What is the core competency of a truly strategic CFO? Adaptability.
said Charlotte Colhoun, group CFO of Vista Global, a Dubai-based business airline that includes New York-based VistaJet USA.
Mr. Colhoun began his career at PwC and quickly rose through the ranks before joining Vista Global in 2018. Attracted by the company's ambitions and the opportunity to enter the new field of aviation, he initially focused on group strategic finance and was appointed Group CFO in November 2022.
As Group CFO, Colhoun leads the Group's finance function, a vast and diverse team of 300 finance professionals spread across the globe. In this role, she has been instrumental in managing Vista's financing structure, optimizing its balance sheet, structuring deals, and supporting its long-term infrastructure and growth initiatives.
Through it all, she says, no trait was more important than adaptability. “To become true business partners, finance leaders must clarify decision-making, build strong cross-functional relationships, and embrace adaptability as a core competency.”
The CFO's role has evolved beyond financial reporting. In your opinion, what does it mean to be a truly strategic CFO today, and how can finance leaders position themselves as key business partners?
Today's strategic CFO is someone who can navigate a fast-paced and complex business environment while maintaining a constant focus on long-term growth and financial sustainability. For me, that means going beyond traditional reporting and often thinking outside the box to drive change and drive continuous improvement cycles.
To become true business partners, finance leaders must clarify decisions, build strong cross-functional relationships, and embrace adaptability as a core competency.
What is one of the most transformational initiatives you have led at Vista Global, and what takeaways would you like to share with others looking to drive meaningful change within their organizations?
During my tenure at Vista Global, I restructured our balance sheet to be as ambitious as our growth goals. This included executing several first-in-industry transactions and navigating difficult market conditions. By thinking outside the box and taking a disciplined and creative approach, we were able to help build Vista's global infrastructure while optimizing our balance sheet for long-term stability and growth.
This is something I'm very proud of, especially because I know that the decisions we make today will lay the financial foundation for the company for the next 20 years. My advice to others is to be curious, welcome healthy debate, and recognize that transformational leadership also means making room for others to lead.
In an experience-driven industry like commercial aviation, how can you ensure financial discipline while maintaining the level of service and personalization that customers expect?
At Vista Global, client experience is non-negotiable and core to our brand. But financial discipline is just as important for long-term success. The key is to identify where investments can really improve the customer journey and where you can drive efficiencies behind the scenes.
We continually evaluate our processes and systems to ensure they are streamlined, scalable, and aligned with our clients' needs. This is a balancing act that requires continuous dialogue between sales, operations, and finance to ensure customer-centric and financially sound decisions are made.
As a woman in a CFO role in a traditionally male-dominated field, what guidance would you share with other women pursuing senior leadership positions in the financial industry?
Don't let a lack of experience or expressiveness hold you back. When I entered the world of civil aviation, I had no direct experience in the field, but I relied on the expertise around me and focused on learning quickly.
The same is true for women pursuing senior positions in the financial industry. Even if you don't check every box, say yes to opportunities to develop yourself. Advocate for yourself and find a mentor who will help you grow. And when you come across outdated thinking, challenge it rather than internalize it. Each of us has the power to create change, and it starts with showing up with confidence and resilience.
