Founder Jo Haigh has transitioned from fds’ Chief Executive Officer, to Chairman, and former Managing Director Poonam Kaur is to become fds’ new CEO.

Poonam Kaur, who has been with fds since 2011, has officially taken the baton and leads the employee-owned corporate finance firm into its next chapter. Poonam comments: “I am delighted to help take the business forward. At fds, we are a team, and through the support of all of our staff, we will endeavour to continue the success of the business that Jo has built to date, whilst she starts to embrace her new role.”

Jo Haigh, who founded the business in 1989 which has successfully conducted over 400 business transactions and has worked with countless businesses and directors, looks back at the phenomenal journey to date: “When I started fds over 30 years ago, I could never have imagined the success we would achieve. The business has received numerous industry awards and acknowledgements over the years, in addition to working with some of the country’s leading and most-renowned organisations.

The services fds offers have grown to fully support owner-managed businesses right throughout their journey, and I am very proud of what the business, alongside the help of the team and Poonam, has achieved.

Now, as part of our successful succession planning following the sale of the business to an EOT in 2020, I am delighted to announce I will be moving to Chairman and passing the CEO mantle to the superbly able Poonam Kaur. Without Poonam, fds wouldn’t be the company it is today, and I cannot wait to continue to support and guide the team throughout the next chapter.”

As part of the new succession, fds will focus on continuing to provide the high-level service offering and focus its efforts on the future strategy to continue and build upon the success and growth achieved to date. In addition, the team has recently expanded, recruiting a further two project support staff.