Client Overview – PE-Backed Music Rights Startup
Our client, a fast-growing, private equity-backed music rights startup, was seeking their first in-house finance hire, a pivotal Finance Director role.
With ambitious plans to double revenue and headcount within 12 months, they needed a finance leader who could:
- Manage end-to-end finance operations
- Oversee relationships with private equity backers
- Lead investor relations and strategic financial planning
The search was challenging due to the niche talent pool, few UK-based candidates combined music industry expertise with private equity experience.
Key Challenges & Role Evolution
The initial plan was to appoint a Head of Finance or Financial Controller, supported by a part-time CFO.
However, following a consultation with Talentedge, the brief evolved into a mid-level Finance Director role, designed to:
- Handle strategic responsibilities including PE relationship management and investor relations
- Oversee operational finance - accounting, income tracking, and revenue assurance
- Grow into a CFO role within 12–18 months, aligning with budget constraints and long-term goals
This shift in approach ensured the hire would combine strategic gravitas with a willingness to manage the hands-on aspects of a finance function in a scaling business.
Our Approach – Targeted first-hire search
We combined our specialist network with proactive headhunting to identify six high-calibre candidates.
Our search targeted individuals with:
- Music or entertainment industry finance experience
- Exposure to private equity reporting and governance
- The flexibility to manage both strategic and operational finance work
- The ambition to step into a CFO role in the near term
The Outcome – Rare combination of skills secured
The client ultimately appointed a headhunted Finance Director who:
- Had the gravitas to manage C-suite and investor relationships
- Was comfortable rolling up their sleeves to oversee accounting and reporting
- Brought a rare blend of music industry knowledge, corporate finance expertise, and investment banking background
This efficient, collaborative process resulted in a seamless hire that:
- Met every requirement in the evolved brief
- Positioned the finance function for future scalability
- Established a solid foundation for the company’s ambitious growth plans
Both the client and candidate were thrilled with the outcome.
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