CV

GILLIAN MEEKINGS,

HILL COURT
PARK VIEW ROAD
WOLDINGHAM
SURREY
CR3 7DN
Tel: 0188365 2024
Fax: 01883 652488

EDUCATION :

UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO - GRADUATE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS.
MBA December 1991. High Honours.
Concentrations: Finance; International Business; Policy
GPA 3.9/4.0. Dean's List each quarter.
Member of Beta, Gamma, Sigma Honour Society.

FELLOW OF CHARTERED CERTIFIED ACCOUNTANTS (FCCA).
Achieved third place worldwide in finals.

UNIVERSITY OF ESSEX, ENGLAND.
B.A. (Hons) Mathematical Economics-Class I.

EXPERIENCE :

2/94 to date ERNST & YOUNG, RESTRUCTURING & REORGANISATION SERVICES LONDON
SENIOR MANAGER

R&RS’ target market comprises financially troubled corporates with, however, a viable, underlying core business. Effective operational and financial restructuring is required to restore long term profitability. We are a small team of experienced, highly qualified partners and senior managers and operate on a multi disciplinary, best team approach sourcing the most appropriate project team from E&Y’s extensive UK and International resources to fit the specific assignment.

My role covers a wide range of responsibilities mainly concerned with business development, project management, and research and development of appropriate tools and methodologies. I also have specific responsibility for targeting and direct selling to the non-client corporate market (a new market sector) and developing the international aspects of our work.

Key achievements

Personally grew small advice role to £750,000 UK/US multi disciplinary win;

Over 2 years built relationship of trust with number of difficult parties impacting a client achieving compromise and withdrawal of litigation threats; grew revenues to £100,000+;

Seizing responsibility for driving forward non client market initiative;

Actively maintain network relationships with bankers/lawyers and individuals both inside and outside of EY;

Key influencer in European Corporate Recovery Network; driving development of new pan European product and marketing; set up European database;

Instigated new products/initiatives e.g. impaired debt venture contributing £700,000 revenues over 2 years;

Skills summary

My success is driven by my ability to negotiate & manage difficult situations between parties with different agendas. I am also an excellent communicator, problem solver, project manager and team player. I have an analytical mind and can recognise and practically address problematic situations. Above all, I can build a rapport and close working relationship with clients and other team members.

12/92 - 2/94 ERNST & YOUNG, INSOLVENCY & RECOVERY SERVICES LONDON

1991-92 ERNST & YOUNG, SPECIAL SERVICES GROUP CHICAGO
MANAGER - RESTRUCTURING & REORGANISATION

Investigated financial problems of under performing companies, suggested solutions to maximise future value and ensure long term viability. Acted for both lenders and corporates. Experienced in building complex financial and economic models; bank and lawyer negotiations; US Chapter 7 and 11 requirements. Excellent communication, team building and project management skills. Initiated successful marketing campaign to target troubled companies direct and developed strategy for national growth. Also provided financial analyses for litigation support projects. In one case justifying savings of $3 million (50% of claim).

Pre E&Y experience

JOHN LEWIS PARTNERSHIP LONDON

Selected for specially designated senior management fast track recruitment program. Rotated through all aspects of business (retail). Conducted commercial appraisals and evaluations of high level strategic projects for main board directors.

INDEPENDENT CONSULTANT LONDON

Provided assistance to a variety of businesses. Prepared monthly and annual accounts. Produced business plans and cash flow analyses. Negotiated financing with banks. Advised on business planning issues including feasibility of specific business ventures.

FINDUS (NESTLE) LTD SURREY

MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTANT

Determined the profitability of all the company's products and commercial operations. Designed and implemented customer account profitability system. Initiated investigations into potential profit improvements. Evaluated sales and marketing strategies. Advised on new product costing and pricing as member of top management development committee.

UNILEVER PLC, LONDON

INTERNAL AUDITOR

Internal audit with particular experience in consumer goods, advertising & transportation industries. Also secondments to subsidiary companies.

OTHER INVOLVEMENTS :

CHARTERED ASSOCIATION OF CERTIFIED ACCOUNTANTS
Represented the ACCA on various college examination boards.

MBA ALUMNI GROUP
Set up University of Chicago alumni group in London

PRINCE’S YOUTH TRUST
Volunteer advisor for PYT. Assist clients to establish and grow businesses in early years.

INTERESTS :

Travel, aerobics, skiing, sailing, reading, music, theatre, fine wine and dining, cooking.