In this case study, Ruth Kemp explains how we supported a private equity-backed infrastructure platform during a critical debt raise and CFO transition. Through a rapid, targeted search, we placed an experienced interim finance leader within two weeks, ensuring stability across lender reporting, financial governance and key finance operations during a pivotal stage of growth.
The business was asset-heavy, capital-intensive and in a construction-led growth phase, while simultaneously navigating a complex post-acquisition integration. At the same time, the company was preparing for a significant debt raise, with the first drawdown scheduled within the following one to two months.
A permanent CFO had already been appointed, but was not due to join for six months. During this transitional period, the business required an experienced interim finance leader to stabilise the finance function, maintain lender confidence and oversee several critical financial workstreams.
The mandate was time-sensitive, high-stakes and technically complex.
The interim leader would need to manage multiple priorities simultaneously while ensuring that the business remained financially stable and lender-ready during a crucial period.
The most immediate priority was supporting the business through its active debt raise and ensuring that lender reporting was delivered with precision and consistency.
This included taking ownership of lender reporting during and after the raise, transitioning reporting cadence from semi-annual to quarterly, overseeing the preparation of audited accounts and ensuring the first drawdown was executed smoothly and on schedule. The role also required acting as the senior finance interface with lenders and external advisors.
The platform was undergoing significant development activity, meaning the interim leader needed to work closely with both the CTO and the Development Director to oversee financial controls across construction programmes.
This included maintaining clear visibility over capex deployment, funding requirements, liquidity management and financial risk across multiple development projects.
The finance function also required improvements to group reporting and consolidation processes.
The interim leader was tasked with reviewing and strengthening reporting structures, improving the quality of consolidated P&L and statutory accounts, and elevating reporting standards to meet the expectations of a private equity-backed infrastructure platform.
Equally important was maintaining a strong relationship with the private equity sponsor during the CFO transition.
The business required a steady and credible finance leader who could provide clear, reliable reporting and ensure that the sponsor remained confident throughout the period of change.
Internally, the role also required strong leadership of the finance team.
The interim leader would manage an ambitious but relatively inexperienced Head of Finance, while also supporting the development of a junior team member. Providing structure, clarity and calm leadership during a period of change was critical.
Given the scope of the role, the ideal candidate needed deep experience in infrastructure, construction or real assets, combined with a strong track record in debt raises, governance and lender reporting.
Given the urgency and complexity of the brief, the search process was designed to move quickly while maintaining a highly targeted approach.
Immediate response
Within three hours of the initial briefing call, we delivered a shortlist of three highly qualified interim CFOs based in Germany who had strong experience within private equity-backed, capex-heavy businesses and were available to start immediately.
Each candidate brought:
Interviews were scheduled across consecutive days to maintain momentum and allow the client to move quickly towards a decision.
Additional optionality
Alongside the initial shortlist, we continued to identify and qualify additional candidates to ensure depth in the process and provide further optionality should the client require it.
This engagement came at a particularly sensitive moment in the company’s growth trajectory.
With a debt raise underway, construction projects progressing, and a CFO transition in progress, the organisation required immediate leadership stability within the finance function. Any disruption during this period could have impacted lender confidence, financing timelines and operational momentum.
Securing an experienced interim leader ensured continuity across critical financial processes while allowing the incoming CFO to join a more stable and structured environment.
The client moved quickly and structured the interview process into three streamlined stages, enabling efficient technical validation, stakeholder alignment and cultural fit assessment.
A final decision was made swiftly, allowing the successful interim finance leader to begin the assignment within two weeks of the initial briefing.
Full onboarding was managed end-to-end, including:
This enabled a seamless transition into the role ahead of several critical financing milestones.
The interim appointment delivered immediate stability and impact across the finance function:
Several factors were critical to the success of the engagement:
To find out more about similar interim leadership appointments, or to discuss how we can support your next strategic finance hire, please get in touch.
