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Building a Finance Team to Support PE-Backed Hyperscale Growth

Background

Vantage Data Centres is one of the fastest growing hyperscale data centre platforms in EMEA, operating 14 campuses across key markets, including London, Frankfurt, Milan, and Johannesburg. In 2022, Vantage raised $2.5bn, with $1.7bn allocated to EMEA expansion. 

The Challenge

Vantage Data Centres is one of the fastest-growing hyperscale platforms across EMEA, with 14 campuses strategically located in key markets such as London, Frankfurt, Berlin, Milan, Warsaw, Zurich, Cardiff, Dublin, and Johannesburg. Following a landmark $2.5 billion fundraise in 2022—$1.7 billion of which was allocated to the company’s EMEA expansion across 17 locations—the EMEA CFO was tasked with building out a best-in-class finance function to support this rapid growth.

Two critical leadership hires were required:

  • A Finance Director – Capex to establish a robust Capex finance function across EMEA.

  • A Finance Director – Reporting to lead the build-out of a pan-EMEA financial reporting function, bringing rigour, clarity, and scalability to reporting processes.

The Solution

Cedar were engaged on an exclusive mandate to deliver high-calibre finance professionals with proven experience in large, blue-chip organisations and a strong understanding of what “good” looks like within a private equity-backed, large-cap business poised for IPO.

Leveraging our deep network and market knowledge, we headhunted two exceptional individuals:

  • A Finance Director with extensive Capex experience gained in the infrastructure sector, who brought the commercial insight and delivery experience needed to scale capital projects effectively.

  • A Finance Director with a strong track record in EMEA reporting within complex, matrix environments—able to implement structure, controls, and strategic oversight across the region.

 

The Results

  • Both candidates made an immediate impact and were instrumental in the development of Vantage’s finance infrastructure during a period of hypergrowth. Two years on, both professionals remain with the business and have since been promoted to Senior Finance Directors, reflecting the long-term success and cultural alignment of the hires.
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