We help fast growing and established companies to appoint exceptional finance talent.

Our KPIs

While we're proud of all of these achievements, we are particularly grateful to the clients who have trusted to act for them on multiple occasions. Freshwood is a relationship led business.

Years of combined experience

1100+

Candidates we have helped

450+

Clients

85%

Repeat business

From the outset, Freshwood took the time to fully understand our team's needs and the specific skill set we required for each of these key positions. Their deep knowledge of the finance industry was evident throughout the process and enabled them to authoritatively challenge us to broaden our view, which ultimately helped us find the right fit for our roles.

Partner, Global Management Consulting Group

Our approach

It's essential that we develop a clear understanding of your business, culture and the nature of the role.

We invest the necessary time in order to understand the organisational structure, leadership dynamic, and what will be expected of the successful candidate.

We identify and assess candidates through deep research, thorough referencing and rigorous questioning on technical ability, motivation and cultural fit.

We also operate a zero off-limits policy for board level searches, meaning we can approach individuals that others might not.

Testimonials below

Our partners and directors handle on all aspects of an assignment, so you have one point of contact and we never lose momentum.

We provide updates throughout to ensure there are no surprises, and we can immediately respond to feedback.

Financial Controller

"We instructed Freshwood on a role that we have historically found difficult to fill. We worked very closely with them, developing a full job description and person specification.

They are very knowledgeable and were able to advise us on the best recruitment strategy, to identify the successful candidate. It was not an easy search but they found us the perfect candidate!"

Group HR Director - PE Backed Media Group.

MashIt
“Amazing service. Can’t wait to find out what’s next!”

"Throughout the search Freshwood invested time to make sure that they understood my requirements, our business and our culture.

They demonstrated their knowledge and experience by presenting a timely shortlist of extremely strong and relevant candidates, from which I was able to select our UK FD."

CFO - Retail.

FabuFit
“Not sure what I did before discovering this Product. It’s super!”

"I was very impressed with the whole process; given regular weekly updates, a very strong preliminary candidate list and saw some very good candidates, one of which we ultimately offered the job to.

I found Freshwood to be knowledgeable, easy to work with and focused on delivery. Would definitely use them again."

Group Finance Director - Travel Plc.

YesSuits
Slide title

"Freshwood were creative in their approach, stayed in regular contact and were quite prepared to challenge us when they felt it was necessary.

We successfully appointed a CFO, who supported the CEO in an exit process within 12 months."

Partner - UK Private Equity Firm.

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Financial Controller

"We instructed Freshwood on a role that we have historically found difficult to fill. We worked very closely with them, developing a full job description and person specification.

They are very knowledgeable and were able to advise us on the best recruitment strategy, to identify the successful candidate. It was not an easy search but they found us the perfect candidate!"

Group HR Director - PE Backed Media Group.

MashIt
“Amazing service. Can’t wait to find out what’s next!”

"Throughout the search Freshwood invested time to make sure that they understood my requirements, our business and our culture.

They demonstrated their knowledge and experience by presenting a timely shortlist of extremely strong and relevant candidates, from which I was able to select our UK FD."

CFO - Retail.

FabuFit
“Not sure what I did before discovering this Product. It’s super!”

"I was very impressed with the whole process; given regular weekly updates, a very strong preliminary candidate list and saw some very good candidates, one of which we ultimately offered the job to.

I found Freshwood to be knowledgeable, easy to work with and focused on delivery. Would definitely use them again."

Group Finance Director - Travel Plc.

YesSuits
Slide title

"Freshwood were creative in their approach, stayed in regular contact and were quite prepared to challenge us when they felt it was necessary.

We successfully appointed a CFO, who supported the CEO in an exit process within 12 months."

Partner - UK Private Equity Firm.

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Meet us

We’re a highly experienced team, with a strong track record in executive search, senior selection and leadership assessment.

Phil Grinhaff

Director

Fiona Hartfield

Director

Phil Grinhaff

Partner

Suzanne Day

Partner - APAC

James Young

Partner - APAC

Fiona Hartfield

Director

Suzanne Day

Director, APAC

Fiona Hartfield

Director

Suzanne Day

Director, APAC

James Young

Director, APAC

Chris Grove

Advisory Board

Phil Grinhaff

I originally trained as an accountant in the late ’90s and, with some timely advice, came to the conclusion that a CFO role probably wasn’t in my future. I moved into recruitment, where I focused on helping accountants transition into investment banking.

25+ years on, I now specialise in helping growing and established companies appoint exceptional finance talent - from Senior Manager to CFO level.

Married with 3 children, I live in South Bucks. When not at home, I'm on a rugby touchline, a cricket boundary, or my road bike tackling the Chiltern Hills.

Phil Grinhaff

Partner

Fiona Hartfield

My early career was spent with large high volume recruitment agencies, but 15 years ago I made the decision to move into the boutique search and selection sector. I wanted the opportunity to offer candidates and clients a more bespoke personal service. I've never looked back.

I have an in-depth knowledge of my clients, having repeatedly worked with many over the years. In my opinion, understanding a company’s culture, is essential to running a successful search.

Outside of work, I love the outdoors and can often be found running and cycling on the South Downs.

Fiona Hartfield

Partner

Suzanne Day

Since 1999 Suzanne has worked with global technology vendors building their leadership teams across Australia, New Zealand and beyond. With twenty-five years’ experience in search and selection and a specialisation in the technology sector, Suzanne has built

a network and reputation which gives the firm access to the best possible talent.

Local and global corporations look to Suzanne for crisp guidance to get their desired outcomes. Her clients know her for her quick wit, laser-sharp focus on details, exemplary networks across the region, absolute discretion, and commitment to results.

Suzanne Day

Partner, APAC

James Young

James leads the Asia Pacific Financial Services practice and is based in Sydney. He is a member of the firm’s Board Practice and partners on various senior-level assignments.

James is closely involved in several of the firm’s key client relationships in the region. He is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and currently serves as Secretary & Treasurer for the AESC Council of Asia Pacific & Middle East.

James and his team have successfully completed mandates in Retail, Investment and Corporate Banking, Fintech and Big Data & Advanced Analytics with Australian, UK, US, and Japanese listed corporations.

James Young

Partner, APAC