Ian Ward Griffiths is a highly accomplished business leader with a track record of delivering transformational change and unlocking value for FTSE 100 shareholders and private equity owners. He currently serves as a Non Executive Director at BBC Commercial, and Strand Collectibles Group Ltd. He is also an Independent Strategic Advisor for fintech firm, Dojo.
With over three decades of experience in the corporate world, Ian has built a reputation as a strategic thinker and effective leader. Throughout his career he has demonstrated a talent for turning around struggling businesses and helping them achieve their potential, using his expertise in restructuring, finance, strategy and building high-performance teams. In 2013 Ian was named FTSE 100 Finance Director of the Year by Finance Excellence Awards, and Business Finance Awards. He was voted European Media CFO of the year by Institutional Investor in 2016 and 2017.
Ian’s previous roles include Deputy CEO and Group CFO of Kantar, a PE-owned global data and technology research company employing 26,000 people. During his tenure he...Ian Ward Griffiths is a highly accomplished business leader with a track record of delivering transformational change and unlocking value for FTSE 100 shareholders and private equity owners. He currently serves as a Non Executive Director at BBC Commercial, and Strand Collectibles Group Ltd. He is also an Independent Strategic Advisor for fintech firm, Dojo.
With over three decades of experience in the corporate world, Ian has built a reputation as a strategic thinker and effective leader. Throughout his career he has demonstrated a talent for turning around struggling businesses and helping them achieve their potential, using his expertise in restructuring, finance, strategy and building high-performance teams. In 2013 Ian was named FTSE 100 Finance Director of the Year by Finance Excellence Awards, and Business Finance Awards. He was voted European Media CFO of the year by Institutional Investor in 2016 and 2017.
Ian’s previous roles include Deputy CEO and Group CFO of Kantar, a PE-owned global data and technology research company employing 26,000 people. During his tenure he was responsible for reshaping the portfolio through targeted acquisitions and disposals, building a new management team and driving efficiencies resulting in record profits at record margins.
Ian’s reputation as an exceptional CFO was forged during his 10 years at ITV plc, where he was a key figure in the restructuring and subsequent transformation of ITV into a successful international content business, rather than one reliant on UK advertising.
Griffiths is a chartered accountant and worked for Ernst & Young for six years before joining the magazines, radio and business media group Emap in 1994 where he was Group FD from 2005 to 2008. In his first CFO role, Ian lead the break-up of the group through a series of disposals, unlocking value for shareholders and finding good homes for businesses that still exist today.READ MOREVIEW LESS
Kantar is a global data and technology research business dealing with 95 of the world’s top 100 global advertisers. Ian’s achievements as Acting CEO (officially titled Deputy CEO and Group CFO) included delivering significant cost savings, refinancing the company’s debt and recruiting a new management team.
ITV is the oldest and largest commercial broadcaster in the UK. During Ian’s ten-year tenure, the company’s share price reached over 280p, recovering from a low of 18p. Ian’s role in ITV’s turnaround was recognised in 2013 when he was awarded FD of the year by Business Finance Awards, and Finance Excellence Awards.
Emap was one of one of Britain's biggest media conglomerates before its eventual break up and sale in 2007. Ian joined the firm in 1994 and was appointed to the Main Board in 2005.
Ernst & Young is one of the largest professional services networks in the world and a ‘Big Four’ accounting firm. Ian gained experience in a variety of industry sectors, both in audit and corporate finance, working with businesses that ranged from entrepreneurial start up to full UK / US listed. He also achieved the ICAEW Chartered Accountant qualification, the ACA.
Strand Collectibles Group Ltd, incorporated in 2023, specialises in collectibles and owns two renowned brands: Stanley Gibbons, a leader in philatelic collections, and Baldwin’s Coins, a prominent name in numismatics. The company aims to expand through digital strategies and new investment opportunities while maintaining a strong presence in the traditional auction and retail markets.
Dojo is a fintech company specialising in payment solutions for businesses. It offers secure and efficient point-of-sale systems, online payment gateways, and merchant services. With a focus on user-friendly design and robust security, Dojo aims to simplify financial transactions for both businesses and consumers.
Non Executive Director & Chair of Finance & Risk (Audit) Committee
Apr 2023
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Present
Ian joined the BBC Commercial Board as a Non Executive Director in April 2023. He also serves as Chair of the Finance & Risk (Audit) Committee. The Board oversees the delivery of the BBC’s commercial activities and is chaired by Sir Damon Buffini and made up of six non executive members, and three executive members.
DS Smith plc produces sustainable packaging, paper products and recycling services. The firm operates in more than 30 countries and employs more than 30,000 people.
Founded in 1984, Bain Capital is one of the world’s leading private investment firms, specialising in private equity, public equity, venture capital, real estate, life sciences, insurance and crypto.
