Hugo Grimston
About Hugo Grimston
Hugo Grimston serves as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at Xeneta, having previously held the same position at Paddle for eight years. With a background in finance and consulting, he has extensive experience in fundraising, mergers, and acquisitions.
Current Role at Xeneta
Hugo Grimston serves as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at Xeneta, a position he has held since 2023. Based in Oslo, Norway, he is responsible for overseeing the financial operations of the company. His primary objective is to establish Xeneta as the global reference point for ocean and air freight data. This role involves strategic financial planning and management to support the company's growth and market positioning.
Previous Experience at Paddle
Before joining Xeneta, Hugo Grimston was the CFO at Paddle from 2014 to 2022. During his eight years in this role, he was instrumental in leading multiple fundraising rounds and mergers and acquisitions. He played a key role in scaling the company from 8 to 350 employees, achieving over 100% year-on-year growth. His experience at Paddle contributed significantly to his financial expertise.
Consultancy Experience
After his tenure at Paddle, Hugo Grimston worked as a self-employed consultant from 2022 to 2023 for seven months. This role allowed him to leverage his extensive financial background and provide strategic advice to various clients. His consultancy experience further enhanced his skills in financial management and business strategy.
Career Background in Finance
Hugo Grimston has a solid foundation in finance, having worked at Greenhill & Co. as a Principal from 2006 to 2014. Prior to that, he was an Associate at PwC from 2003 to 2006. These roles provided him with significant experience in financial advisory and investment banking, shaping his career in the financial sector.
Education and Academic Background
Hugo Grimston studied at the University of Oxford, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Modern Languages, focusing on French and Spanish, from 1999 to 2003. He also attended Eton College from 1993 to 1998. His educational background has contributed to his analytical skills and understanding of global markets.