Finance Leadership in the East Midlands & Lincolnshire: Growth, Change, and Rising Demand for CFOs
Charlotte and Euan lead our finance recruitment division in the East Midlands and Lincolnshire. Building on the launch of our CFO Report, which explores executive finance leadership across Yorkshire and the East Midlands, they now take a closer look at the key finance leadership trends shaping the region.
Finance Leadership in the East Midlands & Lincolnshire: Growth, Change, and Rising Demand for CFOs
Charlotte and Euan lead our finance recruitment division in the East Midlands and Lincolnshire. Building on the launch of our CFO Report, which explores executive finance leadership across Yorkshire and the East Midlands, they now take a closer look at the key finance leadership trends shaping the region.
Finance Leadership Trends in the East Midlands and Lincolnshire
The latest CFO Network Annual Report 2025/26 reveals a dynamic picture of financial leadership across the East Midlands, including Lincolnshire. With nearly 3,000 CFOs and Finance Directors in the region, the market remains both competitive and fast-evolving.
One of the standout findings is a 12.4% increase in financial leadership appointments over the past year, signalling renewed confidence after a period of slowdown. However, churn remains high, with more than half of finance leaders moving on within five years, creating constant opportunities for new appointments.
Diversity is improving, though progress remains gradual. Women now hold 22.8% of permanent CFO/FD roles and almost 30% of interim positions, highlighting both advancement and the scope for further change.
Flexible models are also on the rise: around one in five appointments are now Fractional CFOs, as scaling SMEs and investors seek high-level financial expertise without the cost of a full-time appointment.
In terms of activity, manufacturing, healthcare, and technology are among the most dynamic sectors for CFO appointments and M&A deals. Between January 2024 and mid-2025, the East Midlands recorded 348 deals, underlining its role as one of the UK’s most active regional M&A markets.
Salaries in the East Midlands remain 10–20% lower than in the South but are rising steadily in line with the expanding responsibilities of CFOs. Long-term incentives, equity, and exit bonuses are increasingly important components of reward packages, especially in private equity-backed businesses.
Overall, the report paints a picture of a region where finance leaders are not just number-crunchers but central to strategy, growth, and transformation. As East Midlands businesses continue to expand and attract investment, the demand for experienced, adaptable financial leadership looks set to grow even further.
To request a copy of the CFO Network Annual Report 2025/26 or for more details on the financial leadership trends in the East Midlands and Lincolnshire please contact Charlotte Morgan-Smith or Euan Begbie.
