A chartered accountant with over three decades of experience in leading professional services partnerships, Clare Kennedy joined Spencer Stuart as chief financial officer in early 2026. From her previous CFO and COO roles, she brings significant experience in providing strategic, commercial and financial advice to leading global partnerships as well as a focus on improving financial performance, strengthening operations, developing high-performing teams and leading all aspects of finance. Clare has a strong track record in leading global operations and is known for her international mindset, her diverse skill set and her focus on delivering results.
Finance leader with diverse global perspective and deep partnership and professional services experience
- Prior to joining the firm, Clare was chief operating officer at the Maples Group, an international advisory firm that provides legal, fiduciary and fund administration services.
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As global CFO at Freshfields, a leading international law firm, she sat on and advised the global executive board, delivered a significant finance transformation programme and provided leadership to the global finance function.
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During her 18-year tenure at Linklaters, another leading international law firm, Clare held a variety of leadership roles in senior commercial and operational positions during a period of significant expansion and growth.
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She began her career at Arthur Andersen and EY as a chartered accountant, where she gained deep and relevant experience in corporate tax.
Scottish by background, Clare is a dual British/Canadian citizen currently living in London. She received her BA with Honours in Business Studies and Economics from the University of Stirling and is a member (ACA) of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW). In addition, Clare completed the CFO Development Programme within the Institute of Chartered Accountants while with Linklaters.