Best Startup
At Best Startup UK we track over 130,000 UK startups and over 500,000 people who hold key positions in these companies. We use this directory of startups to highlight top employees, founders and board members we think deserve more appreciation than they are currently getting.
This list showcases the top United Kingdom based CFO’ operating in the Leisure space. If you think a CFO’ is missing from this list, feel free to contact our editor on editor@beststartup.co.uk.
The individuals on this list have been included because of exceptional performance in one of the following categories:
- Innovation – Operating as a key part in an extremely innovative business or startup.
- Growth – Operating as a key figure in the growth and upscale of a market leading business or startup.
- Management – Showing exceptional management skills.
- Societal impact – Putting their business on the map for their positive societal or environmental impact.
Our Data – We source our data from OSINT (open source intelligence) and public directories such as Companies House UK, Crunchbase, SemRush and many more. The data from these sources should be treated with a degree of caution and verified yourself.
David Bernstein
Chief Financial Officer Carnival Corporation & plc of Carnival Cruise Line
In July 2007, David Bernstein was promoted to chief financial officer for Carnival Corporation & plc. In this capacity, Bernstein oversees all finance, accounting, treasury, insurance, tax and investor relations functions. Bernstein joined the Corporate organization as vice president and treasurer in July 2003 after serving as chief financial officer of the company’s Cunard Line and Seabourn Cruise Line operating unit for five years. Prior to joining Carnival Corporation & plc, he spent seven years at Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. where he held various financial posts, including assistant treasurer, assistant controller and director of corporate planning. Bernstein received his MBA from Harvard Business School in 1983.
Follow David Bernstein:
About Carnival Cruise Line: Carnival Cruise Line offers an online platform that enables travelers to plan and book cruise tours from a range of packages.
Stefan Hobl
CFO & Co-Founder of Butter.co.uk
Stefan Hobl joined Butter.co.uk as CFO & Co-Founder in 2017.
Follow Stefan Hobl:
About Butter.co.uk: Butter lets you spread the cost of shopping from any online store with a simple monthly instalment plan. Download the app now!
Andrew Carr
Chief Financial Officer of Merlin Entertainments
Andrew is a qualified chartered accountant and was appointed Chief Financial Officer of Merlin Entertainments in 1999. He was appointed a Director of the Company on 20 October 2013. Prior to that, Andrew was Financial Director of Vardon Attractions and played a key role in the management buyout of Vardon Attractions to form Merlin Entertainments in 1999 and in the subsequent business, including two follow-on buyouts and the acquisitions of LEGOLAND, Gardaland and The Tussauds Group. Before joining Vardon Attractions, Andrew trained, and was subsequently head of a regional Corporate Finance Department, at KPMG.
Follow Andrew Carr:
About Merlin Entertainments: Merlin Entertainments is the largest European entertainments company operating in Europe.
Laraine Beament
Chief Financial Officer of Rhubarb
After qualifying as a chartered accountant, Laraine Beament embarked on her financial career in the music industry, starting as a management accountant working for a record label, thereafter moving into media and film. In 2003 Laraine was approached to join rhubarb and in her first six years, Laraine strategically facilitated rhubarb’s financial development and was instrumental in the company’s impressive revenue growth. In 2009 Laraine was appointed to the board. As Chief Financial Officer Laraine is responsible for establishing major corporate financial strategies, objectives and policies for the Group.
Follow Laraine Beament:
About Rhubarb: Rhubarb is a food company that creates and delivers culinary services.
Matthew Holland
Chief Financial Officer of WeSwap
Over the last 10 years I have been working in the Retail industry across both Fashion and Luxury however the chance of joining a fast paced, high growth, tech company with a product I really believe in was one I couldn’t turn down. I’ve always been frustrated at the exorbitant fees charged when using my cards abroad or changing money, and I’ve also seen first-hand as a user how easy the WeSwap experience is and how beneficial this is to the customer. I really believe in the way the business is looking to disrupt the market and make currency exchange cheaper for the consumer so travellers can ‘stress less and travel happy.
Follow Matthew Holland:
About WeSwap: WeSwap is a mobile application that allows users to swap different types of currency with others.
Matthew Holland
Chief Financial Officer of WeSwap
Over the last 10 years I have been working in the Retail industry across both Fashion and Luxury however the chance of joining a fast paced, high growth, tech company with a product I really believe in was one I couldn’t turn down. I’ve always been frustrated at the exorbitant fees charged when using my cards abroad or changing money, and I’ve also seen first-hand as a user how easy the WeSwap experience is and how beneficial this is to the customer. I really believe in the way the business is looking to disrupt the market and make currency exchange cheaper for the consumer so travellers can ‘stress less and travel happy.
Follow Matthew Holland:
About WeSwap: WeSwap is a mobile application that allows users to swap different types of currency with others.
Andy Hohne
Chief Financial Office of Tristar Worldwide Chauffer Services
Andy is very well qualified to work in our transportation business – he’s done so much of it! Before joining Tristar in 2001, he was Commercial Manager for BMI for four years, and was Franchise Manager at Hertz UK prior to that. He is a qualified accountant with extensive experience within the airline industry, including over 13 years collective experience in the service industry. Andy understands that ours also is a service industry – our commitment to our customers is what makes us, globally, the ground transportation company of choice.
Follow Andy Hohne:
About Tristar Worldwide Chauffer Services: Tristar Worldwide Chauffer Services is a worldwide chauffeur company operating in over 80 countries.
Steve Dando
CFO of Punch Taverns
Steve Dando was appointed to the role of Chief Financial Officer in August 2015. He joined Punch in 2003 as Chief Accountant and was promoted to Group Financial Controller in 2009 and Finance Director in July 2011. During his time with Punch, Steve has played a major role in the development of the group. He has a wealth of experience, previously holding a number of senior finance roles with Courtaulds plc. Steve is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of England & Wales and started his career at Price Waterhouse Coopers. Steve is also a Non-Executive Director of Bromford Housing Group.
Follow Steve Dando:
About Punch Taverns: Punch Taverns is one of the UK’s largest leased pub companies, with a portfolio of more than 3,300 pubs nationwide.
Tony Dowrick
Chief Financial Officer of Unique Home Stays
Tony Dowrick is the Chief Financial Officer at Unique Home Stays.
Follow Tony Dowrick:
About Unique Home Stays: Unique Home Stays is a leisure company that develops and innovates a unique portfolio of luxury private homestays.
