we deliver bespoke solutions to clients seeking recapitalisation
at various stages of distressed
transactions and special situations
at various stages of distressed
transactions and special situations
Whether we’re working with private, public or state-owned enterprises, our team devises strategies tailored to investors, asset managers, companies and lenders, to provide the necessary tools for the clients’ restructuring and reorganisation. This includes working capital, bridge finance, equity injections, stock lending and strategic M&A.
With extensive experience in the financial services arena, Woodford work collaboratively to support our clients’ bespoke needs and ambitions, adding value and helping companies to turn around and secure their future.
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Welcome
Woodford leads fintech innovation through a strategic mix of venture capital, private equity, and strategic partnerships. We identify and support visionary start-ups, providing not only financial backing but also industry expertise and an extensive network. Our commitment goes beyond funding; we actively guide and mentor portfolio companies to accelerate their growth. Woodford's distinctive approach ensures the success of pioneering fintech ventures, contributing to the ongoing evolution of the financial services landscape.
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OUR expertise
FINTECH
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Woodford envisions a sustainable energy future, aligning with the global shift towards renewable sources. Anticipating that nearly half of the world's energy production will be derived from renewables like wind and solar by 2050, we actively invest in the colossal energy transition. Observing the commitment of major energy corporations to this future, Woodford channels its support towards initiatives that contribute to affordable and sustainable energy solutions. Our dedication lies in fostering a cleaner, greener, and economically viable energy landscape for generations to come.
RENEWABLE
ENERGY
ENERGY
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Woodford is at the forefront of shaping the future for both the UK and the global community through significant investments in the development of thousands of new homes. Our unwavering focus is on delivering high-quality housing and affordable accommodation, fostering thriving communities, generating employment, and boosting local economies. We have a strategic vision to transform surplus land into vibrant new communities, fostering integration and contributing to the overall well-being and growth of the areas we serve.
HOUSING & COMMUNITY
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Woodford is dedicated to revolutionising engagement in the media and entertainment industry. We specialise in investing in innovative companies that maximise cutting-edge technologies to enhance the user experience across various platforms. We connect fans to each-other, their favourite shows, sports, games, and celebrity content. Our commitment lies in fuelling the creation of unparalleled experiences by supporting businesses that push the boundaries of creativity and connectivity. From pioneering content creation, to exploring new markets and technologies, we strive to shape the future of entertainment. Woodford is committed to investing in a new era of immersive interaction and content consumption.
MEDIA & ENTERTAINMENT
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Woodford specialises in the world of luxury investments, recognising their enduring appeal and value appreciation. The luxury market, celebrated for its exclusivity and superior craftsmanship, demonstrates remarkable resilience in economic fluctuations due to unwavering consumer demand. Our strategic focus centres on identifying and cultivating future investment opportunities within this realm, be it in fine art, rare collectibles, or real estate. Woodford's commitment lies in curating a portfolio that encapsulates the timeless allure and lasting value synonymous with the world of luxury.
LUXURY &
LIFESTYLE
LIFESTYLE
Lord Simon Woolley
Lord Simon Woolley of Woodford is a British Politician, Activist, and the founding director of Operation Black Vote [OBV], which aims to increase Black, Asian, and minority ethnic participation in politics.
Having served as an Equality and Human Rights Commissioner between 2009 – 2012, Lord Simon Woolley was later appointed to create and lead the UK Government’s pioneering Race Disparity Unit in 2018 – an organisation committed to collecting, analysing, and publishing data on how crime, education and health are impacted by ethnicity.
Repeatedly recognised in the Black Powerlist, Lord Woolley was knighted in the Queen’s Birthday Honors in June 2019 and was created a life peer in December of the same year. Maintaining his interest in politics, Lord Woolley sits as a crossbencher in the House of Lords and remains a leading advocate on topics relating to equality, diversity and social justice.
As Non-Executive Director of Woodford Finance, Lord Woolley drives the company’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion strategy for all aspects of the business. He is also involved in strategic vision and the positive societal impact the business strives for.
Having served as an Equality and Human Rights Commissioner between 2009 – 2012, Lord Simon Woolley was later appointed to create and lead the UK Government’s pioneering Race Disparity Unit in 2018 – an organisation committed to collecting, analysing, and publishing data on how crime, education and health are impacted by ethnicity.
Having grown up on a council estate in Leicester and leaving school without A-Level qualifications, Lord Woolley has since carved out an illustrious career addressing representational imbalances, transforming institutions, and nurturing individuals. His dedication to cross-party and cross-sector work with Operational Black Vote has directly resulted in the increase of MPs from black and minority ethnic backgrounds from 4 to 65.
Repeatedly recognised in the Black Powerlist, Lord Woolley was knighted in the Queen’s Birthday Honors in June 2019 and was created a life peer in December of the same year. Maintaining his interest in politics, Lord Woolley sits as a crossbencher in the House of Lords and remains a leading advocate on topics relating to equality, diversity and social justice.
As Non-Executive Director of Woodford Finance, Lord Woolley drives the company’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion strategy for all aspects of the business. He is also involved in strategic vision and the positive societal impact the business strives for.
Non-Executive Director
Sir Stephen Hillier
Sir Stephen Hillier is a strategic advisor to Woodford Finance. He advises on select projects whilst playing an active role in the development of the Woodford Foundation – the organisation’s charitable arm.
He is currently the Chair of the Civil Aviation Authority, the UK's independent aviation and space regulator, responsible for the safety, security and consumer interests of those who fly and those affected on the ground below.
He previously had a long career in the Royal Air Force, becoming the Chief of the Air Staff, the Head of the Service, from 2016 to 2019.
He has extensive experience in strategic leadership, risk and portfolio delivery and also acts variously as a non-executive, trustee or advisor to a number of other organisations and charities.
Strategic Advisor
Nasib Piriyev
Nasib Piriyev is a multifaceted entrepreneur with a solid foundation in diverse business sectors. His educational background in business administration and economics as well as subsequent experience as CEO of PNN Group have given him a strong platform to drive the expansion and diversification of the company's portfolio.
Under Nasib's leadership, PNN Group has not only grown in traditional sectors like energy but also ventured into lifestyle, content creation, and sports development. The group's success in establishing one of the largest private energy companies in the Eurasian region demonstrates his ability to manage and expand large-scale projects. Moreover, his efforts in creating a lifestyle group that spans hospitality, food, and fashion indicate a strategic diversification aimed at leveraging emerging market trends.
Nasib's involvement in content creation, particularly in producing documentaries and feature films that have gained international recognition, shows his inclination towards creative industries and the ability to successfully navigate them. The selection of his debut produced feature film for the Cannes Film Festival in 2014 underscores this success.
The initiative to launch the first football camp in Baku in partnership with Barcelona FC highlights his commitment to community development and sports, particularly in nurturing young talent. This venture not only aligns with his philanthropic efforts but also enhances the social impact of his business activities.
As a Managing Partner at Woodford, Nasib continues to leverage his extensive experience by focusing on transforming distressed assets and advising on strategic investments. This role indicates a deep understanding of financial structures and market dynamics, which are critical in navigating complex investment landscapes.
Overall, Nasib Piriyev's career trajectory showcases a blend of entrepreneurial spirit, strategic foresight, and philanthropic commitment, making him a prominent figure in both the business and social spheres of his community.
Under Nasib's leadership, PNN Group has not only grown in traditional sectors like energy but also ventured into lifestyle, content creation, and sports development. The group's success in establishing one of the largest private energy companies in the Eurasian region demonstrates his ability to manage and expand large-scale projects. Moreover, his efforts in creating a lifestyle group that spans hospitality, food, and fashion indicate a strategic diversification aimed at leveraging emerging market trends.
Nasib's involvement in content creation, particularly in producing documentaries and feature films that have gained international recognition, shows his inclination towards creative industries and the ability to successfully navigate them. The selection of his debut produced feature film for the Cannes Film Festival in 2014 underscores this success.
The initiative to launch the first football camp in Baku in partnership with Barcelona FC highlights his commitment to community development and sports, particularly in nurturing young talent. This venture not only aligns with his philanthropic efforts but also enhances the social impact of his business activities.
As a Managing Partner at Woodford, Nasib continues to leverage his extensive experience by focusing on transforming distressed assets and advising on strategic investments. This role indicates a deep understanding of financial structures and market dynamics, which are critical in navigating complex investment landscapes.
Overall, Nasib Piriyev's career trajectory showcases a blend of entrepreneurial spirit, strategic foresight, and philanthropic commitment, making him a prominent figure in both the business and social spheres of his community.
Managing Partner
Richard Shirley
Richard has a solid background in establishing and directing businesses and brand direction for companies from start-up/scratch, and years of experience in planning and overseeing day-to-day business operations to increase operational efficiency and effectiveness. Skilled at transforming a low-performing business into a profitable endeavour through strategic planning and management with repeated success in improving business and brand outcomes within Sport, Automotive, FMCG, Property, Licensing and Charitable sectors Richard, supervises all operations at Woodford and wider PNN Group of companies.
Chief Operating Officer
Rochus Schreiber
Rochus is a seasoned executive in the telecommunications and high-tech industries, with a career defined by his ability to turn around underperforming companies and thrive in challenging environments.
His career began in strategic consulting at Accenture, where he gained a broad perspective across various sectors, laying the groundwork for his entrepreneurial ventures. Rochus's startup journey is highlighted by founding and leading GlobalCell Mobile, demonstrating his capacity to build successful businesses from the ground up.
As CEO of Belize Telemedia Limited, he led a remarkable transformation, revitalizing the company’s brand and operations with innovative fiber network infrastructure, resulting in substantial business growth.
Educated in Germany and the USA, he holds an MBA and a Master's in Physics, blending analytical prowess with strategic acumen.
Fluent in five languages, Rochus effectively manages our diverse international team, leveraging his multilingual abilities and global experience to navigate complex markets.
His career began in strategic consulting at Accenture, where he gained a broad perspective across various sectors, laying the groundwork for his entrepreneurial ventures. Rochus's startup journey is highlighted by founding and leading GlobalCell Mobile, demonstrating his capacity to build successful businesses from the ground up.
As CEO of Belize Telemedia Limited, he led a remarkable transformation, revitalizing the company’s brand and operations with innovative fiber network infrastructure, resulting in substantial business growth.
Educated in Germany and the USA, he holds an MBA and a Master's in Physics, blending analytical prowess with strategic acumen.
Fluent in five languages, Rochus effectively manages our diverse international team, leveraging his multilingual abilities and global experience to navigate complex markets.
Director, International Operations
John Want
John has over 25 years’ senior management experience within blue chip and global FMCG brand owners and food manufacturers, bringing a perfect mix of creative and analytical skills, embedded firmly into marketing and commercial strategy, delivering growth and sustainable profitability. A specialist in bakery, free-from, health and wellbeing, Food to Go, snacking and short-life chilled, together with delivery of business turnaround and fundraising.
As an expert in strategic planning, trend identification, creative communications and turn-around John leads the food and hospitality businesses at Woodford Finance and the Buta Kitchen project at PNN Group.
John is also a food blogger as the Dad That Cooks.
As an expert in strategic planning, trend identification, creative communications and turn-around John leads the food and hospitality businesses at Woodford Finance and the Buta Kitchen project at PNN Group.
John is also a food blogger as the Dad That Cooks.
Director,
Food and Hospitality
Food and Hospitality
Franz Josef Cauchi
Franz Josef, an experienced executive in the dynamic realm of product and technical operations, boasts a 15-year career at the forefront of guiding both product and development teams. His expertise spans diverse industries, marked by impactful roles in renowned companies including Betsson, Ladbrokes Coral, Symphony Solutions, Scientific Games, and OpenBet.
With a background in Computing and Information System at Goldsmith University of London, and Electronics from Malta College of Science & Technology, Franz Josef is instrumental in leading strategic programs to support and facilitate aggressive growth. His portfolio includes successfully managing platform migrations and spearheading the development of new front-end platforms for distinguished brands such as Coral and Ladbrokes. Notably, he has overseen a key technology consolidation project in Scientific Games and played a pivotal role in launching and optimizing one of the industry's leading sports trading and pricing engines.
In charge of our technical operations, Franz Josef leads the alignment of technological initiatives with the overarching goals of all companies under Woodford Finance and PNN Group. His responsibilities include managing and optimizing technical assets, driving innovation, and implementing strategies to enhance operational efficiency.
With a background in Computing and Information System at Goldsmith University of London, and Electronics from Malta College of Science & Technology, Franz Josef is instrumental in leading strategic programs to support and facilitate aggressive growth. His portfolio includes successfully managing platform migrations and spearheading the development of new front-end platforms for distinguished brands such as Coral and Ladbrokes. Notably, he has overseen a key technology consolidation project in Scientific Games and played a pivotal role in launching and optimizing one of the industry's leading sports trading and pricing engines.
In charge of our technical operations, Franz Josef leads the alignment of technological initiatives with the overarching goals of all companies under Woodford Finance and PNN Group. His responsibilities include managing and optimizing technical assets, driving innovation, and implementing strategies to enhance operational efficiency.
Director,
Technical Operations
Technical Operations
Yiding Hu
Yiding has significant experience in both fundraising and strategic investment in China and across the Far East. Educated to Masters Level in the UK, he has a diverse background working with Chinese Fortune 500 companies including Ping Ann, Greenland and MNC (Oliver Wyman). Additionally, from his time at PwC he has experience in various industries, including FinTech, High End Manufacturing, Enterprise Services and Education.
He has a proven track record in Corporate Development, with a focus on M&A, investment, innovative incubation, and strategic planning for overseas business.
Yiding applies his international experience to spearhead Woodford Finance’s commercial interests in China and Far East Asia.
He has a proven track record in Corporate Development, with a focus on M&A, investment, innovative incubation, and strategic planning for overseas business.
Yiding applies his international experience to spearhead Woodford Finance’s commercial interests in China and Far East Asia.
Director,
China and Far East Asia
China and Far East Asia
Ali Salem
Al-Mazrouie
Al-Mazrouie
Ali Salem is an experienced executive in production and engineering with a long career at ADNOC. Educated in the UAE and the UK he holds an MBA and a BSc in Engineering, and has recently achieved a Doctorate in Business Administration. He blends his educational prowess with considerable strategic acumen and business experience.
Pragmatic and results orientated, with a focus on bottom line results, he has a track record of achieving and exceeding the standards of performance set out for any management projects.
Ali Salem is an important member of the Woodford turnaround team, creating platforms for success and growth across the Middle East.
Pragmatic and results orientated, with a focus on bottom line results, he has a track record of achieving and exceeding the standards of performance set out for any management projects.
Ali Salem is an important member of the Woodford turnaround team, creating platforms for success and growth across the Middle East.
Director, Middle East
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