Growth Journey: Multi-Stage Board & Leadership Build for a PE-Backed Business

Client: Private Investment Group

Sector: Print & Packaging

Engagement Period: 2017–2025

Assignments Delivered: Sales & Marketing Director, Managing Director, CFO, Head of Sales

Ford Hastings was initially retained by a private investment group ahead of a planned buy-out.

Our brief was to appoint a Sales & Marketing Director who could begin the professionalisation of the commercial function and lead the post-acquisition growth strategy.

In 2018, as the business entered its scale-up phase, we supported the appointment of a new Managing Director.

This hire was pivotal in creating a leadership platform capable of sustainable growth and operational resilience.

As the business matured, Ford Hastings was once again engaged in 2023 to appoint a Chief Financial Officer. This strategic hire formed part of the group’s exit planning and succession strategy ahead of further fundraising, flotation, or potential sale.

Most recently, in 2025, we appointed a Head of Sales to lead international expansion into colour print, direct-to-consumer channels, and emerging global markets.