ROBERT COOPER was Group Treasurer of Whitbread Plc for a number of years where he had responsibility for all treasury matters. He has extensive experience in exploiting the role of the treasury department to create value. Prior to being Group Treasurer he held a number of different financial roles at Whitbread, and has worked for Esmark Inc. and GKN PLC. He currently works as a consultant for BRC Consultancy, specialising in corporate treasury reviews. Robert Cooper has spoken at a number of conferences and seminars, and lectures on a wide range of corporate finance and treasury topics. He has a degree in Economics, is a Chartered Accountant, and is a member of the Association of Corporate Treasurers.