In Search of a CFO

If you have been following this trend, you may have seen the statistic cited across a range of articles that over 40% of business leaders believe that the main reason for the UK’s current CFO shortage is down to the increase in CFOs moving into CEO positions. 

The pace of adaption that businesses are required to make currently, in order to keep up with rapid economic, political and technological change, has increased the need for financial sustainability to be at the core of all company strategies. And who better to lead a financially sustainable strategy than the mighty CFO?!

This trend is being seen cross-sector in leadership conversations and in publishing we have just congratulated the appointment of Penny Ladkin-Brand as the new Taylor & Francis CEO. Ladkin-Brand is currently the Chief Financial & Strategy Officer at Future Plc and a shining example of how growth-orientated finance leaders are today’s sought-after chief execs. 

Over the first half of 2024, here at Inspired Search - the executive search division of Inspired - we have seen a significant increase in demand from employers for Finance Directors and Chief Finance Officers. Each has come with its own particular circumstance and requirements of course; indeed, there are many reasons to hire an excellent CFO and we have enjoyed tailoring the process and conversation to meet those needs. 

Inspired Search is powered by its combination of network and research, lending itself beautifully to publishing CFO assignments and also to Boards looking to fill CEO vacancies with CFO experience: 

• Relationships: Over the years we have not only cultivated strong talent pools through working on assignments, but also built strong relationships with a vast array of finance leaders within the industry, getting their valuable input into processes and providing them with insight into talent trends.
• Research: Inspired Search has a dedicated Executive Researcher giving us the capability to push far outside of the publishing industry for talent, should you not require publishing experience in the CFO profile. We find that oftentimes, the importance of experience with a particular company structure (owner-led, PE backed, PLC etc.) outweighs that of industry knowledge when it comes to CFO profiles and, as such, can map out the market into more relevant spaces. 
• Expertise: Whether we are searching within publishing and need to get into the ‘nuts & bolts’ of the opportunity with candidates or are looking outside the industry and need to represent publishing to potential talent, we have the deep knowledge to execute effective conversations on your behalf. 
• Agility: While this has been identified as a trend, we are acutely aware that each situation will be unique and will support you in refining and defining the process to meet your requirements.

Whether a CFO talent gap is on your mind or indeed you are looking for a current CFO to charter your course as CEO, please do not hesitate to reach out to Inspired Search’s MD – Abigail Barclay - for a confidential conversation.