Welcome to Neil Ford and Chris Theobald

Neil Ford 

Last week we welcomed Neil Ford as our new Operations & Transformation Director, based in our Stratford office. In his role, Neil will be working closely with the executive team to help shape and prioritise strategic initiatives, ensuring we are aligned on the areas that will drive the most impact. 

Below Neil has shared his previous work experience and a little about himself: 

“I live in Norfolk with my wife and our daughter (when she’s home from university). I’m a big sports fan, with rugby, surfing, and golf being my top three. I also enjoy travelling and try to keep up a reasonably healthy lifestyle through running (with varying degrees of success!). I’m passionate about being active and exploring new places, whether that’s a surf spot or a new city. 

I have over 25 years of experience in the financial services sector across the UK and Europe. My career began in the mortgage and consumer finance industry, where I held roles at Lloyds, General Electric, and Kensington. During this time, I developed a strong foundation in operational leadership, strategic initiatives, and risk management. 

Following that, I broadened my expertise with a period in retail banking, which allowed me to deepen my understanding of customer-focused financial services. More recently, I’ve held a leadership role at a boutique pensions and corporate advisory firm, where I’ve been able to apply my experience in a more specialised and strategic context.” 

Chris Theobald 

This week we welcomed Chris Theobald as our new Corporate Finance Director based in Stratford.  

Chris will be working closely with Stuart Sheldrick and Adam Croft. In this role, Chris will support clients preparing for exit by assessing business valuation, evaluating how planned growth impacts value, and applying a due diligence approach to identify and address potential risks early – helping to avoid issues that could deter future acquirers or lead to price reductions. 

Here’s a little more information about Chris’ professional background and his interests: 

“I’m Chris. I live in Watford with my wife, two children (9 and 13) and Timmy the dog. I enjoy music (particularly watching and playing live), walks in the countryside and the odd home/garden DIY project. I’m currently involved as treasurer at NASS, a membership organisation for schools that work with young people who have Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.

I’ve been working in Corporate Finance practice for very nearly 20 years, across a wide range of sectors. I’ve had a particular focus on buy-side advisory work and negotiation support. That includes financial due diligence; business, goodwill and intellectual property valuations; and financial modelling. That all lines up well with my new role at Affinia, and I’m looking forward to working to support clients across the Group.

I’ve had a number of highlights working with clients over long periods. One in particular has accessed my advice through a debt-financed MBO (undertaken in two stages over five years), followed by advice on foreign exchange and interest rate risk management, succession planning, and the introduction of an EMI share option scheme… and now planning towards an exit. It is great to see the development and international expansion of the business and very rewarding to have been a part of that journey.” 

Please join us in welcoming Neil and Chris to Affinia.