IT, accountancy, hospitality, leisure and professional services recruiter Kellan Group has appointed John Melbourne as its new group chief financial officer (CFO) effective immediately.  

Melbourne joins Kellan Group from MPS Group where he has been CFO and senior vice president. More recently he has been playing a pivotal role in strategic and tactical planning resulting in both organic and acquisitive growth while ensuring a smooth acquisition by Adecco through the commercial support of operating boards. Prior to this Melbourne, who is a chartered accountant, held financial director positions at Reed Executive and Modis International.    

The move reunites Melbourne with chief executive Ross Eades. The two started working together in 1991 at Hunterskil Howard  before forming a CFO and CEO team at MPS Group (Modis and Badenoch & Clark) in the late 90s, which saw revenues grow from £70m to £286m and EBIT from £2m to £21m by 2002.

Ross Eades, chief executive of Kellan Group, says: “John is one of the most talented finance executives working within the recruitment industry.  In joining Kellan Group, John has shown just how highly regarded the business is and the strength of our strategy.  His track record in acquisitions and expanding companies is exemplary, and I am confident that he will be an invaluable addition to the team”.

John Melbourne adds: “I am eager to begin the challenge of working at Kellan Group. The chance to bring the skills I have developed working for large international operations and apply them at a rapidly expanding group is extremely exciting. The chairmen (John Bowmer and Tony Reeves) and Ross are serious players with ambitious plans to grow Kellan Group and I join at a great time to help this growth. ”