Red Rooster Lifting is pleased to announce the promotion of Lesley Christie to Financial Director.
The appointment marks a significant milestone in Lesley’s career with the business and reflects more than 12 years of progression, contribution and leadership within the company’s finance function.
Having joined Red Rooster Lifting as an Accounts Assistant, Lesley has developed through a series of increasingly senior roles, helping to strengthen financial operations while supporting the wider growth of the business.
Her early responsibilities included sales ledger management, invoicing, credit control support, timesheet entry and general office administration in what was, at the time, a highly manual environment.
From those early days, Lesley progressed steadily through the organisation as opportunities arose, building experience across finance, systems and business operations before becoming Financial Manager and now stepping into the role of Financial Director.
Lesley Christie
Over the course of her career with Red Rooster Lifting, Lesley has played an important role in modernising the finance function and improving the way financial and operational systems work together across the business.
Her contribution has included the implementation of a bespoke operating system, the integration of Xero accounting software, the development of more streamlined processes linking sales, hire and stock systems, and the introduction of a new HR system to support wider business operations.
Lesley said: “We evolved through technology, using more modern software packages including Xero and a bespoke ERP system designed to support a company that hires, sells and manufactures equipment. The implementation of Xero has streamlined the financial function, and the ERP system was built to align our operational requirements with financial reporting.”
In her new role as Financial Director, Lesley will take on a more strategic position within the business, contributing directly to commercial decision-making and long-term planning. Her focus will include supporting expansion into new international markets, contributing to business growth across existing and emerging regions, and assisting with facility expansion to support the growing hire fleet.
Red Rooster Lifting continues to operate within a changing energy landscape, particularly across the North Sea sector, while also pursuing diversification and international growth opportunities.
Lesley Christie with Paul Shewan
Lesley commented: “Growth needs to be sustainable and supported by good planning. It’s important to invest in the right areas at the right time while maintaining strong financial controls and understanding the operational demands of the business.”
She added that her priorities over the coming years include supporting strategic expansion, strengthening financial planning and maintaining a clear focus on risk management as the business explores new markets and industries.
Commenting on leadership within an engineering and rental-based business, Lesley highlighted the importance of teamwork, resilience and strong communication between departments, as well as a shared commitment to continuous improvement.
She also said that her long service with the business reflects the strength of the team and the culture within Red Rooster Lifting, adding that her skills had been shaped and nurtured through a clear internal progression path.
Looking ahead, Lesley said she is particularly encouraged by opportunities to support growth in new markets, build partnerships in new geographical locations and help the business diversify into new industries.
Paul Shewan, Managing Director of Red Rooster Lifting, said: “Lesley’s promotion reflects the significant contribution she has made to the business over many years and the important role she continues to play in supporting Red Rooster Lifting’s strategic development.”