YO!, the global multi-channel, multi brand Japanese and Asian food group, has just announced that Xenia Walters has been appointed as chief financial officer (CFO) and an executive director of the board, effective 8 March.
Walters brings with her over 20 years’ extensive experience working in a variety of senior roles with international groups gaining broad financial, business and international experience.
Most recently she held the role of group CFO of SDL PLC, the listed professional services provider, where she helped drive the successful transformation and merger with RWS Holdings, creating the world’s leading language service and technology group with a market capitalisation of c£2.4 billion.
Prior to SDL, Walters held CFO roles in a number of private equity backed businesses including Frank Recruitment Group, Oxford International Education Group and INTO University Partnerships.
Earlier in her career, Walters held senior roles at Regus PLC, including UK CFO and group financial controller. As a chartered accountant, started her career with PwC and holds an MBA from Henley Management School.
Richard Hodgson, CEO of the YO! group, said, “I’m delighted that Xenia has agreed to join the group’s executive team. She has an impressive track record of helping businesses navigate growth, as well as managing teams and developing best practice processes in complex multinational organisations.
'These factors, together with her experience in driving transformational change, will make her an invaluable member of the team as we continue to execute on our diversification strategy.”
Walters said, “I’m excited to be joining YO! at this moment in the group’s development – as it continues to reinforce its leading positions in the markets it serves, as well as grow through new opportunities. I look forward to working closely with Richard and the rest of the executive team to collectively ensure the group delivers on its full potential.”