
We’ve managed sizable teams, worked with talent development and grown multiple businesses, both cross border and cross sector. We know and understand the processes required, and we apply that learning to our SME and entrepreneurial clients to help them grow smart in the global marketplace.
Our Management Team

Stefan Focas
Stefan had a 20-year career in professional services and the corporate world across Europe and Asia Pacific. Before co-founding Stepping Stone, his last role was as CFO for Asia Pacific for a global leader in the information industry. He acts as an independent director for companies across several countries and was previously President of the New Zealand Chamber of Commerce in Singapore. Originally from New Zealand, Stefan spends his time between the Singapore and Dublin offices, including working with companies from Europe taking their first steps into the growing ASEAN markets.

Ivan Woods
Ivan leads our Singapore office and brings over 20 years of experience across Europe, the Middle East and Asia. He qualified as a Chartered Accountant with PWC in London and has since lived and worked in Tokyo, Hong Kong, Dubai and Singapore, including in senior roles with the World Bank and HSBC and with regional investors and financial institutions. With extensive investment experience across a range of sectors, countries and deal sizes, Ivan also heads up Stepping Stone’s Investment business.

AC Barclay
Heading up Hong Kong, he worked across various industries in Europe and Asia. After ten years with a big four firm he focused on working with funds, start ups and distressed businesses. He has structured a wide variety of deals to serve clients’ needs. As part of providing CFO services he provides deep commercial and strategic insight and mentoring. He serves on the boards of companies, Funds and SPVs as well as a non-profit.

Paul Haycock
Paul is a qualified chartered accountant with significant experience in restructuring and turnaround management with businesses in the travel and leisure, motor, technology and education industries. More recently he has had an active involvement with a number of successful start-ups in a CFO capacity and as an advisor for a number of domestic and international entities. Paul also set up and runs Nure Net, a local business network in the Dublin suburb of Terenure. Outside of work Paul is a rugby referee with the IRFU, involved with matches throughout both Ireland and Europe.

Grant Bateman
Grant has 29 years experience in professional services firms and corporate positions with 17 years of these based in the United Arab Emirates, & after moving from Australia in 2000. His chartered firm experience includes Deloitte, Arthur Andersen and Grant Thornton, specializing in SME’s and Entrepreneurs, whilst his 12 years of corporate experience covered Director, General Manager and CFO roles in energy related businesses in the UAE operating across the MENA and Asian regions. Grant has extensive experience with cross border contracts, taxation and corporate structures and currently sits on the Board of the Australian Business Council in Dubai.

Martin Aitchison
Martin has extensive international experience and exposure across numerous industries including media, marketing services, FMCG and professional services. He has diverse investment exposure from capital raisings for privately held ventures through to cross-jurisdictional listings on the London Stock Exchange. He serves on the board of several companies and is a member of the Australian Institute of Directors. Martin previously served as President of the New Zealand Chamber of Commerce in Singapore.
Get in touch with your nearest office
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