Meet the speakers at Finance Futures: The Executive Summit

With Finance Futures: The Executive Summit fast approaching, the 2026 event brings together a strong line-up of senior finance and business leaders, representing some of the UK’s most iconic brands and innovative businesses, including TransPennine Express, Northern Bl°c and Lloyds Bank. 

Expert insight from leading voices 

Attendees will hear from a high-calibre line-up of speakers, including: 

  • Jenny McMillan, Managing Director, Northern Bl°c 
  • Fiona Roberts, Finance Director, TransPennine Express 
  • Paul Kharbanda, Foreign Exchange Sales Business Lead, Lloyds Bank 
  • Ben Priestley, CFO, Mansfield Pollard 
  • Lou Ellis-Frankland, Founder & Managing Director, Mansfield Pollard 
  • Ian Fullen, CFO, Unity Advisory 
  • Joe Bainborough, Finance Director, Pure Pet Food 
  • Jonathan Healey, Group Technology Director, IDHL 
  • Theresa Spencer, COO, G2M Group 
  • Richard Pugmire, CEO, Answer Digital 
  • Matthew Tollefson, CFO, Hubrx 
  • Diane Swift, Finance Director, Yes Energy 
  • Laura Lister, Partner, Walker Morris 
  • Steve Cross, Group Technical Director, PIB Insurance 
  • Karen Pitchforth, Associate Director, Headstar 

Plus some recently confirmed high-profile speakers who will be announced shortly. 

What to expect from this year’s CPD-accredited Executive Summit 

Finance Futures: The Executive Summit returns this February, bringing together senior finance and business leaders for a jam-packed half-day conference covering a range of different topics. 

The agenda explores a range of issues finance leaders are dealing with now, including: 

  • The economic outlook for the year ahead 
  • Tackling leadership challenges and decision-making at senior level 
  • Career progression, including the transition from CFO to CEO 
  • The evolving role of modern finance teams 
  • The practical application of AI within finance  

The day combines numerous keynote speeches, live panel discussions, interactive workshops and ample networking opportunities. Finance Futures takes place on Wednesday 25th February 2026, 8.30am – 2pm, at the Leeds Marriott Hotel. 

CPD-Accredited Learning 

Finance Futures: The Executive Summit is a CPD-accredited event, providing 3.75 hours of recognised CPD learning

Attendees will receive an official CPD certificate after the event, supporting professional development records and annual CPD requirements. 

The independent accreditation by The CPD Certification Service provides assurance that the content delivers structured learning and professional relevance, alongside discussion and networking. 

15% Exclusive Headstar Discount 

Tickets are normally £50 + VAT, but with the exclusive Headstar 15% discount code you can attend for £42.50 + VAT. Simply use the promo code HEADSTAR15 at the checkout. 

You can view the full agenda and book your ticket at: www.financefutures.co.uk  

If you have any questions, the Headstar team can be contacted on info@headstar.co.uk

Interested in hearing more about how we can solve your challenges? We’d love to hear from you.
James Roach

James Roach

Managing Director

james.roach@headstar.co.uk

James Roach

Want a Finance Team That Actually Drives Growth?

Our free guide, ‘How to Build a World-Class Finance Team’ reveals the 4-layer Finance Team Pyramid every high-performing team needs, a step-by-step process to attracting and retaining top talent, and how to avoid costly recruitment mistakes.