On Friday 12th September, Rutherford Cross hosted the latest Future Finance Leaders Forum, our invite-only roundtable for ambitious qualified accountants in West and Central Scotland. This time we welcomed Gordon Du Cane, CFO at Terumo Aortic, who joined us over lunch to share his career journey and offer five key reflections on what it takes to progress to CFO.
Gordon graduated from the University of Glasgow in 2009 and qualified with ICAS in 2012 while at PwC. His career then took him south into Corporate Finance roles in Manchester and London before he returned to Glasgow in 2015, taking on senior posts at Whyte & Mackay and Aggreko, followed by Corporate Development at The Weir Group. He joined Terumo Aortic in 2021 and was appointed CFO in 2024.
Gordon’s 5 Key Thoughts/Reflections
- It’s not just you – it’s who is around you
The right people accelerate your career. Surround yourself with managers who challenge you, peers who raise standards and mentors who open doors. Often, the team and culture matter more than the job title. - Get involved and accept the challenge
Say yes to opportunities, even when they stretch you. Volunteer for projects, ask questions and don’t shy away from messy problems. It builds capability and shows ambition, which senior leaders remember. - Build depth as well as breadth
Moving around quickly can look good on paper, but Gordon stressed the value of taking time to develop genuine expertise before broadening out. The strongest leaders blend specialist depth with wider business experience. - Keep your networks alive
Networking isn’t about numbers. What counts is staying in touch consistently with a trusted circle. Regular, low-key contact keeps relationships warm and creates opportunities when you need advice or support. - Be engaged and enjoy the work
Energy and enjoyment are contagious. Choosing roles and businesses you genuinely connect with makes it easier to sustain performance through the busy times – and inspires those around you.
Gordon’s reflections were down to earth and highly relatable, leaving the group with clear, practical takeaways to apply in their own careers. The conversation balanced strategy with actionable next steps, highlighting the value of strong teams, deliberate skill building and active networking in shaping a career towards being a senior finance leader.
If you would like to be considered for future sessions of the Future Finance Leaders Forum, please reach out to Harry at [email protected]
