Finance & Corporate
John O'Connor
Director
Finance, Leadership & Corporate Functions
Experienced Strategic Delivery Focused
John specialises in executive search and leadership hiring across Finance, Leadership and Corporate functions, partnering with privately owned, PE-backed and ambitious organisations during periods of investment, transformation and leadership change.
For almost 25 years he has partnered with organisations ranging from entrepreneurial SMEs to established national brands, supporting the appointment of commercially focused leaders and future leaders across Finance, HR, Legal and wider head office functions.
Whilst finance leadership remains a core specialism, his work increasingly focuses on helping organisations build high-performing leadership teams across HR, Legal and wider corporate functions.
John and the Synchronicity team support clients on retained and contingent search assignments spanning:
• CFO & Finance Director appointments
• Financial Control, Reporting, FP&A, Commercial Finance and M&A
• HR Leadership
• Legal & Governance
• Head Office & Support Functions
His approach is built around long-term relationships, honest market insight and a genuine understanding of the business and commercial realities behind every leadership appointment. Speed is often important, but when hiring leadership talent, clarity, detail and sound judgement are critical. Nearly 25 years of advising organisations and candidates has given him valuable perspective from both sides of the hiring process.
Insights & Perspectives
Clients increasingly value market insight alongside successful search delivery. Whether discussing the evolving role of the Financial Controller, leadership in AI-enabled finance functions or succession planning for growth businesses, John regularly shares observations and market commentary drawn from almost 25 years of partnering with business leaders and organisations across the UK.
Explore John's latest articles and market commentary on finance leadership, governance, executive hiring and organisational change.
Recent Assignments
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Group Finance Director – AIM-listed, international business with expanding overseas operations
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Finance Director – International beauty & retail brand expanding through franchise partnerships
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HR Director – Privately owned products & services group
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M&A Integration Manager – PE-backed buy-and-build organisation