Highly-experienced Commercial CFO specialising in High-growth and Turnaround
+61 452 492 850
James.Gregory@LeadersOnDemand.com
James is a highly experienced CFO with a high level of commercial acumen gained from over 25 years of senior level experience across a broad range of business environments in the UK and Australia.
James has a great passion for working with entrepreneurs, helping them deliver successful business strategies and also (where applicable) achieve social purpose/ charitable ambitions.
He is adept at handling the challenges posed by businesses in periods of high transformation . . . whether start-up, scale-up or high growth global businesses, and through turnarounds.
James believes keenly in building strong relationships with his teams, his peers, Board members, and with the creative talents that help drive the businesses in which he has worked.
Career History
- Interim CFO at a tech co, securing recapitalisation and rebuilding of the Finance function;
- CFO at an iconic Australian skincare brand;
- CFO for the launch of a digital start-up focused on the aged care sector;
- CFO at a portfolio business Group (primarily comprising fast-food, consumer beverages, GP practices and full-service restaurants;
- Adviser and Non-Exec Director to a startup in the media/ e-commerce sector;
- Mentor to several fellow senior finance professionals through the FEI (Finance Executives Institute) in Sydney.
Before relocating to Sydney, James was CFO of Jamie Oliver's Media & Licensing businesses. In his final year with Jamie Oliver, James also helped launch a business turnaround strategy for the (separate) Jamie Oliver Restaurant Group.
Prior to working with Jamie Oliver, James was a senior member of both the Avalon and Vio Boards where he was a Finance Director. His early career was spent with PriceWaterhouse and at various corporate roles.
Leadership Highlights
James is an experienced leader with expertise in turnaround situations.
He has successfully led teams through highly transformative change, secured financing for growth, rebuilt finance functions, and launched new businesses.
He is a keen listener and supportive coach, adept at building a strong team ethic and positive relationships with stakeholders, peers and staff alike.
James's extensive experience, leadership skills, and ability to handle complex situations and people make him an asset to any organisation.
Qualifications
MA (Hons) Philiosphy Politics & Economics, Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of England & Wales
Sectors
Media & Entertainment, Food, Retail, Skincare, Technology
Functions
CFO covering all Finance functions, plus good knowledge across all support functions, e.g. HR, legal, contract, commercial, logistics/ supply chain.
Situations
Business Transformation, Rapid Growth and Scale-up, Start-ups, Turnarounds
Favourite quotes
“When failure is not an option, we can forget about creativity, learning, and innovation” Brené Brown
“The risk of a wrong decision is preferable to the terror of indecision” Moses Maimonides
“I joined Leaders on Demand...
... because it has been wonderful to find a group of like-minded professionals, keen on delivering high-value and high-impact output that can transform outcomes for the client”
“When I'm not at work...
... I enjoy spending time with my family (3 kids); and I love the great outdoors, especially hiking, scuba/snorkelling and kayaking . . . and most sports, particularly soccer, cricket and rugby.”