(Image: SANDY YOUNG)
The finance director who helped return the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland (RHASS) to surplus has been named CFO of the Year at the 2026 Scottish CFO Awards.
Nicky Wood, group finance director at RHASS, received the award in the not-for-profit category in recognition of her leadership in delivering the organisation’s financial turnaround.
Nicky Wood, group finance director at RHASS at the awards. (Image: SANDY YOUNG)
RHASS reported unrestricted net income of £551,000 for the 2025 financial year, following deficits of £1.8 million in 2024 and £3.1 million in 2023.
Ms Wood helped develop and deliver the organisation’s financial turnaround plan, including efforts to embed shared financial responsibility across the group.
The work supports RHASS’s charitable activities, the Royal Highland Show, its largest fundraising event, and the year-round events business at the Royal Highland Centre.
Ms Wood was shortlisted alongside Crawford Hunt of Capital Theatres, Jane Smith of Children’s Hospices Across Scotland and Martin Booth of Enable Scotland.
Her award comes as RHASS builds on its return to surplus and focuses on long-term financial stability.
Read more
Nicky Wood, group finance director at RHASS, said: "I'm incredibly honoured to have received this award, particularly alongside so many talented finance professionals from across Scotland.
"The past year has been an important one for RHASS, and I'm proud of what we've achieved together as a team.
"Returning the organisation to a surplus position has been a significant milestone, but just as importantly, we've been focused on building the foundations for long-term financial stability.
"RHASS has always been part of my life.
"As a farmer's daughter, with a father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who were all life members of the Society, I grew up competing at the Royal Highland Show, from pony classes to stock judging with the Young Farmers.
"Joining RHASS was an opportunity to use my professional experience to give something back to a Society that means a great deal to my family and to agriculture in Scotland."
Alex Paterson, chief executive of RHASS, said: "The past year has marked a significant turning point for RHASS, and Nicky's expertise, leadership, and commitment to supporting colleagues have been invaluable in helping to deliver the organisation's financial turnaround.
"Nicky's recognition as CFO of the Year is thoroughly deserved and a fantastic achievement."