Meet the Team
Rowan Ellis
Director - FounderRowan is a seasoned finance and risk professional having cut his teeth in financial services initially and then moving into other industries. He has held senior finance and risk role having held both CFO and CRO roles. Rowan brings finance and risk under one umbrella and uses this approach to inform strategy.
Rowan’s recent portfolio of client work, includes supporting a number of transactions, risk framework build, as well as CFO advisory.
EXPERIENCE: Global Experience, PLC, PE, Private Company, Executive, Non Exec Directory & Board Advisory
ABILITIES: Transactions expert, risk sme, corporate governance, target operating model & strategy, interim support.
kARTHIK NAGARAJ
Director - FounderKarthik is a Big Four trained finance and consulting professional with over 18 years of international experience across the UK, Australia, and Spain. He has worked across sectors including aviation, banking, and property, delivering finance transformation, operational improvement, and strategic advisory engagements.
Over the past five years, Karthik has focused on building XVARO, developing their planning and delivery methodology and establishing resource hubs in South Africa and India to support scalable, flexible client delivery.
EXPERIENCE: Big 4 trained, International and UK Finance professional, Transformation Specialist, CFO in Housing
ABILITIES: Business Transformation, Process Improvement, System Implementations, Business Partnering, FP&A And Decision Support, Programme Finance.
Steve Traill
Director Steve is a business leader and entrepreneur with over 25 years of experience in the IT sector across South Africa and the UK, having founded and led technology businesses and held senior management roles in large corporates. At Xvaro, he leads business operations, data governance and compliance, and information security and privacy.
EXPERIENCE: IT sector, Business Founder, Executive Director, UK and SA corporate management, Sales and Operations Leadership
ABILITIES: Business Operations, Data Governance & Compliance, Information Security & Privacy, Sales And Channel Management, Project management, IT Infrastructure, Business Development
Our FINANCE Team
Clementine Philbin
CIMA‑qualified finance professional with over ten years’ experience in financial services, recognised for delivering robust reporting, leading M&A activity and finance transformation initiatives, overseeing complex transactions and managing high‑performing finance teams.
OFFICE: UK
Bridget Reed
Bridget is a finance, risk, and governance specialist with over 25 years of experience across the public sector, audit, and consulting. She supports housing association clients with governance, finance improvement, and strategic advisory services.
OFFICE: UK
courtney Creighton
Courtney is a finance leader and management consultant with experience in financial planning, management accounting, and budgeting. She supports organisations with strategic insight and performance improvement.
OFFICE : UK
Frances Walters
Fran is a finance professional with experience in bookkeeping, account reconciliations, and financial reporting. She helps clients maintain robust financial processes through strong analytical skills and a practical, detail-oriented approach.
OFFICE: South Africa
Robert Mills
Robert handles the day-to-day invoicing and keeps the various financial models running smoothly and accurately in Excel using his background in Finance and Information Systems
OFFICE: South Africa
Yvonne Laing
Yvonne is a bookkeeper with experience in accounts payable and receivable, bank reconciliations, and financial record keeping. She supports clients through accurate data processing and efficient query management.
OFFICE: South Africa
Housing Services Team
Malize barqadle
A Registered Adult Nurse with over eight years of experience across healthcare settings. She supports individuals through person-centred practice, drawing on expertise in assessment, safeguarding, and clinical governance.
OFFICE : UK
Lara Sharp
Lara is an Assessment Officer within the housing sector, bringing experience in healthcare and pharmacology. She is known for her thoughtful approach, empathy, and dedication to supporting people through every interaction.
OFFICE : South Africa
Nolene Steenkamp
Nolene is a qualified nurse with over 20 years of experience across healthcare, pharmaceutical sales, and school health services. She builds trusted relationships and delivers positive outcomes through her people-focused approach and strong leadership skills.
OFFICE: South Africa
Tarryn Gander
Tarryn is a Housing Support Assessor with a background in finance, pastoral care, and prison ministry. She supports individuals through person-centred assessments and is known for her compassionate approach, attention to detail, and ability to build trust.
OFFICE: South Africa
Sports Services Team
Lara‑Lyn Connellan
A Customer Success Executive with experience managing partnerships between brands and athletes. She is known for her relationship-building skills, client-focused approach, and commitment to delivering successful campaigns.
OFFICE : South Africa
Nicola Woodgate
Nicola is a Sales & Customer Success professional with experience in brand partnerships, client relationship management, and athlete marketing. She is known for her people-focused approach and ability to build strong, lasting relationships.
OFFICE : South Africa
Cameron Duckham
Cameron is an accounting student who supports Xvaro with bookkeeping and finance operations services. She is known for her attention to detail and commitment to maintaining accurate financial records and supporting client success.
OFFICE : South Africa
“XVARO quickly understood our challenges and delivered solutions that were both practical and effective. Their support has been instrumental in driving meaningful change”
— Former Customer