My Life in Treasury
Published  6 MIN READ

My Life in Treasury: Richard Cordero

From a planned career in accountancy to committed treasury professional, via wine tasting and art appreciation, Richard Cordero’s life has been full of rich experiences. As he steps into retirement, will he stand still? Absolutely not, there’s far too much to see and do.


Eleanor Hill, Editor, TMI (EH): How did you come into treasury and how did your career progress?

RC: A life of accountancy beckoned for me after graduating in 1976 from École de Hautes Études Commerciales du Nord. Having earned a Master’s degree, in 1978 I moved into the accounting function of Usinor-Sacilor Group (part of ArcelorMittal Group since 2006). I was on track for a long-haul career in accounting, but just over two years in I had the offer of a role in treasury and, seizing the opportunity, I never looked back.

I clocked up more than 18 years as treasurer at Usinor-Sacilor, both in subsidiaries and at the parent company. When I left to join AFTE, the French Association of Corporate Treasurers, in 1996, it was with the mission to help French companies prepare for the introduction of the euro on 1 January 1999.

As the new Millennium began, I further leveraged my industry knowledge and experience, taking up a position with financial newspaper, L’AGEFI. As a corporate finance journalist, I played a big part in launching its treasury-focused website. Then, in mid-2002 I rejoined AFTE as an Executive Officer. In fact, I first encountered the EACT in this role, back in 2006, when I was representing AFTE in an observational capacity.