Celebrating the graduation of the first cohort of the WiHTL & DiR Aspiring CFO Programme
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The Aspiring CFO Programme in Hospitality, Travel, Leisure and Retail was launched earlier this year for the first time. This is a groundbreaking, cross-industry initiative targeting high-potential senior leaders from underrepresented groups working within the finance function in order to support their ambitions to become a CFO. We were delighted to welcome 20 delegates to the very first programme cohort which aims to give participants a profound understanding of the CFO role, develop their capabilities for extraordinary leadership, provide mentorship by an incumbent CFO from across the industry, and help them build an extensive professional network.
The six-month programme came to its natural end at a graduation ceremony held at the programme sponsor’s — AlixPartners — head office in London. Chris Davis, Partner & Managing Director and Michael Tyroller, Partner, at AlixPartners delivered the last session on the CFOs of the future, stressing the importance of culture, leadership and people at times of great disruption and uncertainty.
“The CFOs of the Future need to be business savvy, provide strategic insight and have tech experience, fostering cross-functional alignment.” Chris Davis, Partner & Managing Director.
After reflective presentations by each Peer Accountability Group, the room was treated to an incredibly insightful talk by Hayleigh Lupino, CFO, at Marston’s. Hayleigh provided her own personal experiences and offered sage advice: “As you move forward, stay curious and open-minded. The world is constantly evolving, shaped by technological advancements, regulatory changes, and global events. Embrace lifelong learning and be willing to adapt. Your ability to stay informed and agile will set you apart and help you achieve your goal and the role as a CFO.”
Hayleigh highlighted the importance of networking including connections made as part of the programme’s Peer Accountability Groups, and emphasised how potential CFOs should consider the areas of finance which resonate the most with them, and particularly how their strengths can help build on other essential CFO traits such as adaptability, strategic thinking and robust leadership skills.
Acknowledging that a programme such as this would have helped her journey towards her own role as CFO, she also voiced the need to be brave in moments of doubt: “A willingness to try is half the challenge.”
WiHTL & DiR Founder and Chair, Tea Colaianni, congratulated delegates on completing the programme and achieving a milestone which will undoubtedly fast forward their career progression. She shared the wise words of one of the world’s most renowned motivational speakers, Les Brown, who said: “Life has no limitations except the ones you make. Don’t let someone else’s opinion of you become reality. You are never too old to set another goal or dream a new dream. Shoot for the moon, and if you miss, you will still be among the stars.”
We have already had phenomenal feedback from delegates from this inaugural cohort. Two graduates explained how the programme has been invaluable to their careers:
“It has been one of the most worthwhile programmes I have ever attended, and I have thoroughly enjoyed and benefited from each session. The input from the different CFOs has been really enlightening and very valuable to hear what the lived experience is like.”
“I have come away energised and inspired after every session and with a renewed desire to become CFO.”
Learn more about the 2025 cohort here or contact us here. If you are interested in joining our Annual CFO Forum on 29th January 2025, please email info@wihtlanddir.com.
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