Q&A with Emma Belchier, Executive Vice President, Group Financial Controller
Executive Vice President, Group Financial Controller Emma Belchier shares insights from her over-15-year journey with Libra Group, her interests, and advice for young professionals.
[August 4, 2025]
Tell us about your journey that led you to your current role at Libra Group.
On completing my degree in Economic History, I embarked on two years of travelling around the world. From back-packing in Australia, China, Japan and South Korea, to working as a trainee game ranger in South Africa, to interning in a Government and Public Relations firm in Shanghai, these experiences broadened my worldview and shaped my adaptability.
When I returned to the UK, and with some encouragement from my father, I started my career in accountancy. While it wasn’t a path I initially sought, I found myself captivated by the intriguing world of shipping and numbers. After four years in practice, splitting my time between shipping audits and forensic accounting, I became Chief Accountant of a privately owned ship owner and management group.
In 2010, I was introduced to Libra Group by mutual contacts, and joined as a Group Accounting Manager. As the organization grew, so did the complexity of its’ accounting requirements. Progressing through various positions, before taking on my current role as Group Financial Controller.
What is one of the most important lessons you’ve learned throughout your time at Libra Group?
Libra Group is a highly agile organization—continuous learning and adaptation have been the cornerstones of my time here. I believe that success lies in mastering both the fine details and the overarching vision, as each informs the other.
Equally important has been the value of diverse perspectives. With operations across cultures and sectors, it takes a team with a variety of experiences to successfully navigate the complex business world we operate in. Respecting and understanding different viewpoints and, drawing on collective experience, has been fundamental to our sustained growth.
You’ve been with Libra Group for 15 years. What has kept you inspired and challenged in your role?
The ever-evolving, innovative nature of Libra Group offers continuous new opportunities to learn and develop personally and professionally. Over the years. I’ve played a part in numerous acquisitions, restructurings, and divestitures—each with its own learning curve. Seeing projects from birth to maturity, with each corporate transaction being unique, makes life at Libra Group interesting.
One day, I was asked, “Do you know anything about biogas in Latvia?” A week later, I did. That encapsulates life at Libra: continuous learning, hands-on execution, and full business-cycle engagement. No two days are ever the same and I always look forward to the next new challenge.
What advice would you give to young professionals pursuing roles in finance?
Always strive to do your best—settling for “good enough” often means falling short of your true potential.
Completing what’s asked isn’t enough—growth doesn’t come from repeating what you already know. Take initiative, ask thoughtful questions (timing matters) and seek to understand the broader purpose behind each assignment. This kind of deeper engagement not only sharpens your skills but also enables you to deliver more meaningful contributions to your team.
What keeps you busy outside of work?
My husband and I have an energetic 8 year old daughter who keeps us on our toes. As a family, we love to travel—our goal is for each of us to have visited more countries than their age. I am always looking forward to the next adventure, especially if it involves a cable car or mountain railway, and a walk to a beautiful lake. When I find personal time, I love to read, go to the theatre or cinema, and fit in a Pilates class.
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