Headhunting a CFO for a leading Manufacturer of Liquid Chemical, Gases and Oil products – CFO Headhunters

Executive Search: Appointing a Chief Financial Officer Post-Takeover to Lead Operating Transformation

In the wake of a strategic takeover, a major UK business needed a commercially sharp CFO to define and implement a new financial operating structure from the ground up. Here’s how we delivered.

✅ Who This Is For

• Businesses undergoing post-M&A integration or transformation

• Boards looking to build a new finance function from scratch

• Investors or new ownership teams seeking finance leaders with the agility to shape future structures and strategy

🚧 The Challenge: Building a Finance Function from a Blank Slate

Client context:
Following a successful and friendly acquisition, our client — a high-performing business with a reputation for quality and sustainability — required a new Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to help shape the post-takeover operating structure.

Primary mandate:

• Oversee and restructure the entire finance function across four UK operating sites

• Establish robust internal processes including treasury, tax, and company secretarial — all of which were previously non-existent

• Join the senior leadership team to provide strategic financial direction in alignment with new shareholders

• Align with a values-led culture that prioritises health, safety, quality, and sustainability

Key challenge:
The CFO would need to operate with a high degree of autonomy, building a finance operation from the ground up while navigating post-takeover change — and still maintaining continuity within a successful, values-driven culture.

🎯 Our Executive Search Approach: Precision, Profiling, and Cultural Fit

This wasn’t a standard finance appointment. Our client needed a strategic heavyweight with hands-on expertise, capable of leading integration efforts while delivering long-term value.

1. Role and Culture Analysis

• We began with in-depth discovery sessions with the leadership team and new shareholders to understand both the strategic objectives and internal dynamics

• Special focus was placed on identifying candidates with M&A experience, as well as those who thrived in complex, change-oriented environments

2. Market Mapping and Talent Targeting

We executed a multi-sector executive search strategy to uncover the strongest possible talent:

• Initial targeting of CFOs and Finance Directors within the engineering and manufacturing sectors

• Extended reach into energy, infrastructure, and capital-intensive industries, where financial leaders often operate in high-risk, regulated, and safety-critical environments

• Evaluated candidates based on leadership credibility, operational breadth, and prior success in building or reshaping finance functions

3. Candidate Engagement and Evaluation

• Rigorous cultural and psychometric assessments were integrated early in the process to ensure value alignment

• Candidates were appraised not only on qualifications and experience but on their ability to collaborate cross-functionally, adapt quickly, and inspire trust during transformation

🏆 Outcome: A High-Calibre CFO with Deep Sectoral and M&A Expertise

The appointed CFO stood out not only for their strong track record in engineering and energy sectors, but also for their experience leading businesses through M&A and integration.

Why they were the perfect fit:

• Brought gravitas, qualifications, and proven leadership across domestic and international operations

• Known for building finance teams and systems that scale with growth

• Aligned with the client’s values around safety, sustainability, and high-quality business practices

• Had multiple offers but chose this opportunity after our close consultation and positioning of the role’s strategic importance

“We were presented with an exceptional shortlist, but one candidate in particular had exactly the right combination of experience, values, and leadership acumen. They’ve hit the ground running.” — Client feedback

📌 What You Should Consider When Hiring a CFO Post-Integration

• Look beyond technical excellence — seek leaders who thrive in ambiguity and can build from zero

• Culture matters: post-takeover environments require collaborative, emotionally intelligent leadership

• Invest in storytelling: articulate the strategic importance of the CFO role to attract in-demand talent

📞 Hiring a CFO to Lead Transformation After an Acquisition?

We specialise in headhunting senior finance leaders who are ready to define and execute financial transformation at pivotal moments.

👉 Contact us on 020 7160 6996 to discuss how we can help you appoint a high-impact CFO or senior finance leader.

Let’s find the right finance executive to build your future.