Finance Director, Aimia Foods
The Client
Aimia Foods is a leading UK food and beverage manufacturer, supplying a wide range of branded and private-label products to retailers, foodservice providers, and commercial partners. With a heritage spanning decades, the business has built a strong reputation for quality, innovation, and customer service, supported by a fast-paced manufacturing operation and a portfolio of well-known consumer brands.
As the company continued to evolve and pursue ambitious growth objectives, strengthening the senior leadership team became a key priority.
The Requirement
Aimia Foods was seeking a commercially minded Finance Director who could do far more than oversee reporting and compliance. The business required a strategic finance leader capable of influencing decision-making across the organisation, improving profitability, and supporting the delivery of long-term growth plans.
Reporting directly to the Managing Director, the successful candidate needed to combine strong financial leadership with commercial insight. They would be responsible for driving cash flow performance, managing financial risk, challenging operational spending, and helping shape business strategy across multiple departments.
The role also demanded a leader who could build credibility across the organisation, challenge constructively, and work collaboratively with sales, purchasing, supply chain, and operations teams. Finding someone with both the technical expertise and interpersonal skills to thrive within Aimia’s culture was critical to the success of the appointment.
The Solution
Novo partnered closely with the Managing Director and senior leadership team to gain a detailed understanding of the business, its growth ambitions, and the qualities needed in its next Finance Director.
We developed a focused executive search strategy targeting experienced finance leaders from food manufacturing and other complex FMCG environments. Particular emphasis was placed on candidates who had demonstrated success in commercial finance, working capital management, operational improvement, and business transformation.
Our approach included:
- Mapping senior finance talent across the food manufacturing and FMCG sectors
- Identifying candidates with a proven record of improving profitability and cash flow performance
- Assessing commercial acumen, leadership capability, and strategic influence
- Evaluating cultural fit and the ability to challenge and support senior stakeholders
- Managing a confidential and rigorous executive search process
The Outcome
Aimia Foods successfully appointed a Finance Director with extensive experience in manufacturing and commercially focused finance leadership.
The successful candidate brought a hands-on approach, strong commercial instincts, and the ability to influence decision-making across the business. They quickly established themselves as a trusted partner to the Managing Director and senior leadership team, helping to strengthen financial controls while supporting wider business growth initiatives.
The appointment has enhanced Aimia’s financial leadership capability, improved strategic decision-making, and positioned the business to continue driving profitable growth in an increasingly competitive market.
