Simon is a finance professional, with 35 years’ experience, with a degree in accounting and economic, a MBA and became a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales in 2000.
Simon trained as a chartered accountant in London and then moved into management consultancy for a few years, before moving to take up a role as chief accountant with a financial service firm in Leeds.
Simon spent 30 years with the same company, including 13 years as finance director and 12 years as chief executive. The company has about 1,000 staff in ten countries and a sizeable investment portfolio. As finance director, Simon was responsible for budgeting, annual financial reporting, management accounts, financial control, cash flow, liaising with auditors and running the investment portfolio. As finance director and chief executive, Simon was a member of the Board of Directors and attended the Audit and Risk Committee and Asset and Liability Committee. As chief executive, Simon was responsible for strategy development in conjunction with the Board and for its implementation.
Simon was a governor and chair of the finance committee of an independent school for 14 years, retiring in 2025 and since 2022, been a member of his local Parochial Church Council, again with responsibility for financial matters.