Scaling Treasury From Startup to Multinational: Insights From Zalando to Lufthansa

How do you lead treasury teams through rapid growth, market volatility, and cross-continental transitions?In this episode, Edwin Koopmans, VP Corporate Treasury at Lufthansa Group returns to the show to share what he's learned from managing treasury at both fast-moving tech platforms and one of the world’s largest aviation groups.In this insightful follow-up episode, Edwin Koopmans reflects on his dynamic career evolution, offering listeners a rare look into the inner workings of treasury leadership across vastly different corporate environments.From his early days in hospitality and banking, to navigating treasury transformation at Sara Lee and scaling up operations at Zalando, Edwin shares the key moments that shaped his strategic mindset.Now at Lufthansa, he unpacks the challenges of managing global FX risk, massive capital investments, and leading highly specialized teams.What We Cover in This Episode:How Edwin transitioned from hospitality and banking into corporate treasuryLessons learned building treasury functions across Europe and North AmericaLeading treasury through corporate transformations and spin-offs at Sara LeeManaging pension plans and financial risk during market downturnsTaking treasury global at EVRAZ and overseeing teams of 30+ peopleWhat it’s like leading treasury at Zalando during hyper-growthThe shift from Zalando to Lufthansa and adapting to a much larger scaleHow treasury at Lufthansa deals with fuel price volatility, FX, and interest rate riskThe importance of cross-functional leadership and humility in high-expertise teamsHow technology and AI are reshaping treasury - opportunities and risksEdwin’s advice on managing teams with more experience than yourselfWhy senior treasury professionals need to rethink what an FTE means in the age of AIWhether you're a seasoned treasury professional or an aspiring leader, Edwin’s journey offers practical lessons on growth, resilience, and staying future-ready in a rapidly evolving financial landscape.You can connect with Edwin Koopmans on LinkedIn.---🎙️ Subscribe to the Treasury Career Corner podcast - Never miss an episode! Subscribe on your favourite platform:CLICK HERE for 🎧Spotify PodcastsCLICK HERE for 🍏Apple Podcasts📊 Managing short-term cash and investments - Without the right technology is a huge risk for modern treasurers. Tradeweb changes that!🎓 Save $150 on CTP & FPAC– Exclusive discounts for treasury professionals – thanks to our trusted partners.🧠 Leadership Under Pressure – Practical tools and coaching that work – from the team at Gazing Leadership🧩 What if your whole team had one clear view of your group structure - Fuseable makes it happen🔐 Managing signatory lists manually? Cygnetise gives treasury teams a smarter, safer way👉 FIND OUT MORE HERE https://treasuryrecruitment.com/partners/