A long-established global distributor operating across more than 16 countries required senior finance leadership to support its international operations. With a centralised finance team of 30 and turnover exceeding £2.5bn, the organisation needed a finance leader with significant multinational and multi-site experience.
The Challenge
- Following a global reorganisation, the business required a dedicated Finance Director for its EMEA region to strengthen strategic and operational oversight.
- As a US-owned organisation, candidates needed prior experience working within similar US ownership structures and familiarity with associated reporting requirements.
- Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) experience was essential, which is relatively uncommon in the UK and further restricted the available candidate pool.
- The role operated within a matrix organisation, requiring someone capable of navigating dual reporting lines to both a UK Managing Director and a US-based global CEO.
How Headstar Stepped In
- Headstar undertook a comprehensive executive search to identify senior finance leaders with strong backgrounds in multinational, multi-site and manufacturing environments.
- A targeted headhunting campaign was delivered alongside a focused advertising strategy to attract candidates with the required technical expertise and cultural fit.
- A shortlist of six candidates was presented to the Board, which was refined to three preferred individuals for final interview stages.
- A structured recruitment process ensured rigorous competency assessment, stakeholder alignment and a smooth progression from longlist to appointment.
The Impact
- Global Finance Leadership Appointed – A senior international finance director was placed to oversee financial strategy across multiple regions worldwide.
- Strengthened Multi-Territory Oversight – The new hire leads a centralised finance team supporting operations across Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia-Pacific.
- Enhanced Strategic Capability – The appointed leader brings extensive experience in multinational environments, supporting the organisation’s long-term growth plans.
- Rapid Appointment with Minimal Downtime – The recruitment process was completed swiftly, ensuring the business maintained momentum without operational disruption.
In the Words of the Client
“Our chosen candidate is a leader with a proven track record in driving growth, profitability and efficiency and we’re delighted to welcome them to the team.
Their expertise and experience will ensure that the organisation is better positioned than ever for success and we’re looking forward to working closely with them to advance our exciting growth plans.”
Vice President of Global Finance Operations
