Finance Director UK & Ireland at Le Creuset (2024-04 – Present)
Premium cookware brand with global turnover €650m, operating in over 60 countries. Finance Director for UK & Ireland region with £60m turnover.
- Project Sponsor for D365 ERP implementation, leading all workstreams across finance, commercial, supply chain, WMS and retail operations
- Led and developed a high-performing finance team (4 direct, 6 indirect reports) across FP&A, Payroll and the full finance function
- Structured a formal S&OP process, improving demand planning accuracy, stock management discipline and cross-functional alignment
- Owned budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting and statutory compliance for the UK & Ireland region
- Development of pricing strategies and margin analysis within ERP, ensuring commercial viability and profitability
- Negotiated insurance programmes and enhanced related controls, improving risk coverage, cost efficiency and governance
Interim CFO (APAC) at Direct Wines Ltd (2022-01 – 2023-12)
Global wine retailer with £450m turnover operating in 9 countries. Interim CFO for APAC region during period of significant disruption.
- Stepped in during significant disruption (FD on maternity leave, FC resignation) to provide stability and leadership
- Aligned and refocused a team of five finance professionals, establishing clear priorities and rebuilding confidence
- Ensured business-as-usual delivery of all core finance operations, maintaining rigorous month-end close processes
- Supported the CEO in developing long-term profitability strategy and reinvigorating subscription models
- Managed customs audits, hedging policy and operational delivery in challenging post-Covid trading environment
Divisional Finance Director - Wine Production Division at Direct Wines Ltd (2017-01 – 2024-03)
Wine Production Division with £15m turnover, managing vineyards and wineries across UK, Australia, and France.
- Set strategic, financial and operational plans for a complex agricultural and manufacturing business
- Led commercial pricing, product costing, discount control and margin optimisation for wholesale customers
- Implemented S&OP for wine production, aligning vineyard output and winery capacity with sales forecasts
- Led acquisition, renovation and construction projects for winery and visitor centre assets
- Presented and delivered asset-utilisation and investment cases to the Board, including purchase of Australian vineyards and winery facilities
Director of Group Finance at Direct Wines Ltd (2020-01 – 2024-03)
Group Finance Director for DW group with £450m turnover, managing consolidation and reporting across 30+ entities.
- Led group consolidation, reporting, budgeting and planning across 30+ entities and multiple currencies
- Implemented Cognos Controller, reducing month-end consolidation board reporting from 7 to 3 working days
- Acted as technical superuser for Cognos Controller, managing system upgrades and troubleshooting
- Delivered statutory accounts within 60 days every year since 2011, including transition to FRS 102 in 2016
- Resolved a historic £5m intercompany imbalance, restoring full cash clarity
- Oversaw delivery of Corporation Tax, VAT returns, transfer pricing, and SAO documentation
- Implemented Concur expense system and supplier discount platform
- Led a geographically dispersed finance team of 10 across the UK, France and Australia
Head of Group Finance / Group Financial Controller / Group Finance Manager / Group Accountant at Direct Wines Ltd (2011-01 – 2020-12)
Progressive roles within Direct Wines finance function.
- Progressed through multiple roles building expertise in group financial management
Financial Accountant at International Jet Club Limited (2009-01 – 2011-12)
Privately owned management company for private jets with turnover £30m and 60 employees.
- Responsible for multicurrency disbursement process and preparation of management letters to high-profile clients
- Creating annual budgets, forecasts and ad-hoc financial analysis
- Leading the annual audit process and liaising with auditors
Assistant Accountant at Waterbridge Group Limited (2008-01 – 2009-12)
Privately held property management company with hotel, restaurant and self-storage business operations.
- Preparation of management accounts and working papers for auditors
- Providing financial and non-financial reports for the director and senior management
- Cash Flow preparation, variance analysis, trial balance, bank and intercompany reconciliations
Accounts Associate at Allegis Group (2007-01 – 2007-12)
Recruitment and staffing agency, UK Group with 250 employees and turnover £66m (part of global group with 250 offices, 10,000 employees, $11bn turnover).
- Managing Sales & Purchase Ledger, multicurrency bank reconciliation
- Key member of project team implementing new banking facilities across Europe on a cash pool basis, operational within 6 months
Accounts Assistant at Kings Oak Thames Valley (2006-01 – 2007-12)
Property building company, part of Barratt Group.
