We’re delighted to speak with Dominique Highfield, CFO of Bloom & Wild. In this conversation, Dominique shares her insights on consumer trends for 2026, the unique opportunities and challenges of leading finance in a private equity backed business, her experiences as a female leader in senior finance roles, and advice for those looking to step into C-Suite roles.

Appointing the right CFO is one of the most important decisions a growing business can make. For PE and VC portfolio companies, the question is often not if you should hire a CFO, but whether you need an interim CFO, or a permanent CFO. This guide explains the differences, the benefits of each option, and how to decide which one is right for your business.

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?

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.