• Forward-looking performance management
  • Identifying and using most appropriate KPIs
  • Optimising capital allocation processes
  • Driver-based P&L forecasting (incl. systems design)
• Efficiency and process improvement
  • Budgeting and planning
  • Cost reduction
• Investor relations – assist/advise on IR issues
• Business Partnering skills and behaviours (from CFO as a co-pilot to the CEO, then senior FDs/senior members of the finance teams)

• Business turnaround in Vodafone Czech – return to revenue growth and expanded EBITDA margins to deliver double digit free cashflow.
• At VF Czech Exco, introduced commercial reporting which led to refocussed products to more profitable income streams
• With Commercial Director in VF UK, developed industry leading commissions model with larger indirect partners
• Pioneer of value-based approach for customer management and passionate about the use of technology to improve business performance.
• Designed new forward looking templates for Group CEO/CFO monthly reviews at DMGT
• Opex reductions. Achieved at both DMGT and VF Czech (latter awarded ‘Fit for growth’)

Testimonials

"As one of my Senior Executives, James enhanced Group Finance significantly. Initially by introducing forward looking templates for the Group CEO and CFO to review with the Opcos. Also, he played an instrumental role to reduce Head Office costs by 20%. He was then promoted to include Group Financial Control department. In addition, he played key roles with me on various M&A fronts.
     -- Tim Collier, DMGT Group CFO (FTSE-250)

“Thank you for your excellent work at DMGT. You made a significant contribution in professionalising the finance function”.
     -- DMGT Non-executive Director

“James was an outstanding member of Vodafone’s Finance team during my time as European CFO and Group Controller.
His last role was Finance Director for the Czech Republic. He was instrumental to the turnaround of the business, exceeded budgets in all years and was awarded the « Fit for growth » award at the annual Finance Conference in 2016.
Prior to that James had multiple roles including working directly with me in our regional governance as Controller for Southern Europe, where he established good relationships with all Finance Directors and was involved in the acquisition of Tele2.
From there he moved to our UK operations to get hands on experience as Consumer Finance Director, overseeing pricing and marketing and sales initiatives. He introduced a number of innovative reporting and analysis tools and once again exceeded the functional objectives in all years.”
     -- Margherita Della Valle, Vodafone Group CEO

“As Group Investor Relations Executive, he made a significant impact within the team using his former Equity Analyst background. He helped launch a major investor event to provide an in-depth understanding behind our 4 main operating companies. He then moved to be Financial Controller of the Southern Region giving him direct exposure to local CFOs. After this, he moved to the UK business as Director of Consumer Finance developing his wider team management. Here, he introduced profitability by handset and profitability by channel. Involved in complex negotiations with other franchise stores. Exceeded budgets in all years. Next, Programme Director of global rollout of a complex technology implementation of rolling forecasts with Accenture and Hackett. After this, he was promoted to Senior Leadership Team as CFO Vodafone Czech Republic”
     -- Andy Halford, Vodafone Group CFO (FTSE-100)

"James played a significant role in the commercial turnaround of VF Czech in driving revenue growth and profit expansion. He led his department well and significantly improved employee engagement. Great blend of financial and technical skills. Strong support to me as CEO and would readily hire him again as my CFO."
     -- Vodafone Czech CEO

"I had the pleasure of working with James on pioneering commercial deals that set industry precedents. As a CFO with strong commercial expertise, James excelled at innovating new models that drove success. His unique blend of financial acumen and creative thinking makes him an invaluable asset.”
     -- Vodafone UK, Sales Director, Channel Partnerships