Strategy & Operations » Leadership & Management » Career moves roundup: PwC, Mitie, Harrods

Career moves roundup: PwC, Mitie, Harrods

We reveal recent FD movers and shakers with the latest news on CFO appointments, resignations and promotions

Anderson Strathern appoints former PwC director as new finance director

Susanne Godfrey, former PwC director, has joined Scottish law firm Anderson Strathern as their new finance director. Godfrey, who joined the firm in October 2017, has replaced former finance director Andrew Mitchell. Mitchell resigned from the position by mutual consent on 31 March 2017.

A qualified chartered accountant, Godfrey was the director of William Zara, an offshore company. Prior to that she had spent 17 years at PwC as a director advising corporates, finance directors, chief financial officers and their stakeholders across the UK. Godfrey is also a member of the ethics board at the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland.

Well appoints first female chief financial officer

Well, an independent pharmacy chain, has appointed Lynn Krige as their new chief financial officer. Krige will primarily be responsible for leading the finance department, including portfolio, procurement and general counsel for the Well Group, comprising Well, Well Careplus and Bestway Medhub. She will be based at Well’s head office in Manchester city centre.

Krige, who joined the company on 8 November 2017, brings over 25 years of commercial and strategic experience to the company. Prior to Well, Krige held the posts of CFO at British Engineering Services, and group finance director for Speedy Hire plc. She also has prior experience of 12 years in infrastructure asset management with John Laing plc, where she was a board member and investment committee chair.

Krige will be Well’s first female CFO and second female on the executive team, alongside Tracy Barton, retail stores director.

Mitie appoints former Virgin Active boss as its new finance director

Outsourcing company Mitie has brought on board Paul Woolf as their new financial director. Woolf will be reporting to chief executive Phil Bentley and will replace current chief financial officer Sandip Mahajan with immediate effect. Mahajan will remain on the board, but will take on the role of chief financial transformation officer.

Prior to Mitie, Woolf had spent three and a half years as the chief executive of Virgin Active Health Clubs.

Earlier this year, Suzanne Baxter stepped down as Mitie FD after 11 years with the company.

A&P names new financial director

A&P Falmouth, a ship repair and conversion company, has appointed Mike Spicer as its new financial director. Spicer, who joins the company from Bovis Homes Group plc, will be responsible for optimising the company’s financial performance and strategic position. He will also support the creation of A&P Group’s new defence division, which is headquartered in Falmouth.

Prior to joining A&P Falmouth, Spicer was responsible for the Thames Valley region at Bovis Homes Group plc. He had also worked for Serco Group plc as commerce manager and more recently as senior finance and commerce manager.

Steve Jones, A&P Falmouth’s managing director said, “Mike’s expertise and insights will be instrumental in helping us to achieve profitable growth and continuing to build our core business in support of the global shipping and maritime, oil and gas industries, and to further diversify into the emerging civil nuclear and renewable energy market sectors.”

Harrods finance boss resigns

John Edgar, Harrods chief financial officer, has resigned from his position at the luxury department store after five years. Edgar has stated that he is moving from the retailer in pursuit of new challenges. Edgar’s resignation comes a month after Harrods had recorded an eighth consecutive year of soaring profits, which included crossing the £2bn sales mark for the first time.

Prior to Harrods, Edgar had held the post of chief financial officer at Selfridges. A Harrods spokesperson said, “John has been instrumental in driving Harrods strong financial performance in recent years, and Harrods thanks him for his contribution to the company.”

Aggreko appoints new CFO

Aggreko, the temporary power provider, has selected Heath Drewett as its new chief financial officer. Dewett, who will replace Carole Cran, will join the board and executive team in the first quarter of 2018 after completing his commitments with SNC-Lavalin.

An experienced financial professional, Dewett was the president at WS Atkins, which was recently acquired by SNC-Lavalin. He has also held the posts of group finance director at WS Atkins, prior to SNC-Lavalin’s takeover of the company.

Chris Weston, Aggreko CEO, said, “Heath is an experienced CFO and proven leader and I look forward to working with him as we continue to position Aggreko for the future.”

RFIB’s holding company appoints CFO

RFIB Group Ltd and Limehouse Agencies has brought on board former Agilisys chief executive Steven Beard as their new chief financial officer. Beard has also been nominated as the CEO of the newly created George Yard Services (GYS). He assumed responsibilities for both roles on 4 December 2017. Beard will be responsible for launching GYS, a specialist central services company that will provide finance, risk, compliance, HR, IT, and company secretariat services.

Beard, an industry veteran, had previously held the post of CFO at Agilisys before becoming the chief executive of the company. He has also worked for Lloyd’s managing agents Navigators, Brockbank, and XL Capital. Prior to Agilisys, Beard held senior positions at Xchanging Plc’s UK and US operations, and was also CFO at Redwave Plc.

Dennis Mahoney, RFIB chief executive said, “Steven is a landmark appointment for our business. He brings an exceptional track record to our CFO function and is the ideal candidate to launch and build our new central services business. Steven has pioneered the use of new technologies throughout his career and this approach will be central to GYS and across the RFIB and Limehouse businesses.”

Collagen Solutions appoints new chief financial officer as Gill Black steps down for family reasons

Collagen Solutions, a medical device provider, has appointed Hillary Spence as their new chief financial officer. Spence, who will replace Gill Black, is expected to take on responsibilities of the role from 3 January 2018. She will be based in their Glasgow office.

Prior to Collagen Solutions, Spence was the interim CFO at the private equity funded Powerleague. She has held various senior positions at a wide range of companies, including Heineken, Vodafone, Motorola and Premier Foods and smaller more entrepreneurial businesses.

Speaking about Spence’s appointment, Jamal Rushdy, Collagen Solutions’ CEO said, “Hilary has a wealth of experience both commercially and financially, working with businesses that mirror Collagen Solutions growth model and we believe she will be an important asset to the business in this exciting period of transitional growth for the Company.”

UKTV appoints Basterfield as CFO

UKTV, a multi-channel broadcaster, has appointed Mary Basterfield as its new chief financial officer. Basterfield will report to the chief executive and will be responsible for all financial decision making of the broadcaster. She is also expected to play an active part in influencing the performance and strategic and commercial direction of the business, including achieving financial targets, controlling cash-flow and management accounting.

In her previous role, she was the chief financial officer for Dentsu Aegis Network UK and Ireland. Basterfiled had previously held the post of chief financial officer for Hotels.com at Expedia Inc., and chief financial officer for Europe at Warner Music International where she was also vice president, strategy and acquisitions.

Commenting on Basterfield’s appointment, Darren Childs, UKTV CEO said, “Mary’s experience working in fast paced, entrepreneurial organisations positions her perfectly to drive UKTV’s ambitious growth plans. Her knowledge equips us with the very best financial leadership which will be invaluable as we head into a new era of creating even more original programmes and growing our VoD offering.”

Ruth Cooke to succeed Keith Exford as chief financial officer of Clarion Housing Group

Clarion Housing Group has elected Ruth Cooke as their new chief financial officer. Cooke, who will replace current chief executive Keith Exford, will take on responsibilities for the new role on 1 April 2018.

Cooke, who is currently the chief executive of Midland Heart, previously held the post of finance director at the organisation. Prior to Midland Heart, she was the group director of resources at Knightstone Housing Association and chief finance officer at Anchor Trust. Neil Goulden, Clarion Housing Group’s chair, said: “Ruth Cooke will be joining us at a critical phase of Clarion’s development. She, along with her colleagues on the Clarion group executive team, has the energy, drive and experience to support our commitment to deliver first-class services to our communities, alongside our ambition to build 50,000 new homes over 10 years and we look forward to welcoming her.”

Shire appoints Thomas Dittrich as CFO

Shire, a biopharmaceutical company, has selected Thomas Dittrich to be the new chief financial officer of the company. Dittrich, who is currently following a transition period with his current employer Sulzer, will be taking on the role from early 2018.

Dittrich has been working with Sulzer since 2014. At Sulzer, he served as the chief executive officer ad interim between August 2017 and December 2015. Prior to Sulzer, Dittrich was vice president of finance corporate planning and chief accounting officer of Amgen Inc. between 2010 and 2014. Between 2006 and 2010, he was vice president of finance and chief financial officer of Amgen. He also spent eight years with Dell in various finance and general manager roles.

On Dittrich’s appointment, Flemming Ornskov, Shire’s CEO said, “His unique financial skillset and results-oriented mentality make him the right person to lead Shire’s finance function.”

essensys appoints experienced industry leader as new CFO to support continued growth

essensys, a software provider for the flexible working space industry, has appointed former Avanta Serviced Office Group plc chief executive Alan Pepper as their new chief financial officer. Pepper will join the board with immediate effect and will be responsible for the direction and management of the Group’s financial affairs.

Pepper’s appointment will enable essensys’ executive team to tap into his experience and knowledge of the flexible workspace industry, general management and capital markets.

At Avanta, Pepper had been a part of the original start-up team and was instrumental in its rapid growth and subsequent management buy-out. While at Avanta, he led the business as a public company following its acquisition by the Aim listed Serviced Office Group plc. The business was finally acquired by Regus (now IWG plc) where he spent a year as chief commercial officer of the UK business. Pepper’s initial career was in the corporate finance teams of two major professional accountancy firms.

London Stock Exchange CEO Rolet to step down immediately

Xavier Rolet, London Stock Exchange’s chief executive, has announced that he will resign from his post with immediate effect. This announcement follows a public argument between Rolet and a major investor over his planned departure at the end of next year.

Rolet had previously announced that he would step down at the end of 2018. Rolet, who has led the London stock market operator since 2009, was influential in expanding the stock exchange in size and scope through a series of mergers. Rolet’s leadership has also enabled the exchange to trade at more than five times its value. Rolet’s extensive career includes senior positions at Lehman Brothers, Goldman Sachs and Credit Suisse First Boston.

London Stock Exchange has stated that David Warren, the company’s chief financial officer, will serve as interim chief executive until a successor is chosen.

Wilmington appoints Plant Impact executive Richard Amos as finance chief

Wilmington, a media and publishing company, has chosen Richard Amos as their new chief financial officer. Amos will assume the responsibilities of his role from March 2018. He will be replacing CFO incumbent Tony Foye.

Amos, who is still the CFO of Plants Impact plc, held the post of finance director at Anite plc between 2009 and 2015. Commenting on Amos’s appointment, Wilmington chief executive officer Pedro Ros said, “With the ongoing digitisation of our business, we look forward to Richard leveraging his experience in technology and international markets, and bringing a fresh perspective which will be invaluable as we continue to execute the group’s strategy.”

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