More News » Career moves including Sage, AXA and Rank

Career moves including Sage, AXA and Rank

A round-up of finance leaders and other senior executives switching roles in the UK and elsewhere.

Sage Group names new CEO

UK-based software company Sage Group has announced that CFO and interim COO Steve Hare will be the chief executive officer effective immediately.

Prior to Sage, Hare has worked as the operating partner and co-head of the portfolio support group at private equity house Apax Partners. Hare will continue to oversee his CFO duties until an appropriate successor is found.

Speaking on Hare’s new role, Chairman Donald Brydon said: “I am delighted Steve has agreed to lead Sage on the next stage of its journey. He has impressed the board with the momentum, focus and clarity he has brought to the organisation over the last few months as COO but also throughout his tenure as CFO.”

AXA appoints Amelie Breitburd as UK and Ireland CFO

French insurance ginat AXA has elevated the role of Amelie Breitburd to the chief financial officer of UK and Ireland with effect from January 1, 2019. Breitburd will replace Bertrand Poupart-Lafarge, who will take up the same role at AXA France. Breitburd has been part of the group for 14 years- her most recent role was CFO for the company’s Asia arm. Prior to AXA, Breitburd worked with KPMG and Allianz.

Claudio Gienal, CEO of AXA for UK and Ireland, commented: “Amelie has played an important role in the success of Axa Group in Paris and brings significant skill and experience to our management team. I would also like to thank Bertrand for his excellent work as both CFO and executive sponsor for diversity and inclusion. Everyone at Axa UK and Ireland wishes him the best of luck as he starts a new and exciting chapter as CFO of Axa France.”

Rank Group looks for future stability with Bill Floydd appointed as new CFO

UK-based gambling company the Rank Group has named William ‘Bill’ Floydd as the chief financial officer effective November 12, 2018. He will be replacing interim CFO James Pizey, who will continue with his former role of group financial controller. Floydd was recently the CFO at Experian, which he joined five years ago. Before Experian, Floydd had worked in other senior financial roles with companies like Logica, CGI Group, and Capita.

Welcoming Floydd to the group, CEO John O’Reilly said: “I am pleased that Bill has agreed to join Rank at this exciting time in the company’s journey. There is much to be done to deliver our transformational programme, and I am confident that Bill is the right person to assist me, and the leadership team, in delivering a growing business that is fit for the future.”

Avon Products names head of finance for global operations

UK-based cosmetics company Avon Products has announced the promotion of Samantha Jackson from VP of internal audit to head of finance, global functions. Her previous position will be replaced by Timothy Leather who will join the company on December 3, 2018.

Speaking on Jackson’s new role, Executive VP and CFO Jamie Wilson said: “We are also excited for Samantha to take on her new role, where she will be providing finance leadership to Global Supply Chain, IT, Marketing and Corporate functions. Samantha’s nearly-10 years of experience with Avon uniquely prepare her to drive business performance and enhance business outcomes

Cobham reveals new CFO

UK-based defence and aerospace electronics manufacturer Cobham Advanced Electronic Solutions (CAES) has hired Mark Santamaria as the CFO and senior VP.

In his new role, Santamaria will oversee all financial aspects of the company, including the contracts, compliance, and legal organization. He will also join CAES’ board to ensure continued compliance with the special security agreement in place with the US Federal Government.

Prior to this, Santamaria has worked as the CFO for US defence contractor Mission Essential.

New finance director for Pendragon after shares tumble

Nottingham-based operator of franchised motor dealers Pendragon has announced that finance director Tim Holden will leave his role by end of March next year. Holden has worked with the company for 11 years including 10 years of experience as the finance director. He will be replaced by Mark Willis, who has served leading finance roles with companies like Ten Entertainment, Home Retail Group, and Argos.

Speaking on this, CEO Trevor Finn said: “I would like to thank Tim for his important contribution to the growth and robust financial health of the Company during the time he has been with us. We wish him all the best for his future plans. And Mark brings a breadth of financial and commercial experience combined with strategic and operational expertise, and is ideally suited to take Pendragon through the next phase of its transformation.”

IG Group appoints non-Exec Felix as CEO

London-based online trading provider IG Group has promoted June Felix from non-executive director to chief executive officer. Felix will succeed exiting CEO Peter Hetherington with immediate effect. Before joining the group in 2015, Felix was president of the Europe division at VeriFone Holdings for a year. Prior to VeriFone, she worked with Citigroup as MD of the global enterprise payments division from 2010 to 2014.

Commenting on the promotion, Chairman Andy Green said: “The board is delighted to appoint June Felix as CEO of the group. She brings to the role over 25 years’ experience in both the finance and digital technology sectors, and she has a deep understanding of our business. June has a strong track record in strategy and product innovation and has successfully developed businesses of varying scales in the USA, Asia and Europe. Her broad experience makes her ideally suited to take IG forward.”

Pets at Home hires new chief operating officer

Pet products retailer Pets At Home has announced the recruitment of David Robinson as the chief operating officer with effect from start of the next year.  In his new role, Robinson will report the CEO Peter Pritchard. With two decades of experience, Robinson has worked with companies like Bestway, Conviviality, Home Retail Group, and Argos in several senior executive roles.

Commenting on the appointment, Pritchard said: “David has proven strength in running operations across a diverse group of retailers and his experience leading the digital transformation at Argos will be hugely valuable in our pursuit to make Pets at Home an increasingly digitally-led business.”

Former VP of Aston Martin is new CEO for Sunseeker International

British luxury motor yacht manufacturer Sunseeker International has appointed Christian Marti as the chief executive officer replacing Phil Popham. With over 25 years of experience in the automotive industry, Marti was most recently the VP and chief sales officer for Aston Martin Lagonda. Prior to that, he has worked with brands like Jaguar, Land Rover and McLaren Automotive.

Speaking on his appointment, Marti said: “I am delighted to be joining Sunseeker at such an exciting time. The business has recently embarked on a five-year growth strategy and the company is sitting on its strongest ever order book with continued investment in new products and facilities at the heart of the business plan.”

TLT appoints Andrew Lyon as UK-wide head of financial services

Bristol headquartered law firm TLT has announced the elevation of Andrew Lyon as the head of financial services in UK. In his new role, Lyon will be responsible for the growth and expansion of the financial service practice, which supports major banks, lender and fintech sector.

David Pester, managing partner at TLT, said: “Our renowned and trusted expertise in financial services and banking provides a powerful platform for the next phase of growth. Andrew’s leadership will no doubt play a significant role in achieving our ambitions.”

Exertis promotes Richard Hinds to COO role

Group finance director Richards Hinds of the UK-based technology distribution group Exertis was promoted to the newly created role of COO for UK and Ireland. The new role will see Hinds overseeing finance, purchasing, IT, logistics and customer services functions. Hinds will report to MD Paul Bryan of UK and Ireland. Prior to joining Exertis in 2015, Hinds was finance director at Flogas and other senior finance roles with Speedy Hire. Hinds has also spent four years serving the Army.

Speaking on the promotion, Hinds said: “I am delighted to be taking on this challenging role in what is an exciting time for Exertis as we continue to grow our business both organically and by acquisition. The UK and Ireland businesses are in great shape and I am fortunate to be inheriting a highly capable team that has many years’ experience in their respective roles.”

Quilter names new CFO as Tookey steps down

UK-based financial service provider Quilter has announced that CFO Tim Tookey will step down from his role with effect from March next year. Mark Satchel who worked as the chief corporate finance director of the company will replace Tookey. Tookey will leave his role to work in a non-executive position as he wanted to achieve a better work-life balance.

Speaking on the changes, Quilter Chairman Glyn Jones said: “I would like to thank Tim for his very significant contribution to the creation of Quilter. We are sorry to see him go but he leaves with our best wishes for the future and his return to a plural career. The board is delighted to appoint Mark Satchel to succeed Tim. Mark is very well known to the board and highly regarded. He has worked closely in partnership with Tim so we are confident of a smooth transition and continuity on key initiatives.”

Bowers & Wilkins names Gregory Lee CEO

UK-based audio equipment manufacturer Bower & Wilkins has recruited Gregory Lee as the chief executive officer effective November 1, 2018. He was also appointed to the board of directors and has replaced Gideon Yu. Lee has a vast experience working with companies like Procter & Gamble, Johnson & Johnson, and Samsung Electronics in senior sales and marketing roles.

Bowers & Wilkins co-executive Chairman Dave Liu commented: “Greg has extensive experience building world class brands through strategic sales and marketing initiatives in the global consumer electronics industry, and he brings an impressive professional breadth to our company. This deep and highly relevant experience makes Greg a fantastic choice to lead the next chapter of Bowers & Wilkins.”

Schertle new COO at Praesepe

UK-based gambling company Praesepe has hired Mark Schertle as the chief operating officer reporting to CEO Stefan Bruns. In his new role, Schertle will be leading operations, HR, marketing, products and technology and real estate. Prior to this, Schertle has worked with various international and multi-disciplinary firms at managerial level.

Red Arrow Studios CEO Jan Frouman to step down

TV distributor Red Arrow Studios has announced that CEO and Chairman Jan Frouman has decided to step down from his role by end of February next year after 15 years of service. He will exit the company by exiting all his posts including member of the executive board of parent company ProSiebenSat.1. Frouman will be replaced by President and COO James Baker, who will report to ProSiebenSat.1 Media CEO Max Conze.

Conze said: “Red Arrow Studios is an important part of ProSiebenSat.1, and I would like to thank Jan for successfully building and leading the group from the start. I’m also very pleased that we’ve been able to promote James Baker to lead the company going forward.”

Capio appoints Marcus Nord as new CFO

Swedish healthcare company Capio Group has promoted Marcus Nord as the chief financial officer replacing Olof Bengtsson with effect from December 1, 2018. He was previously the deputy CFO for the group, which he joined in 2005. Nord has held various positions in the group like SVP group control and reporting. Bengtsson will leave after nine years with the group, where he held senior previously positions in corporate finance and group treasury.

 

 

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