Andrew Nugée is co CEO of Imagineear, a leading provider of multimedia and immersive audio experiences, working with major attractions, cultural institutions, and global partners.

Following a successful private equity investment, the business entered a new phase of growth — with a clear mandate to scale operations and strengthen financial discipline.

As the organisation prepared to appoint a full-time Finance Director, it needed immediate, experienced financial leadership to bridge the gap and ensure stability during a critical transition.

With new investment secured, Imagineear faced increasing expectations around financial rigour, reporting, and strategic planning.

While financial systems and processes were in place, they lacked dedicated ownership and senior oversight.

“Our plan was always to take on a full-time FD… although financial management tools and processes existed, they had not until then been managed discretely.”

At the same time, the business needed to:

• Strengthen financial reporting and forecasting
• Improve cash flow visibility and control
• Support board-level decision-making
• Recruit the right long-term finance leader

The challenge was clear: maintain momentum while building a more robust financial foundation.

Recognising the need for immediate expertise without delaying progress, Imagineear partnered with Tectona to provide interim Finance Director support.

Following a thorough selection process, Tectona introduced Steve Aquilina — an experienced FD — to take on the role for an initial six-month period.

Reporting directly to the Co-CEOs and working closely with the senior leadership team, Steve’s role was to stabilise, structure, and elevate the finance function while supporting the search for a permanent hire.

Tectona’s approach combined hands-on financial leadership with strategic input across the business.

From the outset, Steve focused on:

• Delivering accurate and timely management accounts
• Establishing robust cash flow and balance sheet forecasting
• Ensuring compliance across reporting, tax, and year-end processes
• Supporting board-level financial visibility and decision-making

At the same time, his role extended beyond core finance responsibilities.

He contributed to broader operational improvements, including:

• Enhancing inventory and data systems
• Proposing integrated software solutions to unify business data
• Strengthening financial processes and internal controls

“Steve stepped up to this brief… and proactively contributed in important areas.”

Crucially, he also played a central role in recruiting his permanent successor, ensuring continuity and long-term success.

The introduction of experienced financial leadership delivered immediate and lasting benefits.

Imagineear gained:

• Clear, reliable financial reporting for leadership and board
• Stronger control over cash flow and forecasting
• Improved operational efficiency and data visibility
• A more structured and scalable finance function

Steve’s ability to integrate quickly and operate at a senior level was key to this success.

“He understood our business quickly — a competent and safe pair of hands on technical financial matters.”

Beyond technical expertise, his impact was felt across the leadership team.

“He gained the respect of the senior team fast… not afraid to offer his opinion.”

By the end of the engagement, Imagineear had not only strengthened its financial operations but also successfully appointed a permanent Finance Director — with Tectona’s support throughout the process.

The business was left with:

• A robust financial framework
• Improved systems and processes
• Greater confidence in decision-making
• Continuity in leadership through a smooth transition

The partnership delivered both immediate stability and long-term capability.

Steve’s ability to integrate quickly and operate at a senior level was key to this success.

“He understood our business quickly — a competent and safe pair of hands on technical financial matters.”

Beyond technical expertise, his impact was felt across the leadership team.

“He gained the respect of the senior team fast… not afraid to offer his opinion.”

For Imagineear, Tectona provided more than interim support — it delivered experienced financial leadership at a pivotal moment.

By combining technical expertise, strategic input, and a collaborative approach, Tectona enabled the business to navigate a period of change with confidence.

“We were incredibly pleased with the Tectona solution and would not hesitate to recommend them.”

If your business is going through a period of growth, transition, or leadership change, Tectona Partnership provides experienced part-time and interim CFOs and Finance Directors to help you move forward with clarity and confidence. Email mark.nicholls@tectonapartnership.com and we’ll call you back within 48 hours to have a free, no-obligation conversation to understand your needs and advise you of the best course of action.