Ex-Deloitte partner to become new Rolls-Royce finance boss

The former global head of accountancy giant Deloitte’s audit and assurance practice has been named as Rolls-Royce’s new CFO.

Panos Kakoullis will take over the role on May 3, with current finance chief Stephen Dainlith stepping down on March 19 – after the Derby manufacturing firm’s full-year 2020 results have been published.

Kakoullis has spent his career at Deloitte, which he joined as a graduate. He worked with a wide range of multinational corporations combining audit, advisory and transaction services. More recently he joined PA Consulting.

Warren East, CEO of Rolls-Royce, said: “We are delighted to announce the appointment of Panos as chief financial officer who will join us in May this year. Panos delivered significant transformational change at Deloitte, streamlining and simplifying the business and we look forward to benefitting from his expertise and experience as we deliver on our fundamental reorganisation and secure a sustainable and prosperous future for Rolls-Royce.”

Kakoullis said: “I am very excited to be joining Rolls-Royce at such a pivotal time. I have great admiration for Warren, the wider leadership team and the business as a whole and am proud to become part of the team.”