Experienced finance director and partner at Woodrow Mercer Finance, James Roach, has been appointed as managing partner of the 22-strong firm. In his new role, he will lead the rapidly expanding national finance search and selection consultancy that has its head office in Leeds, with predecessor Neil Muffitt becoming chairman.
Having held a wide range of FD roles since 2009, James initially joined FDYL, now part of Woodrow Mercer Finance, six years ago as a portfolio FD. He took on a full time position with the business a year later and helped to launch the consultancy’s recruitment division.
As well as managing the senior finance operation, James combines his FD consultancy work with ongoing recruitment assignments in the Yorkshire region.
After seven years as managing partner, Neil Muffitt moves to the role of chairman. In addition to working with James to provide strategic oversight, he will continue to recruit and manage the firm’s team of portfolio FDs, and provide hands-on financial consultancy to businesses.
“Having been part of FDYL since 2003 and then spent the last two years overseeing the merger of the firm with Woodrow Mercer and the subsequent expansion, the time is right to hand over the reins as we embark on the next stage in our development,” commented Neil. “James and I have worked closely over recent years and it’s exactly the right time to be placing the firm in James’ capable hands, while I will remain closely involved with the business at both a strategic and operational level.”
James added: “Neil has done a wonderful job of bringing the two firms together and has created a stable platform for our further growth. We’ve established a reputation as a consultancy run by experienced FDs which, therefore, has a genuine understanding of what clients need in their finance function, whether it’s a permanent finance director, a full-time interim or a part time FD or FC. Two years ago, we extended our services with the launch of a specialist division for more junior financial roles and we are now embarking on our next phase of expansion by opening a network of offices throughout the UK.”
Woodrow Mercer Finance currently has offices in Leeds, Birmingham and Nottingham, and there are plans for additional regional offices in the coming months.
Woodrow Mercer Finance offers a full range of specialist financial consultancy and recruitment services from the search and selection of portfolio finance directors and financial controllers to full-time interims and permanent FDs and FCs. The firm also has a division providing entry level and part/newly qualified staff.
