Cargostore Worldwide is a growing, investment backed organisation operating across international markets. The business manages a complex multi entity structure and relies on its finance function to provide clear reporting, robust controls and informed support for commercial decision making. As the organisation continues to develop, expectations on finance have increased, particularly around governance, visibility and leadership across dispersed operations.
The CFO sought to strengthen the capability of the finance function through the appointment of a high calibre Group Financial Controller. The role required technical depth, sound judgement and the confidence to operate in a fast moving and internationally focused environment. The CFO also wanted to consider candidates at different experience levels to allow flexibility in shaping the structure of the team over time. This required a search partner with a deep understanding of senior finance roles within investment backed organisations and the ability to provide clear guidance on the options available.
The CFO partnered with Richard Alborough, a senior finance recruiter with extensive experience gained over 20 years recruiting senior finance professionals. Richard began with a detailed briefing to understand the priorities of the role, the demands of the organisation and the expectations of the leadership team. This ensured clarity on the blend of capability and leadership style required to support both day to day finance operations and the broader aims of the business. Drawing on Savant’s established senior finance network and current market insight, Richard conducted a targeted search focused on individuals with experience of multi entity reporting, operational complexity and the pace associated with investment backed growth. All shortlisted candidates were individually briefed to ensure full alignment with the organisation’s culture, expectations and trajectory. Richard presented the CFO with two candidates who met the brief from different perspectives. One offered strong technical and group reporting expertise suited to enhancing structure and control. The other brought broader commercial experience and international exposure, providing flexibility in how the finance team could evolve. This approach gave the CFO a clear view of the talent landscape and the implications of each option for future team design.
Cargostore progressed to a final stage with two credible, high quality options, each offering a distinct route for strengthening the finance function. This level of choice enabled the CFO to make a confident and balanced decision based on immediate priorities and longer term plans for growth and succession. The appointed Group Financial Controller has since strengthened day to day financial leadership, improved structure within core processes and positioned the finance function to support the organisation’s next phase of development. The process also provided the CFO with greater clarity on the broader talent market, supporting longer term planning and capability building.
"When we needed to hire a high calibre Group Financial Controller, I reached out to Richard based on the strength of our relationship. From the outset he provided a highly consultative and tailored service and took the time to fully understand our business needs.
Each candidate was individually briefed and it was clear that Richard had drawn on his established network to surface talent that might not otherwise have been on our radar.
By the final stage we were in the enviable position of choosing between two outstanding candidates with different experience levels, which was exactly what we asked for.
I would absolutely recommend Richard to anyone looking for a trusted recruitment partner who delivers results and understands the finance function in depth."
CFO, Cargostore Worldwide
