Interim CFO Search (PE-Backed Consumer Products)

Challenge

A $150M PE-backed branded consumer products business needed interim senior finance leadership during a CFO transition. The outgoing CFO had been a hands-on working CFO across finance, accounting, cash flow, IT and HR. Leadership needed to avoid disruption while the CEO and sponsor determined the full-time CFO plan. The finance environment remained heavily Excel-driven and required practical, hands-on operating support, and the company needed better visibility into customer, SKU, channel and product-line profitability.

What We Did

• Activated the Conexus interim CFO database and built a targeted slate around branded CPG, food products, light manufacturing and PE-backed mid-market finance.
• Screened for food, beverage, CPG and light manufacturing experience and prioritized hands-on leaders comfortable in Excel-heavy mid-market environments.
• Qualified candidates for cash forecasting, reporting continuity, sponsor support and finance team leadership.
• Presented four pre-qualified, actionable interim CFO candidates within 48 hours for company leadership and sponsor interviews.

Outcome / Impact

• Selected interim leader on-site and engaged within eight days from interview.
• Steady senior leadership across accounting, reporting, cash flow, planning and business support during the transition.
• Day 1 priorities focused on continuity, cash flow, sponsor reporting, team support and profitability visibility.
• Improved visibility by customer, SKU, channel and product line to guide growth decisions without waiting for a permanent hire.