BLAXLAND CONSULTING LIMITED

𝗛𝗲𝗹𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝗻𝘃𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗰𝗼𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗱𝗲𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗩𝗖𝗣 – 𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗺𝗶𝗱-𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗺 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗽𝗿𝗲-𝗲𝘅𝗶𝘁 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 

Diane is a senior adviser to private equity portfolio companies.  She helps investors and portcos to deliver robust growth against value creation plans - including via post-merger integration.  She has a sweet spot in Tech-enabled B2B Services including Professional Services in the UK and EMEA.

Her experience includes:

- pre-deal MDD and post-deal operating reviews of portcos - eg for Blackstone, Mercia, Silverfleet, LDC, Rockpool, Foresight
- rapid recovery of post-merger integration and transformation, ahead of an IPO (backed by TPG)
- commercial risk analysis for a PE portco, triggering an exit via secondary buyout (backed by ICG)
- recovery of an off-shore proposition, re-positioning for growth ahead of a merger
- design and global rollout of a post-merger data integration model.

Her skills include P&L management, business strategy, sales, operations, business transformation, and change management – drawing on her experience in startups, scaleups and global business.

Founder

Career Coaching by Diane Blaxland

🚩 How will you know if my Career Coaching is right for you? Five quick signs: 

•	there is a gap emerging between your career and your satisfaction level 
•	addressing the gap is increasingly important to you 
•	there are risks if you do something, and risks if you do nothing 
•	you have some advice, but you want to take a wider, longer term view 
•	talking it through with an experienced executive feels like a good place to start 

#ExpertLeaders #Careers #PersonalDevelopment

Catalysis Advisory Ltd

𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗣𝗘 𝗶𝗻𝘃𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗰𝗼 𝗕𝗼𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺𝘀 𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝗱𝗲𝘀:
🔺 𝗽𝗿𝗲-𝗲𝘅𝗶𝘁 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄 - 𝗕𝟮𝗕𝟮𝗖 𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗧𝗲𝗰𝗵 (𝗘𝘂𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲)
🔺 𝗽𝗼𝘀𝘁-𝗱𝗲𝗮𝗹 𝗺𝗶𝗱-𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗺 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄 - 𝗕𝟮𝗕 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗹 𝗘𝘀𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗳𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲𝘀
🔺 𝗽𝗿𝗲-𝗱𝗲𝗮𝗹 𝗕𝟮𝗕 𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗧𝗲𝗰𝗵, 𝗕𝟮𝗚𝟮𝗖 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵𝗧𝗲𝗰𝗵, 𝗕𝟮𝗕𝟮𝗖 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗧𝗲𝗰𝗵, 𝗕𝟮𝗕𝟮𝗖 𝗺𝗮𝗻𝘂𝗳𝗮𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴, 𝗕𝟮𝗚 𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗰 𝘁𝗲𝗰𝗵

Business Advisor

Johnson Controls Inc

$5b EMEA region of $20b Business Services division of $40b Fortune100 listed company

Director Change Management, EMEA

Blaxland Consulting

Advising clients on operational and commercial change.

CPA Global

£100m global Business Services company, backed by Private Equity

Director Strategy

Williams Lea

£20m Division of this £1b global Business Services company, part of DAX30 company DeutschePost

Managing Director 

Clifford Chance LLP

£100m+ M&A practice of this £1bn global Professional Services firm

Head Business Development Operations

Blake Dawson Waldron

A$350m international Professional Services firm (now part of £1b Ashurst LLP)

Business Development, Sales & Marketing management

CEO & Founder Expert Leaders™ | Career Direction & CV Coaching | £1B PSF | $40B Fortune100 | PE scaleups | London Business School

I help professionals step into clarity, confidence, and growth - especially when navigating complex career transitions in challenging or unfamiliar markets.

My clients are technically brilliant, ambitious … and many are internationally experienced. They’re often MBAs, engineers, M&A/finance experts, consultants, lawyers, or technology & data/AI specialists. 

They're ready to step into senior leadership, but something isn’t landing. Their pitch isn’t quite resonating. The growth opportunities they seek feel just out of reach.

That’s where I come in.

With more than 10 years in senior leadership - including as Managing Director responsible for 550 people - I’ve led growth, transformation, and turnaround across organisations from under £10m to over $5Bn. 

I’ve advised private equity investors and portfolio companies on operations, building robust solutions to complex problems. 

And I bring that same level of focus, clarity, and strategic thinking into my coaching practice.

My sweet spot lies in tech-enabled B2B services - including engineering, data/AI, finance, legal, and consulting. 

Highlights of my work include: 

▪️Steering post-merger integration for a $6Bn PE-backed global professional services firm, resolving operational failures, client complaints, and transformation across 15 countries.
▪️Leading the recovery of a £1bn NHS Trust’s lab project post-dispute, bringing together investors, clinicians, scientists, suppliers, and engineers to co-create a viable solution.
▪️Delivering commercial risk analysis that identified a -70% risk to a target exit valuation for a PE-backed £100m B2B services firm, unlocking a £1Bn exit in under three months.
▪️Repositioning a struggling new BPO offshore (India) proposition for profitable growth, delivering 50% savings to the client in a new £3m contract while also tripling profit margins.
▪️Rolling out a post-merger Sales/Marketing/Finance integration model for a £1Bn global professional services firm across 30 offices in 20 countries, deployed to 4,000+ staff.

All of that senior experience now feeds directly into my career coaching.

Many of my clients are mid-career or post-MBA, and sense a need to reframe their narrative, sharpen their presence, and navigate a system that may not easily understand their value. 

We don’t just talk. We rehearse. We edit. We test. We build influence from the inside out.

Whether you're preparing for interview, pitching for promotion, or making a full pivot, I’ll help you to tailor your story, build trust, and move forward with strategic clarity.

🎯 Diane Blaxland

Geoff Baldock, FCA

Financial Accountant

Confidential Water Treatment Startup

Privately backed company specialising in innovative and sustainable water purification solutions. We integrate water treatment by-products with agriculture and aquaculture, creating a closed-loop food production process alongside water recycling.

🌟 Currently engaged in an exciting new project - stay tuned for more details! 👁️

Chief Financial Officer

Seeking new opportunities

Experienced Private Equity CFO Seeking New Leadership Opportunity

Seeking a new CFO role to apply my extensive expertise in financial strategy, robust financial management & reporting, and business transformation. With a proven track record of going beyond the numbers to increase profitability, enhance shareholder value, and foster cross-functional partnerships, I am poised to lead a dynamic organisation towards sustainable success.

Key Highlights:

📊 +25 years of progressive experience leading financial operations and achieving outstanding financial performance.
🔒 Implemented robust financial governance frameworks, integrating risk management to identify and mitigate financial risks.
🚀 Led cross-functional teams to drive finance and business transformation initiatives, ensuring visible finance business partnering.
🤝 Cultivated strong relationships with investors, board members, and executive leadership, fostering trust and collaboration.
💼 Proficient in financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and financial modeling to support strategic business objectives.
👥 Strong leadership abilities, adept at building high-performing teams, nurturing a positive work culture, and mentoring talent.

Let's connect to explore how my strategic financial acumen can drive your organisation's growth and success. 
#CFO 
#FinancialStrategy 
#BusinessTransformation

Sycurio

Private Equity backed, leading PCI compliance and payment security solution provider. UK and US market focus.

Chief Financial Officer (Interim)

StorMagic

Private / VC-backed software provider focused on UK & US markets.

StorMagic is making the complex simple for edge computing environments, and leading the industry in bringing the edge to the core - datacenter and cloud.

Its storage and security products are simple, lightweight and cost-effective without sacrificing enterprise-class features for organisations with one to thousands of sites.

•	Worked closely with CEO and Board, produced and presented investor briefings for debt and equity raise 
•	Oversaw replacement of accounting system with improved Netsuite solution
•	Enhanced corporate governance framework, management and finance reporting and forecasting
•	Successfully delivered the group's first audited accounts
•	Developed and coached Finance, HR and Operations teams

Clario Tech

Privately owned, B2C cybersecurity software. Clario acquired the assets of Kromtech, including its product MacKeeper and IP through a reverse takeover in Sept 2019.

The ‘Clario’ brand was established in 2019 with a vision to create a new, enhanced & disruptive cybersecurity product/service, with a completely different user experience, debuting at CES 2020.  

“The Uber of Cyber Security” – Amelia Heathman, Evening Standard May 2020.

Achievements include: individually or as strategic partner to the CEO & CMO:
•	Delivered end-to-end business transformation programme, allied with DNA brand workshops (600 people) to set tone of voice, and customer centric values internally and externally
•	Changed a culture of revenue focus, short termism at all costs, to one of customer centricity, with redefined values, ensuring company-wide buy-in 
•	Redesigned legacy product with new privacy features, improving acquisition and retention metrics as well as product reviews, allied with PR campaign to overcome reputation issues
•	Restructured and improved governance over affiliate network resulting in removal of legacy product from 30 PUA lists and achieving Apple notarisation
•	Launched revolutionary multi-platform product “Clario”, achieving launch in 9 months to widespread technical acclaim
•	Integrated 600 technical support staff as a premium services offering alongside existing product and with in-App on demand support provision to new product
•	Led corporate restructure, from an offshore lifestyle-based business, to a UK-based HQ with appropriate governance & transparency
•	Managed company transformation from cash accounting to SaaS reporting, adopting UK / IFRS GAAP, with improved KPI reporting dashboards
•	Integrated traditional back office functions of Finance, Legal & HR with other operations to deliver business partnering programme
•	Introduced Budgeting & Forecasting, with change in mentality from pure short-term focus to blend with longer term planning & objectives

N/a - Career Break

Planned Career Break to care for family member

Safetykleen

Private Equity backed International business operating across 14 countries. Safetykleen is the World’s leading provider of surface treatment and chemical application services. 

Member of Senior Executive Management Team, successfully delivered / co-managed two PE sales at multiples >10x EBITDA, firstly in 2008 (CCMP to Warburg Pincus) and then again in 2017 (to Apax) before exiting business.

•	Reported to Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, formulating business' future development, including Group's Five-Year Financial Plan, in partnership with stakeholders
•	Partnered with advisors to produce an Information Memorandum; managed data room set up and sale Q&A process
•	Expert for financial, tax, legal & insurance Vendor Due Diligence; key-input on Commercial VDD
•	Provided financial expertise in selection of new ERP system

DIRECTOR OF GROUP FINANCE (FINANCE DIRECTOR) (Special Projects)

•	Led Group's financial management and reporting, through Finance Directors in 14 European countries plus emerging countries of Brazil, Turkey and China, plus Group Finance Function of 6 direct reports including Group FC, and Group FP&A Manager
•	Developed and implemented Group commercial and financial strategy, working as business partner to Chief Operating Officer to deliver individual country growth plans
•	Supported Group Operations Director on cost-saving initiatives 
•	Devised an effective transfer pricing policy with Group tax advisors
•	Accomplished immediate goals and financial plans via multi-lender debt refinancing and covenant reset
•	Determined best structure for corporate and in-country finance teams, including selection of key senior finance hires in major trading countries and emerging territories
•	Built FD forum encompassing bi-annual workshops to enable partnering culture and best practice sharing
•	Improved financial & operational performance with improved FP&A function, implementing risk and opportunities analysis
•	Interim UK Finance Director (H1 2014) - rebuilt finance team, recruiting strong FC
•	Deputised for Chief Financial Officer in his absence as UK MD during 2011-12 
•	Served as acting CFO in 2010 as business sought a new appointment

DIRECTOR OF GROUP FINANCE (FINANCE DIRECTOR)

•	Managed Safetykleen’s Group Finance function of 6 direct reports
•	Oversaw financial controls and governance reporting to both Board and external stakeholders
•	Replaced out-dated group reporting system with upgraded Hyperion HFM solution
•	Rationalised financial reporting to reduce deadlines to 10 working days 
•	Enhanced financial control through introduction of group finance manual and improved reporting governance framework
•	Generated information for a PE sale exit on behalf of shareholders

GROUP FINANCIAL CONTROLLER

Travelex

The world’s leading global specialist provider of foreign exchange.

•	Charged with core financial reporting and budgeting 
•	Led functional reporting line for Regional Finance Directors
•	Member of the Audit & Risk Committee and Executive Operating Board
•	Setup financial reporting processes for covenant compliance reporting 
•	Recognised as first point of contact for lending banks
•	Established and implemented improved accounting policies
•	Recognised as main point of contact on audit and tax related matters
•	Increased financial controls through introduction of FD reporting checklist 
•	Introduced detailed Group Accounting Procedures manual
•	Member of trusted team carrying out due diligence for eventual sale of majority stake in Travelex to Apax

•	Composed MD&A reports on listed bond commitments
•	Conducted meetings with a range of rating agencies
•	Generated internal and external reports and board papers
•	Directed accurate year-end audits 
•	Prepared statutory consolidated financial statements
•	Provided support to regional Financial Directors
•	Improved accounting expertise and group reporting
•	Reviewed regional balance sheets, accounting controls, etc.

GROUP FINANCIAL REPORTING MANAGER

Invesco UK

INVESCO, through its parent company AMVESCAP PLC, acquired Perpetual plc in December 2000.

•	Assisted with due diligence on sale of Perpetual plc to AMVESCAP
•	Transferred and integrated finance function of acquired business
•	Consolidated results for enlarged UK group reporting to US parent company
•	Assisted with implementation of new consolidation and accounting system for enlarged UK group

Group Financial Reporting Manager

Gan Assurances

UK subsidiary of GAN the 4th largest French insurer which was acquired by Groupama in 1998. 

•	Coordinated DTI / HMIT regulatory returns
•	Responsible for liquidity, assets and liabilities sections
•	Led investment and cash flow reporting
•	Managed purchase ledger and cashiers functions

CFO - building high performing Finance teams | CEO Business Partner 🤝 | International experience | Expertise in PE exits, Growth & Transformation

Experienced Private Equity CFO with extensive international capability in PE-backed leveraged businesses and successful sales exits.  

Proven track record in building & leading top-performing finance functions, delivering value.

Passionate about delivering transformation and change programs in complex structures, going beyond the numbers by combining strategic thinking with detailed execution.

➤ PRIVATE EQUITY FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT EXPERTISE
⭐ Directed financial management in leveraged environments across International group, through network of in-country FDs, controlling costs & maximising cashflow
⭐ Developed effective short- & long-term planning & forecasting models
⭐ As part of the Senior Exec Team, delivered two PE exits for shareholders at >10x EBITDA & £350m multi-lender debt refinance

➤ FINANCE & BUSINESS TRANSFORMATION PROWESS
⭐ Delivered brand & cultural transformation, focusing on redefining business values with an emphasis on customer centricity & innovation
⭐ Built platforms to position businesses for growth and scale-up, providing comprehensive financial and commercial support
⭐ Tightened financial control through development of reporting governance frameworks, controls & processes

➤ BUILDING & INSPIRING TOP PERFORMING TEAMS
⭐ Recruited, coached & mentored young & developing teams, ensuring attention to personal development, while promoting delegated authority for enhanced visibility within the wider business
⭐ Focused on building “fit-for-purpose” finance functions, implementing appropriate governance combined with right systems & highly-skilled people, & true business partnership mentality

SECTOR EXPERIENCE
Tech SaaS (PCI compliance, Cyber-security) | Tech (virtual storage) | Industrial Business Services (Parts cleaners, waste management) | Financial services (Fund management, FX)

INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE | FLEXIBLE ON LOCATION
UK | N America | Europe | East Europe | Ukraine | China & HK | Brazil

SKILLS & EXPERTISE
Private Equity | PE Exit | Vendor Due Diligence | Multi-Lender Debt Refinance | Board & Audit Committee | Stakeholder & Investor Relations | Business Strategy | Finance Business Partner | FP&A | Budgeting & Forecasting | Recurring Revenue | SaaS | KPIs | Change Management | Finance & Business Transformation | Corporate Restructure | M&A | Process Improvement | Team Leadership & Development | International Tax | Transfer Pricing | Treasury & Banking Management | Working Capital & Cash Flow Management | ERP Selection & Implementation

Please feel free to contact me at
📧 Geoffbaldock@virginmedia.com

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The Battle

🎯 Diane Blaxland

Geoff Baldock, FCA

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