Specialist finance recruitment consultancy Headstar has appointed Karen Pitchforth as associate director to lead its Interim and Transformation department.
A key addition to Headstar’s leadership team, Karen brings over 25 years’ experience in recruitment, specialising in placing senior interim finance professionals – including CFOs, finance directors, and controllers – with leading organisations across a broad range of industries.
In her new role, she is responsible for shaping the firm’s growing interim and transformation offering. She leads a team of two dedicated consultants – Ross Wallace, who brings over 10 years of senior recruitment expertise, and Matt Swift, a specialist in interim transactional finance roles.
Demand for Headstar’s interim and transformation services – especially in finance operating model redesign and systems optimisation – has increased by 11% year-on-year. This growth is being fuelled by market uncertainty, restructuring, M&A cycles, and the accelerated need for more agile, data-driven finance functions. Clients increasingly need interim leaders who can deliver immediate results and steer complex transformation programmes.
James Roach, Headstar’s managing director, said: “We’re pleased to welcome Karen to the Headstar team. Her arrival significantly enhances our ability to provide immediate access to senior professionals who can drive both strategic transformation and operational results from day one.
“With Karen’s leadership and deep sector network, we’re uniquely placed to connect clients with the trusted experts they need to navigate change, embed lasting value, and stay ahead in a rapidly evolving market.”
