Universal Investment Appoints Hilton Hess as CFO to Drive Growth

Universal Investment Group has appointed Hilton Hess as its new chief financial officer, effective September 1, 2025. This strategic decision aims to enhance the group’s executive leadership and further develop its financial management and strategy.

In his role, Hess will oversee all financial aspects of the organization. He brings over 35 years of international experience in corporate finance and leadership, having served in various CFO positions across Europe, Asia, and Africa. His most recent position was with Vistra Group, a global provider of corporate governance and fund administration services.

Hess’s extensive career includes notable roles such as CFO at VetPartners, where he was instrumental in driving growth initiatives, both organic and inorganic. He also held significant financial leadership positions at Rentokil Initial, managing finance for the East Division and later for Europe. Hess began his professional journey at Unilever, including a role as CFO for South Africa.

Leadership Perspective

Francesca McDonagh, group CEO of Universal Investment, expressed her enthusiasm about Hess’s appointment, stating, “I am delighted to welcome Hilton to our Group leadership team in this pivotal role. He combines deep financial expertise with a strong record of international leadership.” McDonagh emphasized that Hess’s background in driving long-term growth and operational excellence makes him a perfect fit to lead the company’s financial strategy.

Hess shared his excitement regarding his new position, saying, “I am honoured to join Universal Investment Group at such an important time in its growth journey.” He looks forward to collaborating with the leadership team and the finance organization to advance strategic goals and create exceptional value for clients, employees, and shareholders.

This leadership change comes at a critical moment for the Universal Investment Group, as it seeks to strengthen its financial framework and enhance its service offerings in a competitive market. With Hess at the helm of financial strategy, the company is poised for continued growth and innovation in the fund services sector.

As Universal Investment continues to expand its global footprint, Hess’s wealth of experience will play a crucial role in navigating the challenges and opportunities within the finance industry, ensuring that the group remains a leader in providing exceptional service to its clients.