Today’s economic environment is evolving rapidly and the role of the Chief Financial Officer along with it. Whereas in the past CFOs have mainly operated behind the scenes, the modern CFO is now forced into the spotlight as a forward-thinking team leader involved in all aspects of a company’s operations.
CFOs are faced with a demanding and complex medium which requires both business acumen and practical knowledge. CFOs at the top of their game must earn their seat at the table through hard work, innovation and vision, embedding finance throughout the business as well as driving direction and success.
From veterinary care to electric aviation, student accommodation to marine robotic and hydrographic services, here is a list of the leading CFOs across the South West.
Emma Thomas
Chief Financial Officer at Parmenion
Moving up from Head of Commercial Finance, Emma Thomas was appointed CFO of Parmenion, the technology and investments solutions business, in 2017. In her role as Chief Financial Officer and CF10a at Parmenion, she manages the finance team, CASS oversight and all financial areas of the business. Prior to moving to Parmenion Emma held several positions at Jelf Group plc, most recently Finance Director, where she played a key role in the sale of Jelf in 2015 to Marsh & McLennan Companies Inc.
Stephen Marshall
Chief Financial Officer at Pure Electric
Formerly at Dyson, followed by Nisbets, Stephen Marshall joined Pure Electric as CFO in 2021. The leading specialist in electric micro-mobility, Pure Electric’s future-focused engineering is reducing our reliance on cars and public transport, encouraging us all to do our bit for the environment. With a proven track record of commercial success and business transformation, Marshall’s experience navigating his previous teams through strategic and commercial challenges has earned him a spot on this list.
Paul Kenyon
Group Chief Financial Officer at IVC Evidensia
Group Chief Financial Officer at IVC Evidensia, Paul Kenyon has more than 35 years’ experience in financial management under his belt. The global leader in veterinary care across 20 countries, Kenyon joined IVC Evidensia in 2020 after a series of senior financial roles, including at C&J Clark and Nomad Foods, where he oversaw the company’s listing on the New York Stock Exchange.
Joe Lister
Chief Financial Officer at UNITE
With a track record of leading in the real estate and Higher Education industries, Joe Lister is an experienced, not to mention successful, Chief Financial Officer. Lister joined Unite, the leading provider of student accommodation in the UK, in 2002 and was appointed CFO in 2008, having held roles including investment director and corporate finance director. Lister leads the design and delivery of sustainable growth and financial performance for the company as well as ensuring the development and communication of strategy with investors. Prior to joining Unite, Joe qualified as a chartered accountant with PricewaterhouseCoopers.
Nick Boorman
Finance Director at Rovco
CFO and Director at Rovco, the leading provider of marine robotic and hydrographic services, Nick Boorman has been at the company since 2020. Previously he has been Commercial Finance Director at Engine, the global advertising, technology and data company, as well as CFO at SaaS company Black Swan Data.
Steve Robinson
Chief Financial Officer at Turtle Bay
Caribbean restaurant and bar chain Turtle Bay appointed Steve Robinson as Chief Financial Officer in 2019. Formerly Young & Co Brewery’s CFO for almost 10 years, Robinson also has held positions at The Walt Disney Company and Deloitte with his unique combination of technical excellence and impressive leadership.
Vincent Casey
Chief Financial Officer at Vertical Aerospace
An expert in corporate finance, valuation, financial modelling and strategy consulting, Vincent Casey joined Vertical Aerospace in 2020 as CFO. Now pioneering electric aviation, Casey also has experience in a range of CFO positions in the energy sector, including OVO and HomeSun Ltd. Casey started his career at PWC in their corporate finance team and is a Chartered Financial Analyst.
Peter Edgar
Chief Financial Officer at Huboo Technologies
Peter Edgar has been at Huboo Technologies Limited, the award-winning order fulfilment for eCommerce sellers, as CFO since 2020. With expertise in private equity, technology, blockchain, fintech, e-Commerce and manufacturing, his experience includes transacting over 10 M&A deals from sourcing, negotiation and due diligence through to completion, integration and growth strategy.
Paul Burridge
Chief Financial Officer at Truespeed
Starting in finance over 25 years ago as a Chartered Accountant, Paul Burridge’s career has taken him to many different places. First CFO at Bath-based tech firm MyLife Digital, he has also had a stint as Finance Director at West Country Vending and subsequent senior finance roles at software and services provider Tribal Group, communications agency SHIFT Active Media and commercial law firm DAC Beachcroft. In 2020 Burridge made the move to Truespeed as CFO, bringing full fibre broadband to homes, businesses and communities across the South West. His current focus is providing financial and commercial leadership that will help to drive the business to the next level.
Jo Jones
UK & Europe CFO at IVC Evidensia
Also part of the finance team at IVC Evidensia, Jo Jones was appointed UK & Europe CFO in 2021. With experience across both group and operational finance roles, including business growth and turnaround, M&A and finance transformation, Jones’ previous experience is as Finance Director at Boots Opticians, as well as CFO at the independent games label, Team17 Digital Ltd.
With the help of this round up, you can connect with our South West Financial experts.
Looking for another good read? Head over to our ‘Ones to watch in European finance’ article.
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