Russia CFO Route to the Top 2019 Edition
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Financial Officer Russia CFO Route to the Top 2019 edition A changing role for a maturing economy IntroductIon This report provides a fresh overview of Russia’s current serving genera- tion of chief financial officers. Our ongoing data analysis shows that: » 15% of the largest Russian companies changed CFOs in 2018. » The companies under review maintain a tradition of hiring CFOs inter- nally. That said, we observed a slight increase in external hiring in 2018, to a level last seen in 2016. » Those having served as divisional financial directors form the largest cohort of CFOs. » Average tenure continues to decline, to 5.4 years. » ACCA/CFA and MBA qualifications are more evident among the CFO population. » Women hold 20% of CFO positions among the top 100 companies, maintaining a gradual upwards trajectory in representation. » Average total annual compensation is $1.48m. russia cfo route to the top 2019 AGe The average age of CFOs remains stable at 45.3 years. Fast-paced consumer, TMT and financial services sectors tend to hire younger CFOs, closer in age to executives who occupy product and technol- ogy roles in these companies. However, the majority of Russian listed companies operate in the industrial sector, where the average age of CFOs is 46.5, a reflection of a maturing CFO function. Average age of CFOs . . Three-year analysis . . . Average age of CFOs by . . industry sector ▪ 2015 ▪ 2016 ▪ 2017 ▪ 2018 CON FS IND LS TMT The average age of CFOs at FTSE 100 companies is 52. Fortune 500 CFOs average 49.3 years (up from 44 years in 2005). Two CFOs at Russian companies were hired into the role at the age of 26. The youngest CFO among Fortune 500 companies was hired when he was 29 years old. Four CFOs among FTSE 100 companies were 32 when appointed. page 2 spencer stuart inteRnAL VS eXteRnAL HiRinG When Russian companies appoint a new CFO they tend to draw from internal talent pool (59% in 2018) rather than hiring an external candidate (41%). Internal vs. External % % % % CFO appointments % % % % ▪ Internal ▪ External % % % % % % % % % Internal CFO appointments % %% % % % % % by industry sector % ▪ 2015 ▪ 2016 % %%% % ▪ 2017 ▪ 2018 % % % % CON FS IND LS TMT However, the decrease in internal promotions in 2018 could indicate talent shortages inside some Russian companies, possibly as a result of low renewal rates among senior management tiers in the biggest companies. At the moment, most companies have a good choice of senior professionals for the CFO role — either experienced external candidates or internal candi- date with the potential to become a fully pledged CFO. While companies may be saving costs with an internal promotion, they usually have to increase the compensation for a CFO after the first year in the role. 65% of FTSE 100 CFOs are internal promotions, while Fortune 500 compa- nies have 67% of internally promoted CFOs. The proportion of internal hires at Fortune 500 companies has been gradually growing for the last 11 years, from 61% in 2007 to a peak of 69% in 2016. russia cfo route to the top 2019 page 3 russia cfo route to the top 2019 PReVioUS eXPeRienCe Expectations of a CFO’s previous experience are changing Our review showed no dramatic shift in where demand is directed, although we do note a rise in interest from selection committees in FP&A professionals. That aside, divisional financial directors and former CFOs continue make up the primary talent pool for future CFO roles. Previous functional experience, by role 2015 2016 2017 2018 CFO 29% 26% 21% 23% DFD 22% 26% 31% 30% Controlling 11% 11% 12% 11% Corporate Finance / M&A 10% 9% 7% 7% GM 8% 9% 4% 1% Reporting 7% 4% 10% 9% FP&A 3% 3% 7% 8% IR 3% 3% 2% 3% Treasury 3% 3% 2% 2% Risk 2% 2% 2% 2% Non-finance 2% 2% 1% 2% The number of experienced CFOs has grown slightly in 2018, but the trend for newly promoted CFOs is clear. Among FTSE 100 companies 44% of CFOs have previous CFO experience. It is interesting to observe the oppo- site dynamics in Fortune 500 companies — only 31% of F500 CFOs have previous CFO experience, compared with 24% in 2006. page 4 spencer stuart tenURe Average CFO tenure has fallen slightly, to 5.4 years. We note that many companies with a ‘short CFO cycle’ changed their CFO again in 2018, so the shorter average tenure we are seeing does not indicate a specific trend on the Russian market. % % New CFOs among top 100 % % companies % % Percentage of companies with CFO hired in the past year . Average tenure of CFOs Years in current role . Average tenure of CFOs . . by sector . ▪ 2015 ▪ 2016 ▪ 2017 . CON FS IND LS TMT The average CFO tenure at Fortune 500 companies has been stable, remain- ing within 5–6 years since 2006 (it was 5.6 years in 2018). The tenure of FTSE 100 CFOs in 2018 was 5.3 years. 15% of companies appointed a new CFO, slightly fewer than in 2017. Annual CFO turnover among Fortune 500 companies averages 14%. Among FTSE 100 companies, 17% had new CFO in 2018. russia cfo route to the top 2019 page 5 russia cfo route to the top 2019 edUCAtion Levels of education and professional qualifications among Russian CFOs continue to strengthen: we see more qualified accountants and PhDs in 2018. % % CFO education % % 2015 2016 2017 % ▪ ▪ ▪ % % % % % % % % % % % % % % MBA ACCA Ph.D. CFA A competitive talent market tends to push up education expectations and to increase professionalisation in the function. To drive a CFO agenda, solid financial acumen is essential. From our experience, the decision to select a candidate for a CFO role is driven by more than education. But we note a correlation between a strong professional education and career progress in blue-chip companies. Our survey shows, that only 6% of international CFOs hold a PhD compared with 15% of Russian CFOs. 13% of UK CFOs have an MBA compared with 24% in Russia. In the US, 48% of Fortune 500 CFOs have an MBA degree and 36% have CPA. page 6 spencer stuart diVeRSitY Gender diversity among the Russian CFO pool continues to grow, despite no official target existing. % % % % CFO Diversity ▪ Male ▪ Female % % % % One in five CFOs among the country’s top 100 companies is a woman. The population of women at the less senior tiers of financial departments is wider still, so we expect to see more women represented at CFO level in the future. Just 14% of FTSE 100 CFOs are women and 13% of F500 CFOs (compared with 7% in 2006) — both less than the 20% recorded in Russia. ComPenSAtion Wide variations in levels of CFO compensation are present among the companies in our sample. Although average figures can illuminate general compensation practices, they cannot be used for detailed analysis. Some CFOs at the largest compa- nies receive substantial long-term incentive payments, and as a result their total compensation greatly exceeds the average. We have noted some indicative figures that can help to gauge the current CFO market, however. The average base salary is ₽27.7 million, the average annual bonus is ₽29.9 million, and the average annualized LTI is ₽34.9 million. Total average compensation for a CFO is ₽92.5 million, or $1.48 million. russia cfo route to the top 2019 page 7 russia cfo route to the top A modern CFO for a modern board The role of the CFO continues to grow swiftly in » Boards need to know that a CFO will admit to complexity and scope, making the CFO one of the mistakes (the loss of market positions due to most important — and most scrutinised — execu- poor planning/analysis, for example). The real tive appointments the board will make. threats these days come from those who believe they do not make mistakes. Effective nomination committees expect an » Strong collaborating capabilities. Results are incoming CFO to step beyond the role’s already driven by the team, not by an individual. demanding fiscal responsibilities. He or she must Evidence of deep strategic awareness, of what demonstrate that they are comfortable helping to » is going on in the sector and other industries, shape strategy or operational matters, or advising of partnerships that could benefit the the board on risk and compliance decisions. This organisation. demanding slate of skills is enhanced by the kind of rapport and communication capabilities on » Good communication skills — an effective which trusted relationships are built. CFO must explain to the board and investors the workings of product lines and business Through its work with Russian and international divisions alike. boards in the country, Spencer Stuart has identi- » Experience of different cultures, which adds a fied patterns often present in CFO selection and global sensibility. decision-making processes. Some of our insight in particular emerges from our work with audit committee members, who deal with CFOs more closely than chairs or members of nomination committees. The following are the qualities and skills that boards most frequently seek in a CFO: » Boards want CFOs who can engage in a con- structive fashion, rather than either agreeing or arguing with everything. Soft challenges to others’ opinions are often encouraged within boards; hostile or critical attacks are not. A successful CFO uses open questions rather than open criticism. » Experience that speaks to honesty and integrity has a high value. The interests of stakeholders — including customers and investors — take precedence; personal agendas — promotion, bonus, ego — come last. page 8 spencer stuart metHodoLoGY The research uses data drawn from public sources and Spencer Stuart research that analyses the professional background and career paths of CFOs of the largest Russian public companies by market capitalisation.