Finance Director - UK Hospitality Investment & Asset Management Platform
Client Challenge
Our client, a dynamic and entrepreneurial hospitality investment and management platform, was entering an exciting phase of growth, expanding its portfolio while building a transformative third-party hotel management business. To support this next stage, they required an experienced Finance Director who could provide both strategic leadership and operational excellence across a complex, multi-site hospitality portfolio.
The successful individual needed to oversee the full finance function, ensuring robust financial controls, statutory compliance, banking and debt facility management, cash flow optimisation and high-quality financial reporting. Beyond technical capability, the client sought a commercially minded leader who could partner with the CEO and Board, influence strategic decision-making, support business development, and establish scalable financial processes to underpin long-term growth.
The ideal candidate would combine extensive senior-level finance leadership experience with a proactive, hands-on approach, excellent analytical capabilities, strong communication skills, and the gravitas to operate confidently within a fast-paced, growth-stage environment.
Our Approach
Working closely with the leadership team, we developed a detailed understanding of both the technical requirements of the role and the cultural characteristics needed to succeed within an entrepreneurial business.
Our search focused on identifying fully qualified finance leaders (ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) with proven hospitality sector experience, particularly those with expertise across operational and corporate finance, budgeting and forecasting, financial reporting, audit and controls, stakeholder management, lender relationships, and strategic business partnering.
We assessed candidates against their ability to strengthen internal control frameworks, drive continuous improvement in financial performance, implement effective cash forecasting and liquidity monitoring, support funding initiatives, and provide data-driven recommendations to senior leadership. Particular emphasis was placed on individuals who had successfully managed finance functions through periods of expansion, integrated new business operations, and delivered commercial insight to maximise profitability while identifying financial and operational risks early.
The Result
Following a targeted executive search, we presented a shortlist of high-calibre finance leaders with significant hospitality experience and demonstrable success in leading complex finance functions.
The appointed Finance Director brought a strong track record of delivering accurate and timely financial reporting, enhancing governance and compliance, managing banking relationships and debt facilities, improving financial systems and processes, and partnering with executive teams to support strategic growth. Their blend of commercial acumen, operational expertise and hands-on leadership made them an excellent fit for the organisation's ambitious growth plans.
Impact
The appointment strengthened the organisation's executive leadership team at a pivotal stage in its development, providing the financial expertise required to support continued expansion across the UK hotel market.
With enhanced financial controls, improved reporting, stronger cash flow management and strategic financial planning, the business was well positioned to scale its operations, support new hotel onboarding, strengthen stakeholder confidence, and deliver sustainable long-term growth. The Finance Director's ability to combine operational excellence with strategic insight ensured the finance function became a true commercial partner to the wider business, supporting informed decision-making and helping unlock further value across the portfolio.
