Games Workshop may have a new queen of finance to fill the shoes of their CFO, Rachel Tongue, who is out the door.
It looks like there’s a new Queen of Finance, and she’s set to take the Warhammer universe by storm. Here’s the inside scoop on Elizabeth Harrison’s big promotion and what it means for the future of Games Workshop.
The Appointment of Elizabeth Harrison as Games Workshop’s Group Finance Director
Imagine being in charge of the finances for an entire universe—well, the Warhammer universe, at least. Games Workshop’s Group Reporting Manager, Elizabeth Harrison, is set to take on this challenge.
She will be nominated to join the board of directors as Group Finance Director at the firm’s annual general meeting this September. If the shareholders give their thumbs up, she’ll be in charge of the checkbook for all things Warhammer.
Elizabeth Harrison’s Background
Elizabeth Harrison isn’t new to the Games Workshop family. She’s been with the company since 2000, starting as a finance manager for the German sales business. Over the years, she’s climbed the ranks, and since 2013, she’s been the Group Reporting Manager.
This means she’s been deeply involved in the company’s financial workings for over two decades, dating back to 3rd edition Warhammer 40k, and the rise of the Lord of the Rings Miniatures Game, Mordhiem, and more.
The Role of a Group Finance Director
So, what exactly does a Group Finance Director do? In short, they ensure that money is well spent. For Games Workshop, this role is crucial as it involves keeping track of all the company’s cash, assets, and liabilities. This information is vital for other decision-makers within the company. Harrison will also devise long-term financial strategies and coordinate with teams on big capital projects.
Financial Responsibilities
Managing the financial landscape of a company like Games Workshop is no small feat. Harrison will need to maintain full accounts of the firm’s finances, ensuring everything is in order. She’ll provide critical financial data to other leaders and help steer the company’s financial future. This involves planning long-term strategies and working with various teams to implement large-scale projects.
Games Workshop’s Recent Financial Developments
Image From Hikrobotics
Games Workshop has been busy investing in its infrastructure. Recent financial reports highlight ongoing investments to modernize the company’s IT and warehouse systems. These updates are a big part of their development strategy and will be on Harrison’s radar.
Plus, the company is exploring the possibility of opening another factory unit to keep up with the growing demand for Warhammer 40k and Age of Sigmar miniatures. If nothing else, it seems like GW understands the issues, as they talk of another factory opening up.
However, GW’s CEO said they would continue to sell out of everything not that long ago, so it would be challenging to produce the optimum amount of products to satisfy both consumers and the Board of Directors.
Transition of Leadership
Harrison will replace Rachel Tongue, who has been in the role for many years. Tongue announced her retirement in Games Workshop’s half-year report published in January 2024 and has already started building her nest by selling over $875,000 of her shares in the company.
Looking Forward
With Harrison stepping into this pivotal position, there are high expectations. She’ll face numerous challenges and exciting opportunities. Her deep understanding of the company and its finances will be crucial as Games Workshop grows and innovates.
Financial leadership is critical for any company, and with Harrison at the helm, Games Workshop’s financial future may be bright again. That is assuming they can sort out the product supply issues that seem to send consumers towards other better-produced game systems and 3D printing (if the online comments are to be taken at face value.)
What do you think about the possibility of a new Games Workshop factory, and a possible new Group Finance Director?
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About the Author: Rob Baer
Rob Baer
Job Title: Managing Editor
Founded Spikey Bits in 2009
Socials: Rob Baer on Facebook and @catdaddymbg on X
About Rob Baer: Founder, Publisher, & Managing Editor of Spikey Bits, the leading tabletop gaming news website focused on the hobby side of wargaming and miniatures.
Rob also co-founded and currently hosts the Long War Podcast, which has over 350 episodes and focuses on tabletop miniatures gaming, specializing in Warhammer 40k. and spent six years writing for Bell of Lost Souls.
Every year, along with his co-hosts, he helps host the Long War 40k Doubles Tournament at Adepticon and the Long War 40k Doubles at Las Vegas Open, which attracts over 350 players from around the world.
Rob has won many Warhammer 40k Tournaments over the years, including multiple first-place finishes in Warhammer 40k Grand Tournaments over the years and even winning 1st place at the Adepticon 40k Team Tournament.
With over 30 years of experience in retail and distribution, Rob knows all the products and exactly which ones are the best. As a member of GAMA (Game Manufacturers Association), he advocates for gaming stores and manufacturers in these difficult times, always looking for the next big thing to feature for the miniatures hobby, helping everyone to provide the value consumers want.
While he’s played every edition of Warhammer 40k and Warhammer Fantasy (since 5th Edition) and has been hobbying on miniatures since the 1980s, Titans of all sizes will always be his favorite! It’s even rumored that his hobby vault rivals the Solemnance Galleries, containing rulebooks filled with lore from editions long past, ancient packs of black-bordered Magic Cards, and models made of both pewter and resin.
