TLDR:
- SPMB Executive Search recruited Kristy Landers as the CFO for Emergence Capital.
- Suzanne Heske led the assignment and is focused on recruiting transformational leaders to private equity, venture capital, and asset management firms.
Chief financial officers play a critical role in managing financial strategy, risk, and compliance for organizational success. SPMB Executive Search recently helped Emergence Capital in San Francisco recruit Kristy Landers as their new CFO. Landers brings nearly 20 years of experience in the venture capital industry, having previously worked at firms such as Unusual Ventures and August Capital, where she implemented accounting systems and modernized functions. SPMB specializes in recruiting upper management and board members for growth-oriented tech, consumer, and sustainability companies. Suzanne Heske, who leads SPMB’s investment practice, spearheaded Landers’ recruitment and is focused on recruiting transformative leaders for private equity and venture capital firms, as well as leading efforts in cryptocurrency and blockchain recruitment.
According to a survey conducted by executive search firm Caldwell, only a third of CFOs in PE-backed companies had previously held a PE CFO role. Among the key factors for hiring a CFO, industry experience and PE experience were the top factors cited by participants. The survey also found that hiring a CFO with prior PE CFO experience is seen as a “nice to have” credential but not essential for all companies. This data provides insights into the skills and experiences that define success for a CFO of a PE-backed portfolio company.
