset: Brings creativity and strategic oversight to solve complex business challenges. 

Notable Achievements 

• Delivered a €25M improvement in working capital and executed structural reorganizations that streamlined operations and reduced legal complexity. 

• Revitalized multiple businesses, achieving substantial revenue growth and operational restructuring. 

• Led sustainability-focused pricing strategies to align organizational practices with environmental goals. 

• Doubled production capacity for a manufacturing business with minimal capital expenditure. 

• Successfully managed strategic joint ventures, mergers, and acquisitions, contributing to long-term growth. 

Impact as a Chair 

As Chair at EGN Belgium, Xavier facilitates executive networking and knowledge-sharing sessions for senior leaders, particularly within finance groups. His ability to foster trust and collaboration empowers executives to address complex challenges, benchmark strategies, and remain future-ready. 

Xavier’s expertise in finance, operations, and strategic planning enriches discussions, providing participants with actionable insights and innovative approaches. His leadership ensures that EGN members gain valuable perspectives to enhance their decision-making and drive their organizations forward.