Financial Controller
The Role:
SLX
The Client:
SLX provide production and technical solutions that bring people, ideas and technology together. Working across the live events, broadcast, sports, outdoor lighting and theatre sectors, they support clients with an end-to-end service from the early days of concept development to the product, whether that’s a one-of-a-kind event or a full-scale theatrical production.
The B Corp organisation has a global reputation for exceptional event production and producing show-stopping moments. From local festivals to international sporting events and high-profile corporate launches, they bring cutting-edge technology, expert knowledge, and outstanding service to every project.
State-of-the-art facilities enable SLX to operate at the highest level; however, it’s their people who bring productions to life. SLX fosters a supportive and collaborative culture, ensuring the team feels valued and empowered to do their best work. We helped find a Financial Controller who could enable the delivery of more magnificent productions.
We have a long-standing relationship with SLX's CEO, Alastair Currie, having assisted him with multiple leadership appointments in his previous roles. Based on the success of those campaigns, he engaged us to lead the search for SLX's new Financial Controller. This marked our first collaboration with SLX, and we were excited by the opportunity to learn about their operations and find a candidate who would be a perfect cultural fit.
Gemma Wilks, Head of our MET Practice, oversaw the search campaign. She held in-depth discussions with SLX’s leadership group, gaining a comprehensive understanding of their organisation and pinpointing their exact requirements for a Financial Controller.
Finding the right individual was a delicate balancing act. The ideal candidate needed a blend of sharp financial expertise and the strategic confidence to support a dynamic, fast-paced leadership team. Equally important was a strong cultural fit. As a B Corp with a creative core, SLX needed someone who would genuinely connect with their purpose and values. The successful candidate also had to be committed to an on-site presence in Bristol and be able to navigate a smooth transition into a role previously held by a highly respected, long-standing employee.
Ultimately, this brief called for more than just technical skill. We were seeking a candidate with emotional intelligence and the ability to lead with empathy, navigate change effectively, and establish trust from the outset. Our search campaign, which combined advertising, headhunting, and multi-stage interviewing, identified Rebecca Hibbitt as the ideal candidate for the role. We’re delighted that SLX agreed with this assessment and appointed her as the new Financial Controller.
Rebecca brings a rich blend of hands-on financial rigour and strategic foresight to SLX. As a qualified FCCA accountant with experience at BT, Crest Nicholson, and Ascent Flight Training, she has consistently demonstrated leadership in complex, high-pressure environments. While her expertise, covering statutory compliance to system migrations, is impressive, what set her apart from other candidates was her thoughtful approach to team development and cultural contribution. Rebecca’s track record of driving process improvements, fostering wellbeing initiatives, and navigating transitions made her a seamless fit for SLX’s values-led, creative culture. She fulfilled the brief with authenticity and impact, stepping confidently into a pivotal leadership role with empathy and clarity from day one.
Alastair Currie, CEO at SLX, commented:
“For our Financial Controller, we needed someone with robust financial expertise and also a genuine understanding of SLX's creative identity and values. Gemma truly grasped this dual requirement, identifying candidates who resonated with our mission while possessing the precise financial acumen we needed. Her dedication to finding that perfect blend made all the difference in securing the right leader for our team”.
Gemma Wilks commented:
“From day one, SLX were open and collegial, with every team member actively involved in the process. This collaborative spirit was a true testament to their B Corp values, showcasing a genuine commitment to transparency and partnership throughout the search.
The search was particularly rewarding due to the depth of alignment needed, with the financial demands of the role alongside SLX’s creative pulse and values-driven mission. Placing Rebecca wasn’t just about ticking skills off a checklist; it was about identifying someone who could lead through change with warmth, clarity, and conviction. The process underscored the power of values-led recruitment and showed how strategic search, done thoughtfully, can be transformative for both candidate and client.”
Seeking talented mid-to-senior management? Contact our MET Practice to learn how we can help.
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