Unity Advisory: Marissa Thomas Leads New CFO Advisory Launch Backed by Warburg Pincus

Deal News | Jun 30, 2025 | Warburg Pincus

Unity Advisory: Marissa Thomas Leads New CFO Advisory Launch Backed by Warburg Pincus

Warburg Pincus has announced a new venture partnering with Marissa Thomas and Steve Varley to launch Unity Advisory, a next-generation CFO advisory firm based in London. Unity Advisory aims to provide business finance, operations, tax, compliance, and digital transformation services to private equity-backed and upper mid-market firms. The firm is funded by an initial $300 million equity line from Warburg Pincus, enhanced by contributions from the founders. With technology and AI as core components, Unity Advisory is set to expand globally, offering partner-led, high-touch services at a pace that matches client demand. Led by seasoned professionals from PwC and EY, Unity Advisory brings together deep industry experience with a commitment to innovation in financial advisory. Unity Advisory's strategy includes the rapid recruitment of talent and potential acquisitions to support growth, positioning itself to redefine CFO services.

Sectors

  • CFO Advisory Services
  • Private Equity
  • Technology and AI

Geography

  • United Kingdom – Unity Advisory is headquartered in London, indicating a significant initial market and operational base.
  • Global – Warburg Pincus has offices worldwide, and Unity Advisory plans to expand into additional international markets, supported by Warburg Pincus's global reach.

Industry

  • CFO Advisory Services – Unity Advisory specializes in CFO services including business finance, finance operations, tax, compliance, and digital transformation, primarily catering to private equity-backed and upper mid-market businesses.
  • Private Equity – Warburg Pincus's backing of Unity Advisory demonstrates its ongoing investment strategy into professional services and expansion into new markets.
  • Technology and AI – AI and technology-driven solutions are fundamental to Unity Advisory's business model, aiming to enhance service delivery and operational efficiency.

Financials

  • $300 million – Initial equity line provided by Warburg Pincus to fund Unity Advisory.

Participants

NameRoleTypeDescription
Warburg PincusBackerCompanyA global private equity firm providing the financial backing for Unity Advisory.
Unity AdvisoryTarget CompanyCompanyA newly established CFO advisory firm offering comprehensive services to mid-market businesses and private equity ventures.
Marissa ThomasCEOPersonFormer Managing Partner of PwC UK, now leading Unity Advisory.
Steve VarleyChairmanPersonFormer EY UK&I Regional Managing Partner, now Chairman of Unity Advisory.
David TapnackManaging PartnerPersonBrings significant experience from PwC to Unity Advisory as Managing Partner.