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Sage reveals its first generation of Finance Futurist leaders

Inaugural accolade honours leading international finance professionals who are the driving force of transformation and innovation in their organisations.

    Sage (LON: SGE), the market leader in cloud business management solutions, has revealed its first-ever list of the most visionary finance professionals across the globe. The candidates –from the UK, US, Canada, France, and Australia – have been carefully chosen in a rigorous selection process validated by Sage leaders. Receivers of the Finance Futurist accolade have been recognised for their contribution to their business and industry, demonstrated by a commitment to technological evolution and outstanding leadership qualities.

    The Finance Futurists, presented by Sage, are a diverse group of finance leaders from a variety of sectors and backgrounds. They have been recognised for driving innovation and showing leadership across businesses of all sizes. Common among this year’s winners is a drive to bring the finance function to the core of business success, and a unique combination of analytical and soft skills. The Finance Futurists also displayed the ability to thrive in uncertain times, and an openness to looking for tech solutions in new places.  

    The Inaugural list of Finance Futurists is as follows:

    • Tom Coward, Cytora (UK)
    • Lewis Dangerfield, Osprey Group (UK)
    • Michel Balsan, Société d'Exploitation de la Tour Eiffel (France)
    • Jeffery Giavotella, Ballard Brands (US)
    • Nunzio Giunta, Giuntabell Pty Ltd (Australia)
    • Magdalena Kosior-Molloy, Holman Webb Lawyers (Australia)
    • Hemant Kumar, SOL-MILLENNIUM Medical Group (US)
    • Tiffini Masessa, Forward Merch (US)
    • Francois Rey, Diam Bouchage (France)
    • Aqsa Zubair, Bermuda Monetary Authority (Canada)

    You can read more about each UK candidate here.

    Marc Linden, EVP Medium Segment, Sage, said: “Finance is at the cutting edge of business today – providing the insight and intelligence that drives organisations forward, measuring success through the lens of profit and loss. As Covid-19 makes its mark on organisations across the globe, casting economic uncertainty through businesses of all sizes – the ability to forecast revenue and plan spend has never been more important. The success of today’s businesses now rides on CFOs and finance leaders who can advocate and exploit the latest technologies to their full potential. Finance Futurists recognises the leading change-makers in this field – in a world where peer to peer support, sharing and learning are key.”

    UK Finance Futurists

    Speaking following his win, Tom Coward, CFO at Cytora, said:As a finance leader, you have so much input into the culture of an organisation by controlling the data that alters and finalises decisions - all of which has an impact on culture. Every finance leader needs to recognise, and take advantage, of that.”

    Lewis Dangerfield, CFO at Osprey Group, commented: "In my role, I get the ability to touch all areas of the business. My remit isn’t just finance, it’s also HR, IT, and beyond. What that means is I have access to the bigger picture. For me, that’s what the role of CFO is – to be able to help respond to crises as they develop.”

    Finance Futurists follows Sage’s recent ‘CFO 3.0: Digital transformation beyond financial management’ report, which examined the evolving roles of CFOs across the world. It found that leading finance professionals are taking on a broader strategic role and personally driving digital transformation across their organisations.

    For more information on Finance Futurists and the digital transformation of the CFO role, visit here.

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    Notes to Editor

    About Sage

    Sage is the global market leader for technology that provides small and medium businesses with the visibility, flexibility and efficiency to manage finances, operations and people. With our partners, Sage is trusted by millions of customers worldwide to deliver the best cloud technology and support. Our years of experience mean that our colleagues and partners understand how to serve our customers and communities through the good, and more challenging times. We are here to help, with practical advice, solutions, expertise and insight.

    About Finance Futurists

    In its inaugural year, the Finance Futurists, presented by Sage, highlights visionary finance leaders who are a driving force for financial leadership and transformation. Sage independently assessed hundreds of finance professionals across the globe against set criteria including innovation, leadership, and technology-driven transformation to find the honourees and showcase their pioneering work.

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