Jonathan Howell to head up finance at the Sage Group

Sage announced the appointment of Jonathan Howell to the role of chief financial officer on Tuesday, with effect from 10 December.

The FTSE 100 company said Howell would bring “significant experience” as a public company CFO, having most recently been group finance director of Close Brothers Group for 10 years, and prior to that, CFO of the London Stock Exchange Group.

In addition, he had been a non-executive director and chairman of the audit and risk committee at The Sage Group since 2013.

“I am delighted that Jonathan has agreed to become CFO,” said Sage CEO Steve Hare.

“He brings both considerable experience as a public company CFO as well as a strong understanding of the business.

“This, combined with our shared belief in the vision to become a great software-as-a-service business for customers and colleagues alike makes him a great addition to the executive team.”

Howell had stepped down as chairman of the audit and risk committee, and would cease to be a non-executive director on starting his executive role.

The board said it had initiated a process to appoint a new independent non-executive director and chairman of the audit and risk committee.

Until such appointment is made, Neil Berkett would assume that role.

Berkett had served as an independent non-executive director of Sage since 2013, and was an existing member of the audit and risk committee.

“I am excited to be joining Sage as CFO at this time in the group's continued transition to a software-as-a-service business,” said Jonathan Howell.

“I look forward to supporting the team as we sharpen the focus on customers, colleagues and innovation.”