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Companies trust us to help them appoint exceptional current and future leadership talent.


Our mission today remains the same as it's always been; to work in collaboration with our clients and to be treated as a valued business partner.  We help our clients identify and appoint positions at manager to board level in Finance, HR and Commercial Operations. 





We're a boutique firm that helps companies to attract and appoint, exceptional current and future leaders.



We are a specialist executive search and recruitment firm, dedicated to helping companies hire senior finance talent.


We act for companies that are investor backed, publicly listed,

family owned and privately held.

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ABOUT

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WHO WE ARE

We love what we do and it shows. With more than 25 years of experience in the field, we know our industry like the back of our hands. There’s no challenge too big or too small and we dedicate our utmost energy to every project we take on.

Strategies & Plans

Every customer is unique. That’s why we customise every one of our plans to fit your needs exactly. Whether it’s a small strategy or a comprehensive effort, we’ll sit down with you, listen to your requests and prepare a customised plan. 

We're a boutique executive recruitment firm, that helps private equity backed, listed, private and family owned companies, to appoint junior management to board level positions


We're a boutique firm that helps companies to attract and appoint, exceptional current and future leaders.



We are a specialist executive search and recruitment firm, dedicated to helping companies hire senior finance talent.


We act for companies that are investor backed, publicly listed,

family owned and privately held.

With over 50 years of combined experience across our team,

we bring unrivalled expertise, sound judgement,

and a commitment to delivering high-quality advice

to both clients and candidates. 


Above all, our approach is highly personal.  We are passionate about what we do and we take great pride in a 'job well done'.  Much of our business comes from existing clients and word of mouth, which we feel is testament to the care we take in every search, the long-term relationships we build, and the confidence our clients have in recommending us.



Learn more

Relationships for the long term

We’re interested in building relationships before we're appointed.  Taking the time to learn about, and understand a business properly, means we can provide insight and value from the outset. 


While we have many years of experience, we’re always learning and adapting, as businesses, processes, and markets evolve.


We believe our desire to be considered genuine business partners and trusted advisers, plays a big part in why clients come back to us time and again. 



The Team 

The Freshwood team started their recruitment careers placing junior accountants into investment banking and industrial companies.  Some of those junior accountants became CFOs and CEOs of FTSE 100 companies, and others led highly successful exits for Private Equity backed companies.



We partner with companies across a range of industry sectors and ownership structures, to help them attract and hire exceptional talent, from senior management to the C-Suite. 


With over 50 years of combined experience across the firm, we bring unrivalled expertise, sound judgement, practical insight, and a commitment to delivering high-quality advice to both clients and candidates. 


Above all, our approach is highly personal.  We are passionate about what we do and we take great pride in a 'job well done'.  Much of our business comes from existing clients and word of mouth, which we feel is testament to the care we take in every search, the long-term relationships we build, and the confidence our clients have in recommending us.





Contact Us

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


For more established businesses, we are well connected with more experienced CFO's.  These individuals have the war stories and the know-how to drive profitable growth, deliver transformation and they have usually built a strong reputation with 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.   



We've been placing accountants for over 50 years. Identifying the right technical skillset is not the hard part. 


Assessing cultural fit, motivation and leadership skills is when we come into our own. We get to know our candidates by asking probing questions, challenging their answers and most importantly, we listen.



We are a small team, with over 50 years experience. Our mission is to deliver high quality advice for our clients and candidates.


Our expertise, network and personal approach sets us apart. 





We help growing companies across multiple industry sectors and ownership, to attract and recruit exceptional talent, from senior management level to main board.


Our personal approach and long-standing presence in the market, means we’ve built strong, trusted networks.


With over 50 years of combined experience, we offer clear judgement, practical insight, and a commitment to delivering thoughtful, high-quality advice to both clients and candidates.



C-Suite and Operating Board

 We find experienced leaders for your most critical executive and board roles, with the judgement, clarity, and commercial focus to deliver profitable growth.



Future Leaders

 From Finance to Operations, Commercial to HR; we find senior managers who deliver results, keep teams focused, and move the business forward.



Interim Management

 We place proven interim and fractional leaders to steady the ship, lead change, or fill critical gaps. They bring immediate impact, deep experience, and a calm, pragmatic approach when it’s needed most.



Meet Us

Meet us

Relationships for the long term

We’re interested in building relationships before we're appointed.  Taking the time to learn about, and understand a business properly, means we can provide insight and value from the outset. 


While we have many years of experience, we’re always learning and adapting, as businesses, processes, and markets evolve.


We believe our desire to be considered genuine business partners and trusted advisers, plays a big part in why clients come back to us time and again. 



Phil Grinhaff

Partner


Learn more

Fiona Hartfield

Partner


Learn more

Suzanne Day

Partner - APAC.


Learn more

James Young

Partner - APAC.


Learn more

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, joining a well-known firm where I focused on helping accountants transition into investment banking.  25+ years on, including four spent in Sydney, I now specialise in helping growing SMEs, that are committed to hiring outstanding leaders.


Launched in 2021, Freshwood is a boutique firm that aims to partner with clients and candidates, who prefer a more personal, attentive and expert approach to their recruitment requirements.  Our Partners deliver assignments from start to finish, to ensure the quality remains high and we put all our years of experience to good use.   

 

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


Phil Grinhaff

Founding Partner


phil.grinhaff@freshwoodgroup.com | +44 (0)7925 615 366


Phil Grinhaff

I founded Freshwood in 2021.  Having spent the best part of 25 years with larger firms, my vision for Freshwood is to build a boutique company with a reputation for providing companies and candidates, with a more personal and expert approach to their recruitment requirements.


Our success is based on building and maintaining strong, and long standing relationships with our clients and candidates.  How? by providing honest, open and experience based advice and solutions. I am proud and grateful that many of our clients choose to work with us more than once. 

 

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


Phil Grinhaff

Partner


phil.grinhaff@freshwoodgroup.com | +44 (0)7925 615 366


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 services.  I have never looked back.


I have an in-depth knowledge of many of my clients, having worked with many repeatedly over the years. Understanding a company’s culture and their values, is essential to running a successful recruitment campaign. 


Outside of work, I love the outdoors and can often be found running and cycling on the South Downs.  I also love a challenge and I am learning to row. 


I graduated with a BA in Geography and hold the CIPD diploma.


Fiona Hartfield

Partner


fiona.hartfield@freshwoodgroup.com | +44 (0) 7768 102 374

Phil Grinhaff

James is the founder and Managing Partner of Morgan Young. James leads Morgan Young’s 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 Banking, Investment Banking, , Corporate Banking, Fintech and Big Data & Advanced Analytics with Australian, UK, US, and Japanese listed corporations.


James Young

Morgan Young: Managing Partner


james@morganyoung.com | +61 447 146 332


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.


Her trusted advisor status has seen her complete over 175 executive search mandates with 98.7 percent success rate and 100 percent candidate satisfaction. 


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

Morgan Young: Managing Partner


suzanne@morganyoung.com | +61 410 335 447

My recruitment career has spanned over 25 years, with the best of these years specialising in senior financial appointments. My early career was spent working for large 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 services.  I have never looked back.


I have an in-depth knowledge of many of my clients, having worked with many repeatedly over the years. Understanding a company’s culture and their values, is essential to running a successful recruitment campaign. 


Outside of work, I love the outdoors and can often be found running and cycling on the South Downs.  I also love a challenge and I am learning to row. 


I graduated with a BA in Geography and hold the CIPD diploma.


Fiona Hartfield

Partner


fiona.hartfield@freshwoodgroup.com | +44 (0) 7768 102 374

Fiona Hartfield

My recruitment career has spanned over 25 years, with the best of these years specialising in senior financial appointments. My early career was spent working for large 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 services.  I have never looked back.


I have an in-depth knowledge of many of my clients, having worked with many repeatedly over the years. Understanding a company’s culture and their values, is essential to running a successful recruitment campaign. 


Outside of work, I love the outdoors and can often be found running and cycling on the South Downs.  I also love a challenge and I am learning to row. 


I graduated with a BA in Geography and hold the CIPD diploma.


Fiona Hartfield

Partner


fiona.hartfield@freshwoodgroup.com | +44 (0) 7768 102 374


I founded Freshwood in 2021.  Having spent the best part of 25 years with larger firms and partnerships, my vision for Freshwood was to create a firm for companies and candidates, that prefer and value a more personal and expert approach to their recruitment requirements.


Freshwood is not a high volume ‘agency’, where you might feel like a number on a long list.  As a boutique, we rely on building and maintaining strong relationships with our clients and candidates. 


How? by providing honest, open and experience based advice and solutions. I'm proud and grateful that many of our clients choose to work with us more than once. 

 

I live in Buckinghamshire on the edge of the Chilterns. Married with 3 children, I can often be found on a touchline, cricket boundary or my road bike (weather permitting). 


Phil Grinhaff, Partner.


phil.grinhaff@freshwoodgroup.com | +44 (0)7925 615 366


Phil Grinhaff

Phil trained as an Accountant and spent 10 years in financial services and investment banking, before joining the recruitment industry in the late 90's.  He has a successful track record placing CFOs, FDs and their teams, across multiple industry sectors.  Phil launched Freshwood in 2021, with the aim of acting for companies that prefer a more personal and expert level of service.  


Married with 3 children, he lives in South Bucks and in his spare time can be found tackling the Chiltern Hills on his road bike.   


Fiona Hartfield

Fiona has over 23 years experience in senior financial recruitment.  She has successfully advised clients ranging from early stage venture backed enterprises, to multinational PLCs across a broad range of sectors.   


Fiona is married with 3 children and lives in West Sussex.  Whilst she is a short drive from the Sussex beaches, she can often be spotted running and cycling on the South Downs. 

 


Charlie Jaggard

Charlie has spent more than 25 years in executive search, assessment and coaching.  In that time he has met thousands of executives and knows what makes an outstanding leader. 


He is passionate about providing expert assessment and coaching services to improve clients’ performance through their leadership talent.


Specialists

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, joining a well-known firm where I focused on helping accountants transition into investment banking.


25+ years on, including four spent in Sydney, I now specialise in helping growing SMEs, that are committed to hiring outstanding leaders.  I launched Freshwood in 2021.


Married with 3 children, I live in South Buckinghamshire. When I am not at home, I am on a rugby touchline, cricket boundary, or on 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 services. I have never looked back.


I have an in-depth knowledge of many of my clients, having worked with many repeatedly over the years. Understanding a company’s culture and their values, is essential to running a successful recruitment campaign. 


Outside of work, I love the outdoors and can often be found running and cycling on the South Downs. I also love a challenge and I am learning to row. 


I graduated with a BA in Geography and hold the CIPD diploma.


Fiona Hartfield

Partner

Charlie Jaggard

Charlie has spent more than 25 years in executive search, assessment and coaching.  In that time he has met thousands of executives and knows what makes an outstanding leader. 


He is passionate about providing expert assessment and coaching services to improve clients’ performance through their leadership talent.


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.


Her trusted advisor status has seen her complete over 175 executive search mandates with 98.7 percent success rate and 100 percent candidate satisfaction. 


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 is the founder and Managing Partner of Morgan Young. James leads Morgan Young’s 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 Banking, Investment Banking, , Corporate Banking, Fintech and Big Data & Advanced Analytics with Australian, UK, US, and Japanese listed corporations.


James Young

Partner, APAC

Charlie Jaggard

Charlie has spent more than 25 years in executive search, assessment and coaching.  In that time he has met thousands of executives and knows what makes an outstanding leader. 


He is passionate about providing expert assessment and coaching services to improve clients’ performance through their leadership talent.


Our Expertise

Our clients range from early stage VC backed start-ups to established public companies.  We have placed into most industry sectors and we pride ourselves on our ability to quickly understand the dynamics of a sector and the culture of the business.


It's this level of expertise and experience, that ensures we introduce relevant and high calibre candidates, whatever the situation.

Our approach is not just about one successful placement; it's about building lasting partnerships.


We aim to be your trusted advisor, helping you to secure top-tier talent, that will help to drive your organisation's success now and into the future.

Companies we have helped

My recruitment career has spanned over 25 years, with the best of these years specialising in senior financial appointments. My early career was spent in big 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, versus the target driven sales focused environment of the larger firms.  I have never looked back.


I have an in-depth knowledge of many of my clients, having worked with many repeatedly over the years. Understanding a company’s culture and their values, is essential to running a successful recruitment campaign. 

My focus is placing CFO, Finance Directors, Financial Controller and FP&A specialists. 


Outside of work, when family life allows, I love the outdoors and can often be found running and cycling on the South Downs.  I also love a challenge and I have recently started to learn to row. 


I graduated with a BA in Geography and hold the CIPD diploma.


Fiona Hartfield, Partner.


fiona.hartfield@freshwoodgroup.com | +44 (0) 7768 102 374

A selection of companies

we've worked with


City skyline

Photo By: John Doe

Blurred Lines

Photo By: John Doe

Birthday Sparks

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Fashion Magazine

Photo By: John Doe

City skyline

Photo By: John Doe

Blurred Lines

Photo By: John Doe

Birthday Sparks

Photo By: John Doe

Fashion Magazine

Photo By: John Doe

City skyline

Photo By: John Doe

Blurred Lines

Photo By: John Doe

Birthday Sparks

Photo By: John Doe

Fashion Magazine

Photo By: John Doe

What sets us apart

  • 50+ years recruiting for Finance.
  • Multiple industry sector experience.
  • A trusted adviser, not an 'agency'.
  • We are diligent and discreet.
  • Work at pace without compromise.
  • Committed to the highest levels of service.
  • Zero off limits restrictions.
  • Capped professional fees.
  • Relationships for the long term.   

Contact us