In this episode of From Go to CFO, we sit down with Lorenz Haefeli, the CFO of Bailey Nelson, a finance leader whose journey has taken him from Sydney’s Northern Beaches to the fast-paced world of automotive giants like Tesla and onto international optical retailer Bailey Nelson.

Starting his career in audit at KPMG before making the leap to London, he’s since held finance roles across insurance, automotive distribution, and innovative retail. Along the way, he’s combined a passion for cars with a sharp commercial mindset to lead high-impact finance teams in both established and scaling businesses.

Key highlights include:

• How an early foundation in audit built strong analytical and strategic thinking
• What transitioning from insurance to automotive taught him about adaptability
• Lessons from working at Subaru and Tesla—where passion meets precision
• The value of international experience early in a finance career
• His approach to aligning finance with business goals in a high-growth retail environment

This episode is a must-listen for finance professionals interested in navigating cross-industry careers, leveraging personal passions, and driving strategic impact across global markets.