A commercial growth and channel strategy executive with more than 20 years of international leadership across technology, SaaS, cybersecurity, manufacturing and franchising. Hugh is a trusted adviser to boards, CEOs and executive teams, known for building high-performing commercial organisations, scaling partner ecosystems and guiding businesses through growth, turnaround and strategic change.
In just over a minute, see how Hugh helps boards and leadership teams build channels, scale partner ecosystems and turn ambitious strategy into measurable commercial results.
Book a discovery call Watch on YouTubeHugh Furness is a Non-Executive Director and commercial growth executive with more than 20 years of international leadership experience, delivering sustainable revenue growth, organisational transformation and strategic market expansion across technology, SaaS, cybersecurity, manufacturing and franchise businesses.
He has an exceptional track record of creating and executing channel strategies, building international reseller and MSP networks, leading SaaS business transformation and developing go-to-market models that accelerate commercial performance. He has turned loss-making organisations into profitable businesses, grown revenues from early-stage scale to international operations, and supported organisations through acquisition, expansion and operational restructuring.
An engaging stakeholder with global experience across EMEA, North America and Australia, Hugh is recognised for mentoring senior leadership teams, influencing at board level and translating ambitious strategies into measurable commercial outcomes. His experience includes advising senior executives and representing organisations at international forums, including the United Nations.
A senior operator who has scaled businesses over the long term and turned them around at speed. That combination of patience and pace is what makes Hugh a valuable voice in the boardroom.
From European expansion in B2B technology to a SaaS transition in cybersecurity, a turnaround and national franchise growth, Hugh has led commercial change in very different organisations.
Hugh's offering spans board governance, commercial growth, channel and partner strategy, transformation and international go-to-market. Built for organisations that want senior commercial judgement and the experience to execute it.
Gives boards and executive teams independent commercial insight, constructive challenge and strategic guidance, balancing commercial opportunity with operational capability to support better decisions.
Develops and executes growth strategies that deliver measurable commercial outcomes through market expansion, customer acquisition, channel optimisation and scalable revenue models.
Designs channel strategies that create competitive advantage, building and scaling international reseller, distributor, MSP and franchise networks with strong partner enablement.
Leads SaaS transitions, turnaround initiatives, operational redesign and performance improvement, aligning strategy, execution and capability to build resilience and profitability.
Leads market entry, international expansion and new propositions across technology, manufacturing, cybersecurity, education, healthcare, retail and supply chain environments.
Builds high-performing leadership teams through coaching, mentoring and succession planning, and creates alignment with boards, partners, customers and senior stakeholders.
If you need an independent voice at board level, a stronger route to market or a steady hand through change, Hugh brings senior operating credibility and the judgement that comes with it.
Hugh offers constructive challenge and clear commercial insight, mentors senior teams and influences at board level, helping leaders make better decisions on growth and direction.
From reseller and distributor networks to MSPs and franchises, Hugh designs partner ecosystems that extend reach and deliver recurring revenue, as he did through CyberSmart's move to SaaS.
Hugh has returned a business to profit within six months, led a relocation without losing stakeholder confidence and guided a technology business through acquisition and European growth.
A non-executive director and commercial growth leader with deep specialisation in channel strategy, partner ecosystems, SaaS transformation and international expansion, available for UK and European assignments.
Two decades of executive leadership, from COO and European Sales Director through interim Managing Director and Head of Channel Strategy to fractional sales leadership in franchising.
Hugh Furness is a Non-Executive Director and commercial growth executive with more than 20 years of international leadership, building channels, scaling partner ecosystems and leading businesses through growth, turnaround and change.
His experience spans board advisory, channel strategy, SaaS transformation and franchise growth, making him a valuable asset to boards and leadership teams with ambitious plans.
Download CV → LinkedIn profileIf you need an independent non-executive voice on your board, a sharper channel and partner strategy, a SaaS or turnaround transformation or a stronger route into new markets, tell us in 25 minutes what you need. Hugh or one of our 50+ senior consultants will tell you honestly whether we can help.