Make worthwhile and lasting change in your business that inspires people, delivers results and improves systems.
Our Founder.
Passionate about making a real difference. Clocking up years of experience across global and local businesses, Jo Hands had worked everywhere from corporate giants to mammoth consulting firms - and she’s no strangers to hard work and getting down into the weeds.
Whiteark is on a mission
Jo Hands and the team at Whiteark are on a mission to bridge the gap in companies, providing the right skillset and knowledge, when it is needed most. From M&A to private equity and hefty transformation projects, Jo experienced firsthand that leaders (and teams) often need extra support when forging new paths forward in unknown waters. When you’re in the thick of it, it helps to have a team of people to guide you on the journey.
Whiteark is different in its approach. Rather than a pre-determined team, they have a fluid bench of people - giving them the ability to select from sought-after processionals, ensuring that you (the client) gets access to the right talent, at the right time. And therein lies the magic.
Meet Jo
With a transformational mindset and deep financial acumen, Jo’s diverse professional background has led her to create next-generation operating models, fostering faster growth and dramatic transformation in both domestic, and international capacities.
Jo loves leadership teams that embrace the idea of comprehensive change in business operations, herself having played an active role in the transformation journey across multiple business sectors and industries. With experience tackling all the factors that create value for an organisation, including top and bottom line expenditures, business model redesign and overall strategy, she reacts dynamically, and inputs meticulous milestones, with clear responsibilities that enable tight management to drive execution and progress.
Working to better define change and capture the full value in any scenario, Jo doesn’t just expect more, she redefines expectations. Understanding that effective leadership ultimately underpins everything, she champions new models of working, that epitomise speed and dexterity, anchoring transformation with bold and efficient decisions.
Keeping high-performing teams consistently engaged, Jo recognises the impact of inspiration and the importance of celebrating success, in teams great and small.
Jo’s highly sought after critical competencies are demonstrated by her willingness to stay in the fray, building a stronger organisation and cross-functional relationships to drive businesses forward. Never missing an opportunity to enhance efficiency and productivity, Jo uses her extensive experience to create environments of continuous engagement, and better companies.
Download Jo’s Bio ⇒
This little girl is me ⇒
Selected as Entrepreneur of the Year ⇒
“
I love solving business problems. I have a passion for optimising businesses and have found from experience there are simple changes you can make that drive significant differences. I have come to learn that the most powerful transformation is always one with data & analytics at the core — really understanding your business and letting this knowledge drive your strategy, operations and actions makes the world of difference. ”
HIGHLIGHTS
⊹ Led company-wide integration plan (PMI) resulting in a 10% improvement in EBITDA margin.
⊹ Implemented a sales redesign supported by a segmentation model delivering $40M EBITDA enhancement; through both revenue and cost improvements.
⊹ Achieved working capital improvement of $40M (15%) through process redesign and innovative card solutions.
Industries
Consumer Products, Entertainment, Financial Services, FMCG, Manufacturing, Media, Packaging, Retail, Telecommunication, Transport.
Geographies
Australia, New Zealand, United States, United Kingdom & South East Asia.
QUALIFICATIONS
Member of Australian Institute of company Directors, Graduate Diploma Chartered Accounting ANZ, Diploma of management (Swinburne University) & Bachelor of Commerce & Arts (Deakin University).
Key Roles & Situations
⊹ Interim CFO for $1b turnover FMCG business with the main challenge to integrate two businesses while achieving the targeted improvement in EBITDA margin by 10%
⊹ Transition lead for $500m turnover FMCG business, assisting the CFO transitioning the business into to the new operating model.
⊹ CFO for a $500m turnover media business focused on building a sustainable cost base through a re-design of their operating model.
⊹ Led the carve out of a $700m turnover business from an ASX Top 50.
⊹ Designed and built a new finance structure and operating model, supporting a change in ownership, improving capability.
⊹ Delivered a carve-out project, 15% under budget across finance, IT and shared services.
⊹ Led an IT efficiency review, producing $50m+ ongoing annual savings.
Our Narrative
Storytime | Whiteark is Born
Whiteark was born with a mission of bridging the gaps within organisations and making a lasting difference.
Our Experts
Powered by People | Driven by Talent
We’re nimble; ready to assemble the best team for your situation, ensuring you have the skillset and people you need - no more, no less. We’re a team of doers. With global experience and global connections.