Headland, the reputation and communications consultancy, today announces the appointment of Jim Houghton as Chief Financial Officer. Jim will lead Headland’s financial strategy as the business continues to scale its client offer and international capabilities.
Jim brings more than 25 years of experience in strategic finance, M&A and business growth, with a track record of shaping financial and commercial operations in high-growth professional services, creative, and advertising sectors.
Jim joins from Waypoint, where he was a Partner with overall responsibility for the firm’s M&A activity, advising founders, management teams and investors. His career includes senior leadership roles at BDO, Results International Group and 160over90 LLC in the US. He previously ran Omnicom’s European M&A activity and has been involved in over 100 transactions during his career to date.
In his new role, Jim will work closely with Headland’s Board and leadership team to support its strategic growth ambitions, as Headland continues to invest in its client offer, people and capabilities.
Jim has advised Headland for a number of years during a period of significant growth and strong performance. Most recently, Jim advised Headland on the acquisition of Bladonmore in 2025, the 50-strong international digital, brand and content business with clients across Europe, the US and the Middle East. In 2024, Jim also advised Headland on its reinvestment from LDC, the leading private equity investor which is part of Lloyds Banking Group, who first partnered with Headland in 2021.
Dan Mines, CEO of Headland, said: “Jim is one of the most respected and influential financial figures in our industry. He has been our trusted adviser for many years, and we are excited and honoured to formally welcome him as CFO. His financial leadership and deep strategic understanding of our industry will be invaluable as we accelerate our growth. Jim’s appointment is a major milestone for Headland and strengthens our ambition as we build a broader, international reputation and communications advisory business.”
Jim Houghton said: “Having worked alongside Dan and the team through several defining moments in Headland’s evolution, I have seen first-hand the quality of its people and the strength of its client offer. The firm has built a truly distinctive market position with significant opportunity to scale. I look forward to building on that success and joining the team at such an important stage in the firm’s development.”
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