Q1 Finance Power Moves: 50 brands reshaping their financial strategy

New CFOs and senior finance leaders aren’t hired to maintain the status quo - they’re brought in to make big moves. Fresh funding, revamped strategies, cost-cutting or growth expansions - whatever the goal, new finance leaders signal major shifts ahead.

At Honch, we've tracked more than 15,000 global finance hires in Q1 alone. From this data, we've curated the top 50 brands making standout finance appointments in the UK, highlighting huge opportunities for those providing software, accounting, or consulting services to CFOs and finance directors.

Here's a quick look at five finance teams poised for big changes:

Mulberry

Mulberry appointed Billie O'Connor as CFO in February during a challenging time. With declining sales and leadership shake-ups, Mulberry is shifting its strategy to broader market appeal, aiming to bounce back from tough financial headwinds, especially in Asia. O'Connor steps in to stabilise and rebuild.

Pizza Express

Pizza Express brought Colin Elliot onboard as CFO in January alongside Adrian Twyning as Chief Transformation Officer. With a significant cash injection (£30m+) from Bain Capital to restructure debts, the brand is clearly cooking up plans to strengthen its balance sheet and refresh its market presence.

England Rugby

Francesca Pierce became CFO at England Rugby amidst growing financial pressures, declining club participation, and heated debates about leadership transparency. Pierce's appointment comes at a crucial time to tackle these financial challenges and restore confidence across the rugby community.

Soho House

Darren Sweetland returned as CFO for UK, Europe, and Asia in February, having previously served from 2016 to 2020. As Soho House celebrates its 30th anniversary amid continued expansion, Sweetland’s comeback suggests big financial moves ahead - though perhaps fewer wild parties.

Fanatics

Fanatics hired Fabian Ribari as VP Finance International and made nine other key finance appointments this quarter. With a strategic push into Europe - including the acquisition of live-commerce platform Voggt and plans for a flagship London store - Fanatics is clearly gearing up financially for ambitious global growth.

Want the full list of 50?

Check out every finance hire from 2025 so far, and uncover strategic insights into brands like Mulberry, Pizza Express, and more in our full Q1 Finance Power Moves list. Try Honch today and start accessing every brand making moves so far in 2025. 👇

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