UNW strengthens executive team with appointment of Chief Finance and Operations Officer

Leading North East independent chartered accountancy and business advisory firm UNW has formally announced the appointment of Fran Rutherford as Chief Finance and Operations Officer. A Chartered Accountant, Fran joined the firm in April 2025 and brings a wealth of strategic and financial leadership experience.

As CFOO, Fran oversees UNW’s central support functions, leading on finance and IT, and plays a key role in shaping the firm’s strategic direction as part of the Executive Team. Her focus is on strengthening operational foundations to ensure they continue to support the needs of a growing business.

This senior appointment follows several consecutive years of strong performance and reflects UNW’s continued investment in its internal infrastructure. With over 200 people, including 19 partners, the Newcastle-based firm has increased headcount by more than 65% in the past five years. During that time, UNW has reinforced its leading position in the North East market for supporting privately-owned entrepreneurial businesses and delivering specialist services to a large number of international groups with operations in the region.

Fran began her career in audit at KPMG in Newcastle before joining The Vardy Group of Companies, where she worked closely with Sir Peter Vardy and held the role of Finance Director at Sonik Sports, one of the group’s portfolio companies. She went on to become Finance Director at North East law firm Hay & Kilner, where she was responsible for finance, IT, HR and compliance during a sustained period of growth.

Reflecting on her appointment, Fran said: “I was drawn to UNW because of its clear ambition, strong local reputation, and commitment to its culture. It’s a firm that not only delivers for clients but genuinely invests in its people. This is an exciting time to be joining UNW, and I’m looking forward to working alongside a talented team to help deliver on its ambitions.”

Andrew Wilson, Managing Partner at UNW, added: “As we look ahead, it’s crucial that we continue investing in the strength of our infrastructure – not just to support growth, but to attract and develop great people and deliver the quality and consistency our clients expect. Fran’s experience and leadership make her a fantastic addition to the team. She brings both strategic insight and a collaborative approach, and we’re delighted to have her on board as the firm continues to evolve.

“There’s been a lot of consolidation in the sector, bringing centralised support functions and increasing layers of policy and process for client facing teams. As an independent firm, we’ve chosen to do things differently. Fran is embedded in the team – working in the business, not just on it – and her appointment reflects the culture we’re committed to protecting.”