Deepa Shah's Linkedin Analytics

Taking ambitious businesses through their growth journey is the most exciting thing a CFO can do. Strategy and infrastructure needs building; funding has to be found; international opportunities for business and partnership need to be harnessed. There are negotiations to drive with clients and suppliers; commercial frameworks to establish and, in time, acquisitions or exits to guide, whilst always working closely with the inspirational leaders who are at the heart of the business. I’ve had the good fortune to do that on numerous occasions across agencies in digital creative, market research, and marketing technology sectors. It’s where I get my buzz and how I excel – working with founders, funders and owners; helping them turn their visions into reality, into development and into value. And it’s where I’ve chosen to pursue my career. I’ve spent much of my career working as a CFO in agencies in the top holding groups, including Omnicom Group Inc. and Publicis Groupe. After leaving Publicis Sapient, I spent almost 3 years working as a consultant CFO for ambitious independent agencies. Sectors have included research technology, healthcare, creative and production studios, brand design studios, and growth marketing. During my corporate, consultative and fractional CFO work, I have: ▪️supported founders with fundraising, whether it is to buy and build, or to invest in IP - ultimately generating further enterprise value ▪️operated as their right hand, bringing business nous and financial rigour to the planning and execution of growth and development ▪️provided commercial and strategic leadership including leading expansion into new international markets, considering aspects such as tax, legal obligations and risk ▪️brought my commercial lens to procurement discussions and pricing solutions whilst building lasting relationships ▪️helped build reporting infrastructure and processes to support growth ▪️ensured that good corporate governance is embedded from an early stage Having been through a sale, myself, and through my consulting and corporate finance roles, I have gained experience in taking businesses through such an event. From deal negotiation, to leading the due diligence process, and post acquisition integration. I'm really proud of the recognition I have received through my career. My awards include: ▪️Winner: 2020 Technology CFO of the Year (London) - Acquisition International Magazine ▪️Winner: 2018 CFO of the Year - Women in Finance Awards (UK) ▪️Winner: 2016 Business Award (sponsored by NatWest) - Asian Women of Achievement Awards