The Challenge
Gerard Daniels was retained to identify and appoint two critical finance leaders for a FTSE 250-listed equipment manufacturing business with global operations. These roles included a Group Financial Controller based in the UK, and a Regional Chief Financial Officer (CFO) based in Houston.
The brief called for two complementary but distinct profiles.
For the Group Financial Controller, the client required a technically strong and credible finance leader capable of strengthening group reporting, control, governance and financial consistency across the organisation. This role also leads major transformation projects, including an ERP implementation and the transition to a shared services model.
The Regional CFO, Americas, requirement involved identifying an individual capable of operating as a strategic partner to the business. This executive is responsible for driving growth; leading the wider Americas finance function to deliver transactional finance support; and rebuilding teams, systems and processes to support the next phase of business strategy.
Our Approach
In order to secure two complementary appointments under conditions of strict confidentiality, Gerard Daniels secured high-quality referrals by leveraging a diverse executive talent network, built over 40 years.
Our search focused on individuals who combined the right level of cultural adaptability, in particular the ability to operate strategically as well as transactionally, with a track record of delivering strong financial results.
Client Impact
Gerard Daniels delivered two well-defined shortlists and supported our client through a thorough assessment and interview process during the traditionally quieter summer months. This resulted in the successful appointment of a Group Financial Controller for the UK and a Regional CFO based in Houston.
Collectively, these senior appointments have strengthened finance leadership at both group and regional level, improving reporting, governance and business partnering. Most importantly, they have liberated operational leadership to focus on growth, with the Americas growing by 125% and the global business by 108% year-on-year from 2024 and 2025 respectively.
Lead Search Consultant
Kester Guy-Briscoe
Associate Partner
London & Houston
James Christian is a highly experienced Executive Search consultant with over 15 years’ experience across human resources and executive search. Based in the UAE, he specialises in senior executive appointments across the Energy and Industrial sectors, working with clients globally across Europe, the Middle East, North America, Australia and Asia.
