UNW appoints new chief finance and operations officer

North East independent chartered accountancy and business advisory firm
UNW has announced the appointment of Fran Rutherford as its new chief finance
and operations officer.

A chartered accountant, Rutherford joined the firm in April 2025 and brings a wealth of strategic and financial leadership experience.

She began her career in audit at KPMG in Newcastle before joining The Vardy Group of
Companies, where she worked closely with Sir Peter Vardy and held the role of finance
director at Sonik Sports, one of the group’s portfolio companies.

She then went on to become finance director at North East law firm Hay and Kilner, where she was responsible for finance, IT, HR and compliance during a sustained period of growth.

As CFOO, Rutherford will oversee UNW’s central support functions, leading on finance and IT, and will play a key role in shaping the firm’s strategic direction as part of the executive team.

Rutherford said: “I was drawn to UNW because of its clear ambition, strong local reputation, and commitment to its culture. It’s a firm that not only delivers for clients but genuinely invests in its people.

This is an exciting time to be joining UNW, and I’m looking forward to working alongside a talented team to help deliver on its ambitions.”

Andrew Wilson, managing partner at UNW, added: “As we look ahead, it’s crucial that we
continue investing in the strength of our infrastructure, not just to support growth, but to
attract and develop great people and deliver the quality and consistency our clients expect.

“Fran’s experience and leadership make her a fantastic addition to the team. She brings both
strategic insight and a collaborative approach, and we’re delighted to have her on board as the firm continues to evolve.”