Robert Gordon Email & Phone Number

Staines-Upon-Thames, England, Gb

On 14th Feb 2022 Hitachi Capital (UK) PLC rebranded as Novuna, marking the start of an exciting new stage in our journey as one of the UK's leading financial companies, now with the backing of one of the world's largest and most diverse businesses - Mitsubishi HC Capital Inc.

Challenged the shared service model which had been implemented across all divisions by function rather than process. Where no obvious synergies could be developed, functions were returned to the divisions with elimination of middle management. Introduced PSF model.Discontinued insurance operation and managed a profitable liquidation. Defined requirement for new financial management and reporting system.

Developed a clear strategic plan and risk profile for the group to clearly define financial and qualitative objectives to generate growth in profitability and assets of over 15% pa since 2008. Led acquisition of a factoring company and consumer finance portfolio, which were successfully integrated and have made substantial profit contributions to the group. Reviewed the cost of capital and risk, which resulted in the announcement of a recommended offer by Hitachi Capital Corporation to acquire the entire issued capital of Hitachi Capital (UK) PLC. Played an active role as member of the independent committee of directors to guide the successful de-listing in August 2007. Developed alternative funding sources to reduce the Group’s reliance upon commercial paper and securitisation. Funded throughout the credit crisis, which was a significant competitive advantage.

Reviewed all lines of business and exited unprofitable relationships to enhance divisional profitability. Defined the requirement for management information, resulting in system consolidation and upgrade. Developed relationships within the European Hitachi group of companies, resulting in being invited to join the project group to develop the Inter-city express programme. In August 2007, Hitachi was selected as an approved vendor for the HS2.

Restructured the UK group to form separate leasing, lending and international professional services companies, to enable the sale of the UK capital allowance pool of $120 million. Led the UK Company through a period of major uncertainty and change created by the downturn in the air transportation sector and the bankruptcy of our parent company FINOVA Capital Corporation in the USA in 2001. Conducted a feasibility study for a startup joint-venture low-cost airline to utilise the FINOVA fleet of parked aircraft. Developed detailed planning and risk models. Commenced preliminary negotiations with airports and airlines. Presented the analysis of the high-risk strategy to the Board, and provided alternative solutions for the assets.

Developed and executed a strategic plan that increased turnover by 33% per annum for five years and generated consistent annual profits of over $20 million per annum from an international business that had historically struggled to break-even. Expanded sales by developing cross-border financing structures and partnerships with international airlines and investors. Raised the profile of the company through innovative leasing and financing products.Personally negotiated and completed contracts with operators such as Virgin Atlantic Airways, Nationwide South Africa, DAS Air Cargo, MK Airlines and the RNLAF. Achieved an average annual growth in assets of 35% prior to 2001.Integrated and staffed the acquisition of the Medical Finance Portfolio and Resort Finance division, generating $46 million of new business.Maintained strong internal controls and credit quality during periods of growth and liquidation, resulting in clean internal and external audit reports and no significant credit losses.Identified foreign exchange risk for the parent company due to the UK group’s rapid growth. Developed a plan to change the functional currency of the company to US dollars which protected the group from a potential $22 million foreign exchange loss.

Recruited to this role to consolidate the diverse business lines and ensure profitability.Implemented divestment strategy through the sale and liquidation of the discontinued operations without incurring significant losses.Negotiated the sale at book value of the largest and least profitable operation – the Consumer Finance second mortgage portfolio.Improved the level of internal control, timeliness and accuracy of financial reporting. Eliminated complex tax issues by restructuring the group from a web of international companies to a simple UK group. Implemented US GAAP.

Implemented management reporting by profit centre to highlight profitable and loss-making segments. Implemented new banking and financial reporting systems to enable the company to produce management, statutory and Bank of England reporting within the required timeframe.Developed in-house tax planning and tax computations models, enabling the business to identify tax losses and reduce fees by £100,000 pa. Reduced cost of funds by over USD 300,000 by the introduction of currency and interest rate swaps. Responsible for the Treasury Function.Produced all external financial reporting, revolving credit compliance certificates, management reporting, corporation tax returns, VAT returns and cash flow forecasts.

Us

Audit Manager – developed specialist expertise in the audit of major white goods & electrical manufacturers.Developed excellent relationships with clients, often resulting in being seconded to special projects such as setting up a joint venture company to expand an international client’s banking presence in Australia.Developed skills in information technology, which resulted in special projects with management consulting when designing and implementing new management and financial reporting systems.

Bachelor Of Economics, Economics

Education record

Fca (Icca), Aca (Icaew)