YO! welcomes new chief financial officer

YO!, the Japanese and Asian food group, has announced Xenia Walters as its new chief financial officer (CFO) and an executive director of the board, effective 8 March.

Walters (pictured) brings with her more than 20 years’ extensive experience working in a variety of senior roles with international groups – most recently she held the role of group CFO of SDL PLC, the listed professional services provider, where she helped drive the successful transformation and merger with RWS Holdings, creating the world’s leading language service and technology group with a market capitalisation of c£2.4bn.

Prior to SDL, Walters held CFO roles in a number of private equity backed businesses including Frank Recruitment Group, Oxford International Education Group and INTO University Partnerships. Earlier in her career, she held senior roles at Regus PLC, including UK CFO and group financial controller. 

“I’m delighted that Xenia has agreed to join the group’s executive team," says Richard Hodgson, chief executive officer of the YO! group. 

"She has an impressive track record of helping businesses navigate growth, as well as managing teams and developing best practice processes in complex multinational organisations. These factors, together with her experience in driving transformational change, will make her an invaluable member of the team as we continue to execute on our diversification strategy.”

“I’m excited to be joining YO! at this moment in the group’s development – as it continues to reinforce its leading positions in the markets it serves, as well as grow through new opportunities," adds Walters. "I look forward to working closely with Richard and the rest of the executive team to collectively ensure the group delivers on its full potential.”

The news follows YO! appointing a new chairman, John Walden, earlier this month.