The Subsequent Strikes: Interview with Craig Hudson, CPA, CA, CFA, the CFO of Tulip


In a current dialog with Craig Hudson, CPA, CA, CFA, a seasoned CFO with expertise in numerous sized organizations throughout numerous sorts of industries, we delved into the intricacies of his profession and the teachings he’s discovered alongside the best way. As a recruitment agency specializing in finance, accounting, and knowledge analytics placements, we all know that Craig’s journey provides helpful insights for C-level executives aiming to develop their companies and for anybody who’s seeking to make the appropriate subsequent transfer of their profession.

Craig’s profession trajectory highlights the significance of bridging gaps and constantly constructing abilities. His transition from KPMG, the place he moved from audit to advisory, set the stage for his later roles. At Indigo, he began because the Supervisor of Pricing and Optimization for the digital staff, regardless of not totally understanding the function initially. This transfer was pushed by his sturdy analytical abilities honed throughout his time in M&A, the place he mastered not solely operating analyses but in addition storytelling—a vital talent in finance.

At Indigo, Craig’s function developed considerably. Because the Director of FP&A, he targeted on deep analyses that went past primary variance reporting, creating methods that immediately impacted the corporate’s efficiency. Craig’s obligations expanded to incorporate operations, masking every little thing from customer support to produce chain administration. This broad mandate taught him helpful classes in management. He realized that efficient management isn’t about having detailed data of each function however about understanding efficiency, eradicating obstacles, and aligning staff efforts with the corporate’s objectives.

Craig’s transfer to Knix in early 2020 coincided with the onset of the worldwide pandemic. Regardless of preliminary gross sales drops, the corporate skilled unprecedented development as a result of elevated buyer acquisition and retention. Craig’s skill to rapidly adapt and construct situation fashions was essential throughout this era. His proactive strategy to managing the monetary points of the disaster, mixed with clear communication from the CEO, helped stabilize the corporate which was acquired shortly thereafter by worldwide well being and hygiene model Essity.

Following the $320M USD acquisition of Knixwear, Craig turned the Chief Monetary Officer of LumiQ, an schooling platform that helps CPAs with verifiable skilled schooling by entertaining podcasts. He helped scale up the corporate by establishing an annual technique, collaborative budgeting, weekly KPI reporting, enhanced Board and investor reporting, and automating processes. Now, Craig is taking over interim and fractional alternatives and because the CFO at Tulip, an omnichannel retail options firm, he has bold plans to assist the corporate attain new heights.

Hearken to the total interview to listen to extra about Craig Hudson’s unbelievable profession journey and what he’s discovered alongside the best way, just like the significance of aligning with the CEO’s imaginative and prescient whereas additionally defining the CFO’s function. He additionally underscored the importance of a robust recruitment relationship, recounting a situation at Knix the place Readability stepped in to assist discover a uncommon “left-handed unicorn” candidate to fill a important function. He additionally delves into the significance of planning for folks inside organizations and the way, oftentimes, folks managers are introduced in too late within the sport.

Craig Hudson’s journey provides a blueprint for aspiring CFOs and different C-level executives. By bridging gaps, constructing abilities, and fostering sturdy networks, leaders can navigate their careers efficiently and drive their organizations ahead.

Readability has labored with Craig Hudson and quite a few C-level executives all through their hiring and profession journeys. Should you’re looking for the high-performing expertise it’s essential construct your finance, accounting and knowledge analytics groups, we’re prepared to assist!

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