Flying Tiger Copenhagen CFO Christian Kofoed Hertz Jakobsen exits following Modella Capital deal
Christian Kofoed Hertz Jakobsen has announced his departure from Flying Tiger Copenhagen, where he served as Group CFO. This follows Flying Tiger being snapped up by Modella Capital, the British investment firm which owns the former high street arm of WH Smith, now called TG Jones.
The Danish retailer operates about 1,000 stores worldwide, including 80 in the UK. For the 12 months running up to the Modella Capital deal, it was controlled by its banks and management, which bought out the company in June last year.
In a LinkedIn post, Jakobsen said: “After more than seven years with Flying Tiger Copenhagen, I have agreed with our majority shareholder, Modella Capital, that the time is right for me to step down from my position as Group CFO. Flying Tiger Copenhagen has been a very important part of my professional life, and I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved together during a period of significant change and development for the company.”
He added: “Over those seven years, I have had the privilege of co-leading the business through four different ownerships, each representing a distinct chapter in Flying Tiger Copenhagen’s journey. It has been an extraordinary experience to see the company evolve, navigate periods of transformation and emerge stronger, while preserving the energy and uniqueness that make it such a special company.”
“With Flying Tiger Copenhagen now entering another new chapter under Modella’s ownership, Modella and I have mutually agreed that this is the right time for a transition. For now, I am exploring different opportunities which have emerged and will share more on this when the time is right. My immediate focus will be on ensuring a smooth and professional handover and supporting the entire team as well as Modella in the best possible way during the transition.”
He concluded: “Leaving after more than seven years is not an easy decision. More than anything, I am grateful for the many talented and dedicated colleagues I have had the privilege of working with along the way. I have enormous respect for Flying Tiger Copenhagen, for what we have built together, and above all for the people who have been part of that journey.”
“I leave extremely proud of what we have accomplished, even though there is still a lot to do, and I am excited about what lies ahead - both for Flying Tiger Copenhagen and for me personally. Thank you to everyone who has made these seven years so memorable - including all external stakeholders.”
2026 RTIH Innovation Awards
Physical stores will be a key focus area at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards.
The awards are now open for entries and celebrate global retail technology innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.
Our winners will be revealed at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards Ceremony, taking place at The HAC in Central London on Wednesday, 4th November.
Check out our 2025 winners here.
Our 2025 hall of fame entrants were revealed during a sold out event which took place at The HAC on 16th October and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by award winning comedian, actress and writer Tiff Stevenson.
In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “This is the awards’ fifth year as a physical event. We started off with just 30 people at the South Place Hotel not far from here, then moved to London Bridge Hotel, then The Barbican, and last year RIBA’s HQ in the West End.”
“But I’m conscious of the fact that, to quote the legend that is Taylor Swift, You’re only as hot as your last hit, baby. So, this year we’ve moved to our biggest venue yet, and also pulled in our largest number of entries to date and broken attendance records.”
He added: “This year’s submissions have without doubt been our best yet. To quote one of the judges: The examples of innovative developments across both traditional and digital retail spaces were truly remarkable.”
Congratulations to our winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Tiff Stevenson, and all those who attended our 2025 gathering.
