Executive Search for Financial Leaders



Freshwood is a specialist executive search firm dedicated to sourcing, evaluating and placing talent within UK based companies that are investor backed, publicly listed and privately held.

Freshwood is an independent executive search and interim management firm, specialising in senior financial leadership roles


No two organisations are alike, and neither are their talent requirements. We craft customised search strategies for each client, ensuring that we identify and attract candidates who not only meet the qualifications on paper, but also align with your organisation's unique ethos and vision.



Our Proposition

We find leaders who go beyond the numbers


We partner with dynamic UK based companies, whether public, private equity backed, early stage or family owned.  In common however, is our client's desire to appoint commercially minded finance professionals who understand strategy, technological transformation, risk management, FP&A, tax planning.... the list goes on. 


Our boutique size allows us to maintain deep and extensive networks. We leverage these  connections to tap into hidden talent pools and present you with exceptional candidates, who may not be actively seeking new opportunities, but are the perfect fit for your leadership roles.






Expertise

The finance function is what we do best.   We recruit the CFO and their direct reports i.e. Divisional FD, Controllers, 'Head of'.  We look for individuals who are:


  • Strong technically
  • Commercial and strategically minded
  • Able to thrive in fast paced environments
  • Effectively identify and mitigate risk
  • Clear communicators
  • Agile and adaptable
  • Leaders who inspire, motivate and develop

Finance leaders must possess a rigorous understanding of key business drivers, combined with the technical finance and strategic skills, in order to be trusted advisers to the board and management. 


We help companies at various stages of their lifecycle.  If the company is young and growing fast, we can help them appoint their first standalone CFO. 


Equally our network of experienced CFO's is extensive.  These individuals have the war stories and the know-how to drive growth, deliver transformation and they have established a strong reputation with the 3rd parties e.g. banks, advisers, investors etc.


Once the CFO is in place, we can help with the team build.  Ensuring we identify the right technical skillset and crucially the interpersonal attributes to succeed.   


Why us?

  • 25+ years building, and continuing to build, a vast network.
  • Experience across multiple industries and ownership structures.
  • We don't recycle the same people or present shortlists within a week.
  • We use every means possible to produce the highest quality shortlist.
  • We tailor our advice depending on the specific situation.   
  • We strive to work with our clients for the long term.