THE REASON FOR THE SEARCH

Design Environments initiated the search following the appointment, also introduced by Raw Selection, of the new CEO Jay Davisson. While the turnaround phase had stabilised culture, leadership, and operational performance, the business now required a stronger PE-quality finance function capable of supporting aggressive growth, acquisitions, refinancing, cash management, and exit preparation.

The next stage of the business demanded a finance leader who could move beyond accounting oversight and become a central driver of value creation.

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THE PORTFOLIO COMPANY

Design Environments is a leading commercial and hospitality interior design and project services business delivering over 200 design and construction projects annually across the United States.

The business operates across two primary segments:

• Commercial Interior Design
• Hospitality Design & Procurement

The company generates approximately $50M+ in revenue and has completed several acquisitions as part of its long-term growth strategy.

The opportunity was not simply financial stewardship. It was about helping architect the next stage of enterprise value creation.

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THE SEARCH REQUIREMENTS

The ideal candidate needed to demonstrate:

• PE-backed CFO or divisional finance leadership experience
• Strong operational finance capability within project-based services businesses
• M&A diligence, execution, and integration experience
• Experience managing debt, lenders, and covenant structures
• Strong forecasting, reporting, and cash flow management capability
• Ability to act as the CEO’s strategic finance partner
• Experience professionalising finance teams and processes
• Hands-on leadership style with strong communication skills
• Ability to drive accountability and data-led decision making across the organisation

This role required a commercially minded value-creation CFO, not a traditional controller profile.

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WHAT MADE DAVID STAND OUT

David stood out as a highly credible, exit-tested, PE-backed finance leader with the operational mindset, M&A experience, and strategic capability required to help scale Design Environments into a significantly larger and more valuable platform.

His background aligned directly with the business’s needs: operational finance rigor, lender management, forecasting discipline, acquisition integration, EBITDA improvement, and close partnership with an ambitious CEO and sponsor group.

Why He’s a Great Fit

• 2x PE-Backed exits from Private Equity to Private Equity
• Proven ability to improve financial reporting, forecasting, and operational visibility
• Deep understanding of cash management, banking relationships, and covenant discipline
• Meaningful M&A experience across diligence, execution, and post-close integration
• Operational finance mindset focused on profitability, working capital, and decision support
• Strong communication skills with ability to challenge constructively and influence leadership teams
• Hands-on leadership style aligned with the business’s need for accountability and execution
• Experience professionalising finance functions and building stronger teams
• Strategic capability combined with willingness to operate in the detail

Why We’re Bullish on This Appointment

David brings the financial leadership, commercial discipline, and operational rigor required to help Design Environments transition from turnaround story to scaled value creation platform.

His impact should be visible quickly through stronger forecasting, improved reporting cadence, better cash visibility, tighter operational discipline, enhanced acquisition execution, and more effective strategic decision-making.

Importantly, this appointment also strengthens the leadership partnership between finance, operations, and the CEO at a critical stage in the company’s growth trajectory.

This was a high-confidence appointment for both the portfolio company and the sponsor group.

Alex Rawlings, Founder & Managing Partner, Raw Selection