Steering a global beauty company’s finance function through sudden change: meet Shoyab Master, executive interim CFO

The #UK #Office of a prominent #French family-owned #Beauty #Company with a worldwide presence needed an #Executive #Interim CFO to steer its finance function through a sudden period of change, as senior individuals moved into new roles. Shoyab Master stepped in for a 9-month #CFO #Assignment. Reflecting on the experience, he described it as “one of the most fun assignments I've done.” 

Building stability within a finance team of 30  

With several highly experienced finance professionals departing for new career opportunities, Shoyab’s primary role was to provide stability within a long-established team. The changes created a significant gap between the CFO role and the rest of the team, necessitating a shift in his approach. 

“During this assignment, I had to be far more hands on than I had been in the last 10 years. I adjusted what I was asking from the team. I simplified and gave them confidence.” 

Shoyab implemented an effective transition plan and hired both permanent and temporary talents to strengthen the team. 

Achieving sales and investment targets  

Shoyab’s assignment took place during “a year where significant investments in the company had been made, so very high results were expected”. While supporting the team, he focused on ensuring the delivery of the anticipated results for the final quarter of the year, a critical period in which 60 % of the annual sales are generated. 

“When I started the assignment, we were seeing such increases in inflation that at that point in time, it added a new pressure that didn’t really exist before.” 

“Supporting the company in what is next” 

As the year drew to a close, with budgets and forecasts being finalized, Shoyab supported the CEO in developing the strategic and commercial goals for the following year. Working closely with both the global and local leadership, he played a key role in shaping “a very ambitious and exciting” strategy. 

“Working with key stakeholders in establishing the strategy and how they would be delivered was crucial. That was the fun part!” 

A global company with “amazing brand values” 

With 15 years of experience as an executive interim manager, Shoyab recognized that this assignment with a global brand stood out due to one key factor: a genuine sense of passion.  

“Working with a very strong brand with a strong cultural identity was very fun but also very challenging. They strive for excellence, they care.” 

After having extensively worked in UK or American businesses, Shoyab welcomed the new opportunity, stating: “Working with a French business was actually really very interesting because you get a different perspective.” 

Shoyab emphasized the importance of soft skills, particularly in multicultural settings: “As an interim manager, you're hired at that senior level for your experience and your technical and commercial knowledge. But what I think makes or breaks your success is your ability to understand people and work with people. Appreciating different cultures enhances this skill. Key elements include active listening, asking questions, and maintaining an open mind.”

Valtus UK