Professional Summary

Professional Overview

Craig Holson is an experienced finance executive with a proven track record of driving strategic and operational excellence. As the Director of Finance at Monsoon Accessorize, he is responsible for overseeing the company's financial strategy, reporting, and governance. With a deep industry expertise in retail and a strong background in financial control and risk management, Craig is adept at navigating complex financial landscapes and delivering tangible business impact.

Experience Summary

Current Role

As the Director of Finance at Monsoon Accessorize, Craig is responsible for leading the company's finance function, including financial planning, reporting, and analysis. He plays a pivotal role in shaping the organization's financial strategy, ensuring effective financial controls and risk management practices are in place. Under his guidance, the finance team has implemented streamlined processes and enhanced data-driven decision-making, contributing to the company's overall operational efficiency and profitability.

Career Progression

Prior to his current role, Craig held senior finance positions in various retail organizations. As the Director of Financial Control & Reporting at Co-op, he spearheaded the implementation of a robust financial control framework, which led to a significant reduction in audit findings and improved financial reporting accuracy. Before that, he served as the Finance Director (UK / ROI) at Carpetright, where he played a pivotal role in driving strategic initiatives and optimizing the company's financial performance.

Craig's earlier career includes a long-standing tenure at Howdens, where he held leadership roles in finance and governance. As the Director of Finance and Governance (Europe), he was instrumental in enhancing the company's financial control and risk management practices across multiple international markets. He also served as the Head of Group Internal Audit and Risk, where he strengthened the organization's risk management capabilities and contributed to the overall financial resilience of the business.

Academic Background

Craig holds a Bachelor's degree in Accounting and Finance from the University of Exeter. He is a qualified Chartered Accountant, having earned his professional certification from the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW).

Areas of Expertise

• Financial planning, reporting, and analysis

• Financial control and risk management

• Retail and consumer goods industry expertise

• Strategic financial decision-making

• Operational efficiency and optimization

• Compliance and governance

• Leadership and team management

Professional Impact

Throughout his career, Craig has demonstrated a strong ability to drive positive change and contribute to the financial success of the organizations he has served. His leadership in implementing robust financial controls, enhancing reporting capabilities, and optimizing operational processes has consistently led to tangible improvements in financial performance and risk mitigation.

Conclusion

With his extensive experience in the retail and consumer goods sectors, Craig Holson is a seasoned finance executive who is well-equipped to navigate the evolving financial landscape. In his current role at Monsoon Accessorize, he continues to leverage his strategic expertise and operational acumen to propel the company forward, positioning it for sustained growth and profitability.