The Situation
Proventeq is a UK-headquartered technology business helping organisations modernise their data platforms, migrate complex content to Microsoft 365 and use AI to improve how information is managed. Serving customers in more than 30 countries, it is a Microsoft Solutions Partner for Modern Work and a Microsoft Preferred Content AI Partner. Having secured its first external investment, from BGF, Proventeq appointed STOIX to find a CFO who could work closely with the CEO, founders, Chair and investors as it scaled.
The Challenge
The CFO needed to combine rigorous financial control and analytical insight with commercial judgement. They had to be willing to get into the detail of reporting and controls while developing the finance function, building a team and contributing to strategy.
The brief also called for SaaS experience, an understanding of investor-backed businesses and the humility to collaborate across international teams. When the initial appointment proved not to be the right long-term fit, STOIX and Proventeq revisited the requirements. It became clear that a more experienced CFO profile would best meet the business’s needs.
The Solution
Neil stayed closely involved throughout, helping Proventeq test its assumptions and refine the brief. STOIX responded by restarting the search around the revised profile, adapting its approach while maintaining momentum. The team mapped talent across technology, services and private equity and venture capital-backed businesses, using targeted outreach to engage active and passive candidates.
The team presented a balanced range of candidates at different compensation levels, explaining the strengths and trade-offs of each profile. Candid conversations helped the leadership team clarify its priorities and assess candidates against the role, culture and investor expectations. The restart combined a willingness to change course with diligence in evaluating who could meet the full demands of the role.
