Expert Support for Boards and CFOs

We find and introduce strategic CFOs who deliver transformative leadership, drive superior financial performance and possess the skills and gravitas to effectively manage multiple stakeholders.  A true partner to the CEO.

The CFO succeeds with the help of a great team — nurtured, developed, empowered, and grown into potential successors. This is the financial engine room, and we find the next generation of finance leaders to power it.

Our clients are listed, PE backed, venture funded, private and family owned across multiple industry sectors and geographies.


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We help fast growing and established companies to appoint exceptional finance talent.

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As businesses and people continue to evolve, we continue to listen, learn and evolve with them.



While we're proud of all of these achievements, we are particularly grateful to the clients, who trust us to act for them on multiple occasions. 

80+

Years of combined experience

1100

Candidates we have helped

450+

Clients

85%

Repeat business

We help companies appoint outstanding leaders in Finance

Expert support for Boards and CFOs

We place senior finance professionals to CFO level across the UK, EMEA and Asia Pacific.


Our clients span the full spectrum of private sector ownership; listed, private equity and venture backed, family owned and founder led, from early stage businesses to large multinationals.


Decades of experience mean we understand what good looks like at every level, in every type of organisation.  As a 'boutique', we are unconstrained in who we can approach, which means the shortlists we produce, at all levels of position, are  based on comprehensive market mapping and research, and typically include individuals who are not 'on the market'.   


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From the outset, Freshwood took the time to fully understand our team's needs and the specific skill set we required for each of these key positions. Their deep knowledge of the finance industry was evident throughout the process and enabled them to authoritatively challenge us to broaden our view, which ultimately helped us find the right fit for our roles.



Partner, Global Management Consulting Group


Our approach 


It's essential that we develop a clear understanding of your business, culture and the nature of the role.


We invest the necessary time in order to understand the organisational structure, leadership dynamic, and what will be expected of the successful candidate.


We identify and assess candidates through deep research, thorough referencing and rigorous questioning on technical ability, motivation and cultural fit. 


We also operate a zero off-limits policy for board level searches, meaning we can approach individuals that others might not.  

Testimonials below

Our partners and directors handle on all aspects of an assignment, so you have one point of contact and we never lose momentum.


We provide updates throughout to ensure there are no surprises, and we can immediately respond to feedback. 

Some examples of our work

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Meet us


Each partner has a minimum of 20 years experience. From the first conversation, our aim is to understand your needs, challenge your thinking, offer expert counsel, and make what can feel like a daunting process, painless.


Phil Grinhaff

Partner

Fiona Hartfield

Partner

Suzanne Day

Associate Partner - APAC

James Young

Associate Partner - APAC

Chris Grove

Advisory Board

Meet us


Each partner has a minimum of 20 years experience. From the first conversation, our aim is to understand your needs, challenge your thinking, offer expert counsel, and make what can feel like a daunting process, painless.


Phil Grinhaff

Partner

Fiona Hartfield

Partner

Phil Grinhaff

Partner

Suzanne Day

Partner - APAC

James Young

Partner - APAC

Fiona Hartfield

Director

Suzanne Day

Director, APAC

Fiona Hartfield

Director

Suzanne Day

Associate Partner, APAC

James Young

Associate Partner, APAC

Chris Grove

Advisory Board

Phil Grinhaff

I originally trained as an accountant in the late ’90s and, with some timely advice, came to the conclusion that a CFO role probably wasn’t in my future. I moved into recruitment, where I focused on helping accountants transition into investment banking.


25+ years on, I now specialise in helping growing and established companies appoint exceptional finance talent - from Senior Manager to CFO level.


Married with 3 children, I live in South Bucks. When not at home, I'm on a rugby touchline, a cricket boundary, or my road bike tackling the Chiltern Hills.


Phil Grinhaff

Partner


Fiona Hartfield

My early career was spent with large high volume recruitment agencies, but 15 years ago I made the decision to move into the boutique search and selection sector. I wanted the opportunity to offer candidates and clients a more bespoke personal service. I've never looked back.


I have an in-depth knowledge of my clients, having repeatedly worked with many over the years. In my opinion, understanding a company’s culture, is essential to running a successful search. 


Outside of work, I love the outdoors and can often be found running and cycling on the South Downs.


Fiona Hartfield

Partner

Suzanne Day

Since 1999 Suzanne has worked with global technology vendors building their leadership teams across Australia, New Zealand and beyond. With twenty-five years’ experience in search and selection and a specialisation in the technology sector, Suzanne has built

a network and reputation which gives the firm access to the best possible talent.


Local and global corporations look to Suzanne for crisp guidance to get their desired outcomes. Her clients know her for her quick wit, laser-sharp focus on details, exemplary networks across the region, absolute discretion, and commitment to results.


Suzanne Day

Partner, APAC


James Young

James leads the Asia Pacific Financial Services practice and is based in Sydney. He is a member of the firm’s Board Practice and partners on various senior-level assignments.


James is closely involved in several of the firm’s key client relationships in the region. He is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and currently serves as Secretary & Treasurer for the AESC Council of Asia Pacific & Middle East.


James and his team have successfully completed mandates in Retail, Investment and Corporate Banking, Fintech and Big Data & Advanced Analytics with Australian, UK, US, and Japanese listed corporations.


James Young

Partner, APAC

Phil Grinhaff

Partner

Fiona Hartfield

Partner

Suzanne Day

Partner - APAC

James Young

Partner - APAC

Our Principles

Excellence


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A selection of clients that we've helped

Registered Office Address

Registered Address:
70b High Street, Bassingbourn, Royston SG8
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