David Dewhurst Email & Phone Number

Consulting to businesses in the marketing and communications industry that have reached an inflexion point and need some expertise to move forward.Roles have included helping with plans to prepare a business for exit; mentoring senior finance heads; working with PE firm on pre-deal due diligence assessment; assessing finance function capability; supporting the CEO in a business going through a strategic restructure.

London, England, Gb

CFO of the AIM-listed parent company, Pebble Beach Systems Group plc, a broadcast software specialist with £11m revenue. Brought in to restructure the historic debt and raise equity base by 50% to fund expansion by developing new software solutions and acquiring complementary businesses.

Greenwich, Ct, Us

London, London, Gb

Brought in by Executive Chairman post-investment by PE house Rockpool. The challenge in this £27m revenue creative events business was to interpret post-deal finances, navigate a complex year end audit and create relevant MI reporting in order to deliver the potential value originally forecast. I implemented changes to the ad-hoc board reporting, to generate a regular monthly reporting pack which would guarantee accurate and relevant data.My key achievements include:• Secured £1m funding for infrastructure investments to contribute to long-term growth.• Streamlined working capital contract processes to generate £1m for the business.

London, Uk, Gb

PTS Consulting is a VC-backed IT consultancy specialising in the built environment of smart buildings and data centres with revenue of £42m. It operates from a UK Head Office with owned operations in US and Asia. Initially, I was recruited 11-months post-deal to make a significant impact in turning around the business and improve operating profit. I subsequently introduced new processes into the monthly reporting cycle, which professionalised practices and increased accuracy. To strengthen the business, I created a strong financial support team, selecting qualified and talented individuals. Key achievements included:• An improvement in operating profit of £1.5m in the first full year due to various operational cost savings.• Sustained Improved EBITDA performance with robust structures in place for pricing.• Enhanced net cash in first full year by £1m from working capital efficiencies.

London, London, Gb

Finance Director of AIM-quoted digital communications group with revenue of £100m. Complex, entrepreneurial group comprising 10 businesses with 53 offices worldwide employing over 1100 people.Following the creation of a 12-strong corporate office team, I supervised the administration of finances for the business. I managed a share of the group property portfolio including preparation of leases and contracts, whist taking ownership of investor relations and interactions with brokers, corporate finance and shareholders. At senior level, I acted as a business finance partner to the CEO to grow the business fivefold and continue growth thereafter. I was also a trusted growth adviser to UK businesses and start-ups ahead of presentation to PLC Board.My key achievements included:• Enabled the acquisition of ten businesses and three bolt-ons via due diligence and negotiation.• Recruited two new independent NED board members to inspire a new governance culture.• Reduced group tax charge using tax planning and corporate restructure in the US.• Negotiated the financial aspects of business acquisitions in the US, APAC and Europe.• Orchestrated the transition from Main Market to AIM to facilitate two significant acquisitions.

Quoted media planning and buying agency with turnover of £175m from three UK locations.

Quoted sheepskin and animal by products processor with turnover >£100m. Business comprised seven reporting divisions, three of which were overseas. Complex processing businesses with active market dynamics required hands-on commercial management.

Started in Head Office of £3bn turnover, International food manufacturer in corporate accounting/ financial analyst role. Then worked with Main Board director integrating acquisition of £450m turnover, Premier Brands, which was the largest acquisition in Hillsdown's history. Required relocation to Birmingham and implementation of re-organisation plan over two-year period.

New York, Ny, Us

Qualified as ACA with first-time passes.

Development Programme, Business Administration And Management, General

B. Commerce, Economics, Business, Accounting

Education record