Long Way to the Top

CFO Magazine, August 2003 p. 25,26

We are seeing CFOs burst into the top ranks, and all of them have got there in the present context that good financial experience and acumen is needed in the CEO role," says executive search consultant, Andrew Horsley of Horsley & Company. "Given the nature of institutional investors, the increased focus on returns and the poor management decisions made in the past two years that led to corporate misadventures in Australia and offshore, financial savvy is considered essential for the CEO role," Horsley says. "In order to be considered for the top role, therefore, CFOs must get general management experience so they have a sound understanding of operations, marketing and the overall strategic direction of the business and are able to persuade and impress the market."