Unity Advisory launches amid $300m Warburg Pincus backing

Unity Advisory, a new CFO advisory firm based in London, has launched with up to $300m (£218.8m) in funding from private equity firm Warburg Pincus.

The firm was founded by Marissa Thomas and Steve Varley, two senior leaders from the UK professional services sector, with additional investment from the founders. 

It will initially offer Office of the CFO services to private equity-backed and upper mid-market businesses, covering business finance, tax, compliance, deal readiness, digital operations and transformation.

A significant focus will also be placed on artificial intelligence and automation, which will be embedded into the firm’s service model from the outset.

The new firm is chaired by Varley, who chaired EY for nine years until 2020, while Thomas has taken on the role of chief executive.

Thomas worked for 31 years with PwC and was one of the most senior female executives at the firm until last year. Additionally, David Tapnack has been appointed managing partner. 

Unity Advisory launches with an initial team of partners and professionals recruited from the Big Four and other top firms, with further hires and selective acquisitions planned.

The group plans to expand into additional markets over time.

Thomas said: “We believe there is a more effective way to serve CFOs, and our extensive market research supports this belief. Clients desire senior-level attention, strong technical and industry expertise and a firm that matches their pace.”

Varley added: “Our goal is to create a next generation firm that is entrepreneurial in spirit and rigorous in execution. The business has launched with great momentum; we already have significant client interest which will fuel growth.”

Rianne Schipper-Kogel, principal at Warburg Pincus, concluded: “Based on our sector experience, we believe the company will offer a highly distinctive proposition to CFOs and be uniquely positioned to capitalise on what we believe is a substantial market opportunity.”