Discover key takeaways from the Pearse Professionals CFO Roundtable, where senior finance leaders explored the impact of AI, investor playbooks, scalable infrastructure, and the progressing CFO role. Learn how today’s CFOs are driving strategy, enabling tech transformation, and leading growth in high pressure environments.

From PwC to the boardroom of Ukraine’s main gas pipeline, Karina Luchinkina has built a career at the crossroads of infrastructure, innovation, and leadership. She shares her take on how the energy industry is evolving, from AI and clean tech to the future of nuclear and global demand, alongside reflections on authenticity, cross border experience, and the importance of technical confidence.

We sat down with Alexis Maule, a global consumer executive whose career spans Morgan Stanley, Amazon, YOOX Net-a-Porter, and Reformation, where she led the UK and European business to drive nearly 20% of global revenue. Read on for her perspective on where the consumer landscape is headed and what it takes to lead at the forefront of change.

When it comes to driving value in a private equity investment, there are very few hires that are more critical than the CFO. A strong private equity CFO is a commercial strategist, an operational leader, and a trusted partner to both the CEO and the investors. So, what should you look for when hiring a CFO for a PE-backed business?

We recently had the pleasure of speaking with Silvana Oliva, a highly respected leader with over 25 years of experience in the digital infrastructure, technology, and telecom sectors. Read our full conversation to hear her insights on key trends within the market, her career journey and milestones, and advice to other aspiring leaders.

When scaling companies come to us at Pearse Professionals, one of the most common questions we’re asked is: “Do we need a Finance Director, or a Chief Financial Officer?” The right hire depends on your business size, complexity, growth ambitions, and what you need from your finance leadership today and tomorrow. In this guide, we break down the key differences between a Finance Director and a Chief Financial Officer.

As start-ups and scale-ups chase ambitious growth, their aspirations can often surpass the operational infrastructure in place to support them. While founders and teams drive innovation, the financial backbone of the business must be just as strong to ensure sustainable success. Here's why bringing on board an experienced financial leader is a game changer.

As private equity (PE) firms push to maximise value, the right leadership in their portfolio companies is critical. One of the most impactful hires - The CFO. More than just a financial steward, a private equity CFO plays a pivotal role in executing the investment proposition, driving operational excellence, and ensuring the company scales effectively.

In recent years, the financial services industry has found itself under increasing scrutiny regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I). CFOs are uniquely positioned to embed DE&I into the financial and strategic frameworks of their organisations, ensuring these efforts are not only impactful but also sustainable.

As a leading Senior Portfolio Finance recruitment company based in London, Pearse Professionals is committed to connecting top-tier talent with some of the most prominent financial firms in the UK and beyond. While we strive to ensure our candidates achieve the positions they deserve, one issue remains a significant hurdle across the finance sector: the gender pay gap.

In the fast-paced world of finance, where long hours and high pressure have traditionally been the norm, a significant shift is underway. As Generation Z (born between 1997 and 2012) begins to make its mark on the industry, they are bringing with them new attitudes and expectations that are challenging the status quo. Among the most notable of these is a strong emphasis on work-life balance—a priority that is not just a preference but a demand.

IR35, a tax law in the UK, aims to create equal tax responsibilities between external contractors providing services to companies and permanent in-house employees.

To understand the potential impact of this law on our candidates, we had sat down with Tom Buckley from Atom Hub to find out more.