Press Release
Universal Investment Group appoints Hilton Hess as Chief Financial Officer
Date:
02. September 2025
Frankfurt
- UI Group further strengthens its C-suite with the addition of a seasoned leader from the funds services industry
- Hilton Hess brings over 35 years of international Finance experience
- Former Group CFO at Vistra, with a proven track record in strategic growth and operational excellence
- Hilton Hess brings over 35 years of international Finance experience
- Former Group CFO at Vistra, with a proven track record in strategic growth and operational excellence
Universal Investment Group, a premier fund services platform and Super ManCo, today announced the appointment of Hilton Hess as Chief Financial Officer, effective September 1, 2025. In his new role, Hess will further strengthen the UI Group’s C-suite, its senior executive body, and will oversee all aspects of the Group’s financial strategy and management.
Hess brings more than 35 years of international corporate finance and leadership experience, with a career largely dedicated to CFO roles in Europe, Asia, and Africa. Throughout his career, he has successfully led both listed and private equity-backed organisations through major growth initiatives and is recognised for building high-performing global finance, IT, and governance teams, implementing new systems, and embedding robust governance and reporting frameworks across diverse markets.
Most recently, Hilton Hess served as Chief Financial Officer at Vistra Group Holding, a leading global provider of corporate governance, fund administration, and entity management services. Prior to this, Hess held the position of CFO at VetPartners Ltd, where he led the Finance, IT, and governance functions and successfully delivered organic and inorganic growth initiatives. Previously, at Antelliq, he guided the organisation through significant strategic transformation initiatives that enhanced its market position.
Earlier in his career, Hess served as CFO for the East Division and subsequently for Europe at Rentokil Initial Plc. His professional journey began at Unilever Plc, including a role as CFO for South Africa, where he co-led transformative structural changes.
Hess is a Fellow of the Institute of Management Accountants (FCMA & GCMA) and holds a B.Com. from Stellenbosch University, South Africa.
“I am delighted to welcome Hilton to our Group leadership team in this pivotal role,” said Francesca McDonagh, Group Chief Executive Officer of Universal Investment. “He combines deep financial expertise with a strong record of international leadership. His experience in driving long-term growth, operational excellence, and strategic change makes him ideally qualified to lead our financial strategy as we pursue continued growth with our clients.”
“I am honoured to join Universal Investment Group at such an important time in its growth journey,” said Hilton Hess. “I look forward to working closely with the leadership team and our finance organisation to advance our strategic goals and deliver exceptional value for our clients, employees, and shareholders.”
Hess brings more than 35 years of international corporate finance and leadership experience, with a career largely dedicated to CFO roles in Europe, Asia, and Africa. Throughout his career, he has successfully led both listed and private equity-backed organisations through major growth initiatives and is recognised for building high-performing global finance, IT, and governance teams, implementing new systems, and embedding robust governance and reporting frameworks across diverse markets.
Most recently, Hilton Hess served as Chief Financial Officer at Vistra Group Holding, a leading global provider of corporate governance, fund administration, and entity management services. Prior to this, Hess held the position of CFO at VetPartners Ltd, where he led the Finance, IT, and governance functions and successfully delivered organic and inorganic growth initiatives. Previously, at Antelliq, he guided the organisation through significant strategic transformation initiatives that enhanced its market position.
Earlier in his career, Hess served as CFO for the East Division and subsequently for Europe at Rentokil Initial Plc. His professional journey began at Unilever Plc, including a role as CFO for South Africa, where he co-led transformative structural changes.
Hess is a Fellow of the Institute of Management Accountants (FCMA & GCMA) and holds a B.Com. from Stellenbosch University, South Africa.
“I am delighted to welcome Hilton to our Group leadership team in this pivotal role,” said Francesca McDonagh, Group Chief Executive Officer of Universal Investment. “He combines deep financial expertise with a strong record of international leadership. His experience in driving long-term growth, operational excellence, and strategic change makes him ideally qualified to lead our financial strategy as we pursue continued growth with our clients.”
“I am honoured to join Universal Investment Group at such an important time in its growth journey,” said Hilton Hess. “I look forward to working closely with the leadership team and our finance organisation to advance our strategic goals and deliver exceptional value for our clients, employees, and shareholders.”
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