Stepping up: making the move from FC to FD

Oliver Weston, Finance Director, Allen & Heath
Oliver Weston is Finance Director at Allen & Heath, a global leader in the design and manufacture of professional audio mixing systems. An ICAEW Chartered Accountant and member of the ICAEW South West Network Board, Oliver brings a wealth of experience spanning corporate finance, early-stage technology, and electromechanical engineering. His career began in advisory where he developed a passion for data visualisation and technical modelling before transitioning into industry roles where he has led finance teams in precision engineering and audio technology. He is particularly focused on how finance can be used a tool to drive innovation, operational excellence, and facilitate long-term strategic growth.

Sarah Flavell, Finance Director, Berkeley St Edward
Sarah is Finance Director within one of the Divisions at Berkeley Group. Berkeley Group builds homes and neighbourhoods across London, Birmingham and the South of England. They specialise in brownfield regeneration, reviving underused land to create unique, sustainable and nature-rich places where communities thrive. An ICAEW Chartered Accountant, Sarah brings a wealth of experience across all elements within the Finance Department remit. Sarah’s career began as an AAT student from school in a local accounting practice before moving to London and working in a number of different roles in practice and industries with Real Estate being her main focus over the past 10 years. She is particularly focused on being efficient, facilitating quality data and reporting to make decisions and as much as possible managing an appropriate work life balance to spend time with her young family.

Eustace Xavier, Finance Director for Technical Services
Eustace is an highly experienced Finance professional. A qualified Chartered Accountant with over twenty years of finance experience. Eustace has a demonstrable track record of utilising technology and best-in-class processes to support businesses in driving efficiencies to optimise profit as well as cash generation. His career has span across Audit, Investment Banking and Commercial Finance. Eustace has worked for several notable listed businesses such as Tesco plc, ISS A/S, Sainsbury’s plc and now Mitie plc. Over the past ten years, he has held both Finance Director as well as Managing Director roles in Retail and FM listed entities. In addition, Eustace is currently a Non-Executive Director for Peabody Trust, a UK leading social housing provider. As part of this remit, he is a member of the Board, Audit & Risk Committee, and the Finance & Treasury Committee. Eustace has occupied this position with Peabody Trust since September 2023 to present.

Simon Gray, Head of Business, ICAEW
Simon is an ICAEW Chartered Accountant, who qualified with KPMG in Nottingham. After many years of volunteering, including District Society President, Chair of the Business Committee and Council Member, he joined ICAEW as Head of Business in December 2021. His background is in the recruitment, careers, membership and inward investment sectors. Simon has started and run his own businesses and served as a Non-Executive Director.