Richard Exact

WORK HISTORY

ABOUT RICHARD EXACT

I am a commercially minded CFO with experience in entrepreneurial environments and an industry background in Technology, Retail and FMCG. I am tenacious and pragmatic, at my best when part of a group of like-minded, committed colleagues. My achievements and contributions include international expansion, fundraising, IPO, business transformation and complex projects.During my most recent role as CFO of Jones Food Company (JFC), I devised and implemented a turnaround plan for one of the UKs’ largest vertical farmers. Before JFC, I progressed to Deputy CFO and Finance & Risk Director at Ocado, having originally joined to set up finance as the 30th employee in the company. I led the evolution of finance and risk to anticipate and meet the needs of this fast-growth technology-based retailer as it expanded from a small to large privately owned venture, then through IPO to a young, quoted company and latterly a £2.8bn revenue, international ecommerce, fulfilment and logistics group. I established core finance systems and controls that underpinned dramatic change and expansion at Ocado. I supported growth into 10 additional markets and contributed or led a wide range of projects including IPO and corporate fundraising; joint venture arrangements with both Morrisons and M&S; setting up an online cosmetics retailer and a captive insurer in Malta; and leading a company-wide finance transformation project.In addition to finance, my role at Ocado included leading in areas such as Insurance, Health & Safety, Risk and HR at various times. This included managing two of the UK markets’ largest property and motor claims. Prior to Ocado, I held senior finance roles at 3 other FTSE100 companies.Educated as mathematician (BSc Hons), trained as an accountant (FCMA) and an economist by instinct. I believe that everyone has the potential to contribute. Commercial and financial problem solving must be founded on numbers but include an understanding of human behaviour and how to tap into skills and drivers. Leading a talented team of 150 finance and risk professionals during my tenure at Ocado, I shaped a culture in which alignment of values and goals is essential.I am involved in local community activities and enjoy applying my professional expertise through a Board and Audit chair role at the University of Bedfordshire and trustee role at Emmaus Hertfordshire. I played Saturday football for 30 years, which is the foundation of my approach to team working, and I continue to keep healthy through a combination of running and swimming.