Roles Recruited
Group Finance Director
Interim Transformation Director
At The CFO Practice, we believe successful leadership placements are about more than simply securing an exceptional candidate—they’re rooted in long-standing relationships and a deep understanding of client needs.
This was evident in a recent project with Ceuta Group, a 500-person private equity-backed company preparing for an exit. Our long-standing relationship with Ceuta’s Group CFO enabled us to assist with two critical hires: a Group Finance Director and an Interim Transformation Director.
The Situation
Ceuta’s finance function based across Dorset, Berkshire and Ireland needed to become more business-facing and aligned with operational goals. The Group CFO, who had re-joined to lead the company through a successful exit, sought leaders capable of driving transformation and preparing the business for the future.
The Interim Transformation Director was tasked with restructuring the organisation to increase efficiencies and reduce costs, while the Group Finance Director (Group FD) was responsible for supporting growth and ensuring readiness for the anticipated exit.
The Approach
Retained for both searches, The CFO Practice acted swiftly.
Within days of launching the transformation search, we presented Ceuta with a shortlist of interim candidates, each rigorously vetted through interviews and references. Two weeks later, Ceuta appointed an Interim Transformation Director, who immediately began the restructuring initiative.
One month later, The CFO Practice re-engaged with Ceuta’s Group CFO and the new interim director to refine the goals for the permanent Group FD role. The search required a finance leader with private equity transactional experience, proximity to Ceuta’s south coast headquarters in Bournemouth, Dorset, and the potential to succeed the Group CFO.
After multiple screening stages, we narrowed down a pool of over 200 finance leaders to a shortlist of five. Within six weeks of engagement, Ceuta appointed a high-calibre finance director, who joined the company in the summer of 2023.
The Outcome
Twelve months later, Ceuta Group successfully exited from its private equity investors, selling to a global, US-listed organisation. The Group CFO expressed high satisfaction with the Group FD’s contributions, recognising their integral role in supporting the post-acquisition process.
This case study highlights how strong financial leadership not only meets immediate needs but also shapes the future success of a business.
Executive Recruitment
finance leaders who
drive change
I’ve had the pleasure of partnering with Rob Baker both as a candidate and client over the past decade. Rob consistently delivers an exceptional level of service, and I trust him completely with both my personal and company reputation. He works with integrity, focus, and agility to produce top-quality candidates, many of whom have built long-term relationships with him. I can’t recommend his services highly enough.
David Skinner
Former Group CFO - Ceuta Group
Rob’s approach to candidate placement is unique, as I experienced from our first engagement last year. He works closely with the company and candidate to ensure the best possible fit. His thoroughness, attention to detail, and insightful questioning helped me feel well-prepared for my interviews. This level of support was refreshing and instrumental in my successful placement in my current role. I would not hesitate to recommend Rob.
Debbie Seeley
Group Finance Director - Ceuta Group
I have worked with Rob Baker as both a client and a candidate for over 10 years and cannot recommend him highly enough. He is honest, straightforward, and hardworking. After founding The CFO Practice, Rob placed me with Ceuta Group, a PE-backed business based in Dorset, and I have since hired further candidates through him. From a client’s perspective, Rob takes the time to fully understand the brief, only putting forward candidates that meet the criteria. As a candidate, I felt well-briefed and supported throughout the interview and onboarding process, with Rob consistently checking in to ensure everything was progressing smoothly. I have no hesitation in recommending Rob and The CFO Practice.
Graeme Holt
Interim Finance Transformation Director