Insights

Stewardwell Search Insights

Notes on hiring and keeping finance leadership at companies from $50M to $500M. Written by the partners who run the searches.

Sponsor-Backed and Founder-Led CFO Hiring

When to Hire a CFO: A Board and Owner's Guide to Timing the First Finance Leader

When to hire a CFO is a question of triggers, not revenue. Five events that force the decision at $50M to $500M companies, and when a search is the wrong answer.

September 2026