Sowena appoints non-executive chairman

Manchester-based finance and accounting recruitment firm Sowena Group has strengthened its leadership team with the appointment of John Hughes as non-executive chairman, supporting the next phase of growth for the business.

John joins Sowena with more than 40 years’ experience advising public and private companies. 

A former senior partner and head of private equity in the North at KPMG, he has led multi-billion-pound transactions across mergers and acquisitions, financing and business transformation, and currently chairs Cortus Advisory Group alongside a number of other advisory roles.

John said: “Throughout my career, the constant has always been people.

“However strong the strategy or compelling the opportunity, businesses only succeed when they have the right people in the right roles, at the right time.

“I’ve known Perran for many years and have always been impressed by the way he approaches both clients and candidates – with integrity, commercial insight and a genuine understanding of what growing businesses really need.

“Sowena has built a business that reflects those values, and I’m looking forward to supporting the team as they help clients build finance functions that can scale, adapt

and create long-term value.”

Alongside the board appointment, Sowena has made two senior hires, with Alex Mackenzie joining as a director and Marcus Polledri appointed as business manager. 

Alex brings more than 12 years’ recruitment experience across senior finance roles, while Marcus joins from Simpson Judge with a background in private equity-backed businesses.

Founded in 2024, Sowena is based in Manchester city centre and specialises in finance recruitment for high-growth and private equity-backed companies.

Sowena’s founder and chief executive Perran Cooke added: “This is a really exciting moment for Sowena as we continue to build a business with scale, credibility and long-term ambition.

“Bringing John on board as non-executive director is a significant step for us. 

“His experience from KPMG and Cortus Advisory, combined with his strategic insight, will be invaluable as he works alongside me to strengthen our market position and support the next phase of our growth.

“At the same time, the addition of Alex and Marcus further enhances our delivery capability across newly qualified, senior and executive finance appointments, ensuring we continue to provide a genuinely consultative and high-quality service to our clients.

“Alex is an exceptional operator with deep market knowledge and a strong network across regional businesses and top emerging talent. 

“We’re incredibly lucky to have him as part of our growing team.

“Marcus is also a fantastic addition to our ranks. 

“He is driven, brings a superb consultative approach to the market and is already making an impact.

“The finance recruitment market is showing strong signs of renewed momentum, particularly within private equity-backed businesses where demand for high-calibre finance talent is accelerating. 

“That is where Sowena is at its strongest.

“Our recent investment from River Capital means we are focusing on our people, our processes and our brand. 

“We are planning further hires over the coming year as we cement our foundations and continue to build a business that is recognised for elite finance recruitment across the North West and beyond.”

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