In Summary

Fast turnaround recruitment of a CFO to assist in the redevelopment of the finance function.

The Situation

Our client is a publicly listed British fashion and beauty retailer. In 2014 the company faced a challenging global trading environment with strong Sterling impacting their pre-tax profit and share-prices halving over the year. Against this difficult backdrop, they were successfully progressing with ambitious growth plans. To execute, the incumbent CFO’s agenda evolved into the role of COO, incorporating retail and the international expansion on top of IT and supply chain. This move coincided with the departure of two divisional finance directors which left the finance function somewhat exposed.

The Solution

The departures came at a sensitive time and speed was of essence to steady a ship in rough waters. BIE proposed an interim solution. Good interim managers have a special combination of qualities that are hard to find in a permanent executive. They are functional experts, capable of managing themselves, focused on delivering to the task in hand and able to inject energy and add value from day one. Specific PLC Retail CFO/FD experience was needed at short notice to assist in the redevelopment of the finance function. With annual results due out, this process needed to be turned around within 10 days.

The Timeline

Day 1 Client Brief Day 2 Shortlist in 24 hours Days 4/5 Interviews, client interview shortlist Days 8/9 Client interviews, appointment.

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