Virginie Costa Appointed Godiva's New Chief Financial Officer

NEW YORK, July 24, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Godiva Chocolatier, the global leader in premium chocolate, announced today the appointment of Virginie Costa as its Chief Financial Officer, effective August 6. She will be responsible for leading the brand's Global Finance team and join the business' Global Executive Committee.

Costa joins Godiva with 20 years of Financial and Operational experience, with a deep focus in the consumer experience. Most recently, she served as Chief Financial & Operations Officer for Burberry Americas where she led finance, customer operations, technology, legal and other functions. Virginie has been instrumental in many high-profile transformation programs that improved Burberry's overall performance.

"We are thrilled to have Virginie join our Executive team," said Annie Young-Scrivner, CEO of Godiva. "She brings strong leadership experience in modernizing and building Finance and Operations teams to drive productivity and profitability. Virginie joining the team further demonstrates our commitment to supporting Women in Leadership as 50 percent of my Global Executive Committee will now be female."

Costa has a wealth of experience in building high-performing teams - both in Finance and Operations – in addition to establishing strong governance to better mitigate business risk and manage compliance.

"I am excited and honored to be joining the Godiva family," said Costa. "I look forward working with Annie and collaborating with my peers by building a strong Global Finance team and leveraging my business experience as we further expand into other markets and product categories."

Costa lives in New York with her family and will be based in Godiva's New York headquarters office.

Current Chief Financial Officer Selim Baraz has decided to leave the business at the end of December after six successful years in which he led the Global Finance, IT and Strategy teams.

Annie Young-Scrivner commented "I would personally like to thank Selim for his partnership since I joined Godiva. He has been a key member of my Executive Team and has been integral to the design and development of our new strategy. I wish him continued success in the future."

About GODIVA Chocolatier

GODIVA Chocolatier is the global leader in premium artisanal chocolate. The company was founded in 1926 by Belgian Chocolatier, Pierre Draps, who used only the finest ingredients in the world to create his chocolates. Almost a century later, the quality in craftsmanship and the world's most exceptional ingredients are still in every piece of GODIVA chocolate.

Customers can experience delicious GODIVA chocolates in over 100 countries with distribution in nearly 800 boutiques, Global Travel Retail, department and specialty stores, and online. GODIVA offers a range of chocolate creations and is dedicated to innovation and excellence in the Belgian tradition. GODIVA is committed to developing, manufacturing and delivering food and beverage products that are of the highest quality and consistently exceeding consumer expectations. From its famous truffles and shell-molded chocolate pieces to its European-style biscuits, individually wrapped chocolates, gourmet coffees, hot cocoa, Chocolate Soft Serve and other indulgences, GODIVA is dedicated to bringing the ultimate chocolate experience to the world.

GODIVA supports sustainable practices and programs on a worldwide basis. We strive to invest in programs and practices that lead to lasting positive outcomes for our consumers, partners and communities. We are proud of the work that we do to support farmers and our partners, safeguard our environment, and empower the communities where we work and live. Godiva is a participating member of the World Cocoa Foundation (WCF), a leading nonprofit organization that promotes sustainability in the cocoa sector by providing cocoa farmers with the support they need to grow more quality cocoa and strengthen their communities. We also participate in cocoa sustainability activities through the Cocoa Horizons Foundation, which seeks to improve the livelihoods of cocoa farmers and their communities through the promotion of sustainable, entrepreneurial farming, improved productivity, and community development. 

About our name…When Lady Godiva, wife of Lord Leofric, protested against the taxation of his subjects, she agreed to ride through the streets of Coventry "clad in naught but her long tresses," and so long as the residents remained in shuttered buildings their tax burden would be lifted. The following morning, she made her famous ride and, despite being the ultimate temptation, the citizens graciously remained indoors. Leofric kept his word and reduced the taxes to the delight of his subjects, ensuring Godiva's legendary status throughout the centuries. Inspired by the values of Lady Godiva – her passion, generosity, and pioneering spirit -- GODIVA's legendary name has become a universal symbol of luxury, quality and the most delicious chocolate.

SOURCE Godiva Chocolatier