SaaS provider OneAdvanced has appointed Emma Brown as CFO, tasking the experienced software executive with leading its financial and commercial strategy as it expands its AI-powered software business.

She succeeds Stephen Dews, who has held the role since February 2023.

Brown joins from another SaaS business, CUBE, where she was group CFO and a board director. She brings more than 15 years of experience in technology, AI and data businesses, with expertise in growth, operational transformation, mergers and acquisitions, and international expansion. Previous roles include CFO and board positions at Medius, Talkwalker, Smartways Logistics and MedicalDirector.

Her appointment follows OneAdvanced’s launch of IQ in April 2026, an AI-powered platform designed to connect people, data and software workflows for organisations operating in regulated and business-critical sectors, including healthcare, education, housing and public services. The company, headquartered in Birmingham, describes itself as a 'sovereign AI-powered sector-focused SaaS software' provider.

Simon Walsh, CEO of OneAdvanced, said the company had invested hundreds of millions of pounds in modernising its core systems over recent years and would use IQ to expand its AI-powered workflows.

“Emma brings a powerful combination of SaaS leadership, commercial judgement and practical AI experience. Her background in growth, acquisitions, and operational transformation will be invaluable as we invest further in IQ and scale it across every sector we serve,” he said.

Brown said: "OneAdvanced combines a compelling commercial opportunity with work that matters. Its customers deliver services millions of people depend on every day. More intelligent software for those organisations means better outcomes for our customers and their customers; patients, learners, and tenants.

“I have seen first-hand what it takes to scale a software business and how governed AI, embedded in the flow of work, can transform the way teams work. My focus will be on making sure we invest in the opportunities that create lasting value for customers and apply financial discipline and operational excellence to deliver them. I’m excited to work with Simon and the team to turn OneAdvanced’s ambition into results.”

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