Case Studies

Built out the global finance function, including a group finance function, while recruiting key roles such as Group Financial Controller, Director of FP&A, Director of Tax & Treasury, Director of Internal Audit, and regional finance directors, during a period of rapid business growth. Through effective CFO consulting, transformed the group balance sheet into a positive net worth within 2.5 years of joining HH Global, emphasizing a strong focus on accounts receivable management and strategic investments in the supply chain, improving the current ratio from 0.68x to over 1x. Delivered significant improvements to the Net Revenue margin, increasing it from 19.2% to 24.5% over three years, partly by utilizing surplus cash to invest in an Early Settlement Discount program across the supply chain. Developed a comprehensive financial strategy and group IT strategy that prioritized cost management and enhanced service delivery. Implemented a new SAAS-based global budgeting, forecasting, and reporting platform for the group. Additionally, integrated a new global finance platform with an in-house developed procurement system. Established a minimum control framework environment across the business and global finance function, and achieved notable process improvements in finance, such as closing the books down to working day 3 from 18.

During 2019, I co-led a successful 10-month project as part of CFO consulting services to secure private equity investment from a sponsor and refinance the business. The project completed in February 2020, successfully securing a £100m investment from the Blackstone Tactical Opportunities fund and £125m of new debt facilities, including £100m senior debt financing from BlackRock and a £25m SSRCF from HSBC. I managed all external advisors on the sell-side throughout the process. Additionally, I was part of the executive team that acquired and took private InnerWorkings Inc., a NASDAQ listed business, in October 2020, which had revenues of $1.2bn and EBITDA of $45m. I led the finance, legal, and debt raising workstreams, successfully raising $250m of incremental term debt from existing and new debt providers, and secured an additional £25m SSRCF facility from NatWest. All due diligence and confirmatory work were undertaken remotely during the first COVID-19 lockdown. HH Global realized approximately $100m of synergies. I also led work on the tax restructuring of the group post the InnerWorkings acquisition, with the goal of achieving tax neutrality as the group was split up. This initiative then led into a global entity rationalization project. Furthermore, I was part of the executive team that acquired Adare International from Endless LLP. Adare had revenues of €275m and employed 750 people, with operations primarily in Europe and LATAM, which are highlighted in various case studies showcasing effective financial strategy.

Built a Family Office from scratch, showcasing my expertise in CFO consulting. Developed relationships with key external advisors and stakeholders while working with the principal to define a financial strategy for asset allocation and investment post-private business liquidity event. This included the selection of investment manager(s). Implemented tax-efficient ownership structures for the management of luxury assets and set up a private office function. Led a project to change the usage of a superyacht from personal use to charter-ready, while managing relationships with key advisors, including legal, tax, private wealth management, and structuring. Conducted thorough assessments of investment opportunities, which serve as valuable case studies.

Worked with the family to define their asset allocation and financial strategy following a private business liquidity event, which included the selection of investment managers. Led a family structuring project to implement a flexible and tax-efficient legal structure for asset ownership, protection, and succession. This involved creating a multi-jurisdictional framework based in the ME/Caribbean. Selected and implemented the Masttro family report platform. Additionally, led the definition of the investment strategy for the direct investment business, establishing the Vision, Mission, and Values. Evolved the existing finance function by re-implementing the ERP solution and automating invoice approval and payment processes. Conducted assessments of investment opportunities, showcasing our expertise in CFO consulting and providing relevant case studies.