The CFO Centre has appointed Barry Leach as a fractional Chief Financial Officer, enhancing its national network of senior finance professionals supporting businesses through periods of growth and transformation.
Barry Leach joins The CFO Centre with over thirty years of experience in senior leadership roles across well-known names in the retail sector, particularly within sport and leisure. His previous positions include prominent roles with JD Sports, Adidas, Reebok, Sports Direct, American Golf, and Rangers International Football Club.
In his most recent post as Commercial Director at JD Outdoor Group, Leach oversaw the buying, merchandising and finance teams. During his tenure, he steered the business through considerable restructuring and market change, focusing on operational alignment and commercial performance.
Background and expertise
Leach's experience extends across retail, wholesale and direct-to-consumer channels. This breadth has positioned him as a leader known for improving operational efficiency, driving growth, and ensuring sustainable profitability and cashflow. Through various leadership positions, he has demonstrated a capacity to bring different business functions into closer alignment to enhance both efficiency and customer focus.
His appointments across several leading retail organisations have seen Leach challenge established processes, develop successful partnerships, and lead significant operational changes. He is recognised for being a commercially focused, hands-on leader with a track record in delivering results in fast-paced environments.
Leach on his new role
"The fractional CFO model gives SMEs access to the depth of experience and strategic insight they need without the cost of a full-time hire. I understand the challenges that business owners and leadership teams face, as I've lived and breathed them for three decades. I can now take that experience and help them to unlock opportunities, navigate change and create lasting value."
Leach also expressed enthusiasm about the shift in his career. He stated, "For me personally this is an exciting opportunity to transition from the corporate world to a portfolio career. I'm looking forward to more variety, the opportunity to work across different sectors and to giving something back in helping smaller businesses."
Comments from The CFO Centre
Sara Daw, Chief Executive Officer of The CFO Centre, commented on the appointment. She said, "Barry has worked with some impressive brands, and has the breadth of experience, commercial acumen and proven ability to deliver results in complex, fast-paced environments. He will be a fantastic addition to our team and will play a key role in helping our clients achieve their ambitions."
This appointment is part of The CFO Centre's continued efforts to strengthen its team of experienced finance leaders who support organisations across the UK. The firm currently works with more than 750 companies, providing part-time CFOs who deliver strategic, financial, and operational guidance.
By adding Leach to its national network, The CFO Centre continues to expand its resource pool to assist businesses facing periods of growth, transformation, or operational challenges. Leach's experience across multiple commercial environments is expected to bring valuable insights to SMEs utilising the fractional CFO model.