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Value creation now defines the CFO role, new Barton Partnership research finds

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New research from The Barton Partnership shows CFOs are now leading value creation in 87% of PE-backed businesses, but 59% are starting from scratch, inheriting finance functions built for a different job.

LONDON, July 20, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — The finance function has become the pressure point of the private equity playbook. CFOs are now expected to own value creation delivery, but most step into a role still resourced for financial stewardship, not board-level accountability, according to new research from The Barton Partnership. The findings are drawn from a survey of 258 CFOs across Europe, North America and Asia-Pacific, published today in The Role of the CFO in PE-Backed Businesses.

“The CFO has become the fund’s primary translator between investment thesis and operational reality,” said Oliver Phoenix, CEO of The Barton Partnership.

A structural reset

Two-thirds of CFOs (67%) say the scope of their role has changed materially in recent years. That figure holds steady across every experience level, from first-year appointees to CFOs with over a decade of PE experience. The consistency reported across CFOs rules out a simple learning curve. It points instead to a reset in what sponsors expect from the finance seat.

Value creation initiatives now top the day-to-day agenda for 67% of CFOs, ahead of cash flow and liquidity (57%) and financial reporting and controls (54%). In smaller portfolio companies especially, the role is converging with that of a COO.

Additional findings include:

VCP involvement is now a baseline expectation, not a stretch goal: 87% of CFOs describe themselves as strong contributors to or leaders of the Value Creation Plan. Just over a quarter (27%) lead it outright, and only 13% report limited or no involvement.Most CFOs are rebuilding the function while running it: 59% describe the finance function they inherited as weak and in need of a rebuild. That figure climbs to 62% in businesses below $100M. Even at the top end of the market, only 19% of CFOs in the largest portfolio companies inherited a strong function.Forecasting and cash visibility are where CFOs feel most exposed: 61% cite forecast accuracy and 50% cite cash and liquidity management as their greatest areas of personal risk. Both trace back to the same root cause: data quality most functions still lack.Sponsor clarity matters more than sponsor involvement: Just 18% of CFOs report being highly aligned with their sponsors. Asked what would most improve their effectiveness, 79% pointed to clear and realistic performance expectations, far outweighing demand for hands-on support (27%).Equity is standard, but ownership stakes are thin: 89% of CFOs participate in equity or a long-term incentive plan. Yet 65% hold less than 1%. Base salary (73%) and equity (69%) dominate what CFOs prioritize when evaluating new roles, well ahead of annual bonus (35%).

When the whole leadership team owns value creation

“The CFO has become the fund’s primary translator between investment thesis and operational reality,” said Oliver Phoenix, CEO of The Barton Partnership. “That’s a substantially bigger job than the one most finance leaders signed up for a decade ago.”

CFO effectiveness, the report finds, is shaped as much by the conditions of the mandate as by the capability of the individual.

“The businesses that deliver are the ones where value creation sits with the whole leadership team, effectively a value creation board, rather than being pushed onto one function to own and defend. Our data shows CFOs are absorbing accountability for conditions they don’t fully control: sponsor clarity, cross-functional alignment, the quality of the team around them. Where those conditions are in place, the finance function becomes one of the fund’s strongest mobilizers of value creation,” said Phoenix.

What’s coming next

Three challenges dominate the year ahead. Delivery of value creation initiatives tops the list at 46%, followed by macroeconomic uncertainty at 41% and data quality and systems at 39%. None of these sit in isolation. Weak data undermines forecasting, weak forecasting undermines VCP delivery, and weak delivery undermines a CFO’s credibility with the sponsor. The report suggests the firms that invest early in data infrastructure and sponsor alignment will see materially stronger returns from their finance leadership across the hold period.

The full report breaks down remuneration trends, capability gaps and hiring priorities by revenue band, along with regional differences in base salary and equity allocation across Europe, North America and Asia-Pacific.

To download a copy of the report, go to: https://www.thebartonpartnership.com/blog/2026/07/the-role-of-the-CFO-in-PE-backed-businesses.

About The Barton Partnership

The Barton Partnership is a specialist strategic talent solutions provider that helps organizations bridge the gap between strategy and execution. Since 2007, the firm has partnered with FTSE-listed and Fortune 500 companies, private equity firms and their portfolio businesses, global financial institutions, and leading consulting organizations to deliver executive search, interim and independent consulting, and consulting solutions.

Combining deep sector expertise with specialist functional focus, The Barton Partnership connects clients with senior leaders across Strategy & M&A, Transformation & Change, Technology & Data, and ESG & Sustainability. The firm’s integrated approach aligns talent strategies with business priorities, ensuring every placement, whether interim, permanent or consulting, delivers measurable impact.

The Barton Partnership is a certified B Corp™ and supports clients globally from offices in London, New York, Singapore, Sydney, and Toronto. Learn more at thebartonpartnership.com.

Media Contact

Brittney Kowalski, The Barton Partnership, 1 6035042024, brittney.kowalski@thebartonpartnership.com, https://www.thebartonpartnership.com/ 

View original content:https://www.prweb.com/releases/value-creation-now-defines-the-cfo-role-new-barton-partnership-research-finds-302829273.html

SOURCE The Barton Partnership

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Best Prescription Sunglasses (2026): Quay Featured Among Stylish, Fashion-Forward RX Frames for Everyday Wear and Versatile Personal Style by Consumer365

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NEW YORK, Sept. 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Consumer365 has recognized Quay in a 2026 feature examining the best prescription sunglasses for everyday wear and versatile personal style. The coverage highlights prescription-ready fashion frames, varied lens options, and published prices relevant to shoppers seeking premium-looking eyewear within a defined budget.

Best Prescription Sunglasses:

Quay – offers prescription-ready sunglasses with fashion-focused frames, customizable lens tints, and adjustable or built-in nose pads, combining premium-looking designs with everyday versatility and personal style.

The feature focuses on Quay’s online prescription sunglasses collection. The range includes aviators, squares, rounds, and cat eyes, supported by filters for frame size and bridge fit. The selection allows different silhouettes to be considered alongside practical requirements for vision correction, comfort, and daily use.

Consumer365’s assessment draws on published product specifications and ordering guidance. The coverage examines accessible luxury as a styling approach, with attention to frame proportions, finishes, and customization. The review also explains why the complete prescription configuration matters when evaluating price and suitability.

Prescription Frames With Distinct Design Details

The featured collection includes several interpretations of contemporary prescription eyewear. Three models illustrate how frame shape, construction, and bridge design create different styling options:

GONE VIRAL RX: A small oval aviator combines metal construction with an integrated hinge and a clean temple design. The narrow-fit frame uses adjustable silicone nose pads and provides slightly smaller coverage.WIRED RX: An oversized unisex square features rounded corners, lightweight construction, and built-in nose pads. The softened outline gives the frame a relaxed profile for everyday styling.AURA POINTS RX: A narrow oval frame combines standard arms with built-in nose pads. Published measurements include a 141 mm frame width and a 35 mm lens height, creating a compact visual profile.

Each featured model includes a hard case and cleaning cloth. Together, the designs demonstrate how prescription-ready frames can vary in material, scale, bridge support, and overall silhouette.

Premium-Looking Eyewear and Budget Considerations

At the time of research, Quay‘s US product pages displayed AURA POINTS RX at $75, WIRED RX at $85, and GONE VIRAL RX at $175. The figures provide reference points for browsing. The displayed amounts should not be treated as guaranteed totals for every prescription configuration.

Lens material and selected options can affect the completed purchase. A meaningful budget assessment therefore considers the full frame-and-lens configuration. Comparing models at the same prescription settings provides a clearer basis for evaluating value.

The different displayed prices show that Quay’s prescription collection covers more than one price level. AURA POINTS RX and WIRED RX provide lower starting points, while GONE VIRAL RX sits at a higher listed price. Selection can therefore depend on silhouette, frame material, bridge fit, and preferred finish, subject to the final lens configuration.

The accessible-luxury angle centers on appearance rather than a claim of luxury-grade construction. Metallic accents, tortoise patterns, and considered proportions contribute to a polished look. Consumer365’s feature separates those visual qualities from measurable considerations such as prescription compatibility and frame dimensions.

Lens Materials and Sun Tint Options

Quay‘s featured RX pages list single-vision polycarbonate, 1.67 high-index, and 1.74 ultra-high-index lens options. Published specifications identify anti-reflective coating, scratch resistance, and 100% UVA/UVB protection across the listed choices. Blue light filtering is also available as an optional add-on. Availability should be confirmed for the selected frame and prescription.

Sunglass tint options include Black Fade, Brown Gradient, Smoke Solid, Green, and Navy. Light Blue, Pink, and Purple provide further color choices. Lens tint can change the appearance of a frame without changing the underlying silhouette.

Quay notes that prescription lens colors may differ slightly from their nonprescription versions. Product photographs should be considered alongside the selected prescription tint before an order is completed.

Quay’s prescription guidance identifies polarization as an available sunglass option for polycarbonate and 1.67 high-index lenses. Tint selection and polarization should be reviewed separately during configuration, rather than assumed to be interchangeable features.

Prescription strength can influence the finished appearance, but Quay’s prescription lenses use an aspherical design that helps keep them on the thinner side. Frame size and lens material can still affect the final profile. Guidance from an optical professional can help assess lens material and frame proportions together, supporting a configuration that accommodates both the prescription and the intended style.

Fit and Prescription Requirements

Published measurements provide a practical starting point for comparing frames. WIRED RX lists a 144 mm frame width, an 18 mm bridge, and 148 mm temples. Comparing those dimensions with a comfortable existing pair can help narrow the selection.

Virtual try-on appears on the featured product pages. The tool supports visual comparisons but cannot establish physical comfort during extended wear. Quay’s fitting guidance recommends matching frame width to face width and avoiding pressure around the nose, ears, and cheekbones.

Online purchases require an unexpired eyeglass prescription and pupillary distance. Contact lens prescriptions cannot be used to order prescription glasses. Pupillary distance helps position the lenses appropriately relative to the eyes.

Quay currently offers single-vision prescription glasses and sunglasses online. Progressive lenses are available through select stores and authorized dealers. The ordering route therefore depends on the required lens type, alongside the chosen frame and prescription details.

Ordering and Everyday Ownership

Quay advises allowing up to three weeks for completed prescription orders. Custom production can require up to two weeks before shipping confirmation. Planning around the prescription timeline is relevant when eyewear is needed for travel or another scheduled occasion.

Online prescription purchases are generally final sale. Limited remake provisions apply, including a complimentary lens remake when a doctor updates or revises a prescription. Requests must be made within 30 days of delivery and require supporting documentation.

Quay recommends cleaning lenses with a microfiber cloth and lens cleaner. Product guidance advises against using paper towels or clothing. The included case provides storage between wears.

Consumer365’s recognition brings attention to Quay’s combination of prescription-ready designs and configurable sun lenses. The feature encourages evaluation of appearance, fit, prescription requirements, and complete pricing together, providing a practical framework for selecting eyewear suited to everyday use.

The full review is available at the Consumer365 website.

About Quay

Quay is a global eyewear brand offering a wide selection of sunglasses and prescription glasses. The company’s collections emphasize contemporary design, functional lens features, and pricing that remains accessible to a broad range of consumers. Quay products are available through its direct-to-consumer website, Quay stores and select retail partners worldwide.

About Consumer365.org: Consumer365 provides consumer news and industry insights. As an affiliate, Consumer365 may earn commissions from sales generated using links provided.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/best-prescription-sunglasses-2026-quay-featured-among-stylish-fashion-forward-rx-frames-for-everyday-wear-and-versatile-personal-style-by-consumer365-302890245.html

SOURCE Consumer365.org

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2026 Beijing International Week for Science Literacy Launched in Beijing

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BEIJING, Sept. 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The 2026 Beijing International Week for Science Literacy opened at the Beijing Science Center, running from September 22 to 26. Representatives of international organizations, universities, science museums and centers, and science communication institutions from 11 countries gathered in Beijing. Focusing on science communication and science education, they exchanged views on issues of shared interest, strengthened platforms for international cooperation, promoted exchanges and mutual learning in science and culture between China and other countries, and advanced the sharing of high-quality science education resources and practical collaboration.

At the opening ceremony, Li Xin, Executive Vice President of the Beijing Association for Science and Technology (BAST), delivered welcome remarks on behalf of the organizer. Shahbaz Khan, Director of the UNESCO Regional Office for East Asia; Guo Zhe, Executive Vice President of the Chinese Association of Natural Science Museums and Director of the China Science and Technology Museum; and other guests attended and delivered remarks. Su Guomin, Vice President of BAST and Secretary-General of the Beijing Global Network of Science Festivals, presented certificates to new members of the Network. The Beijing Science Center also signed letters of intent for cooperation with the National Science Museum, Thailand(NSM) and the Kotsanas Museum of Ancient Greek Technology (Greece), respectively, taking international cooperation beyond exchanges and mutual visits toward the joint development of science education, exhibitions, and other programs.

During the week, the Science Education Exhibition Area showcased distinctive science education resources and science-and-technology-themed cultural and creative products from several countries, supported by interactive educational activities. A Capacity Building Workshop focused on science communication and human connections in the age of AI, using thematic presentations and practice-based exchange to strengthen the professional capabilities of science communication practitioners.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/2026-beijing-international-week-for-science-literacy-launched-in-beijing-302890820.html

SOURCE Beijing Science Center (BJSC)

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MEDIMPACT DATA BREACH: Edelson Lechtzin LLP Launches Investigation Into Exposure of Social Security Numbers and Health Information

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National class action firm Edelson Lechtzin LLP is offering free case evaluations to individuals affected by the MedImpact Healthcare Systems data breach, which may have exposed names, Social Security numbers, and sensitive health information.

SAN DIEGO, Sept. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Edelson Lechtzin LLP, a national class action law firm, is investigating data privacy claims arising from the MedImpact Healthcare Systems, Inc. data breach. MedImpact is a privately held pharmacy benefit manager serving millions of members nationwide. The breach exposed sensitive personal and health information of current and former members of pharmacy benefit plans administered by MedImpact and/or Elixir Solutions.

Key Facts at a Glance

Company: MedImpact Healthcare Systems, Inc. is one of the largest independent pharmacy benefit managers in the United States.When it happened: MedImpact identified unauthorized activity in its systems on October 18, 2025. It finalized its investigation on July 17, 2026.When disclosed: MedImpact notified affected clients on August 13, 2026, and began mailing notices to affected individuals on September 23, 2026.People affected: Not publicly disclosed. Impacted members include adults and minor dependents covered under affected benefit plans, including the Leggett & Platt, Inc. Employee Benefits Plan.Information exposed: Varied by individual and may include names, Social Security numbers, and sensitive health information (see below).

What Happened

MedImpact identified unauthorized activity within certain systems on October 18, 2025, secured the affected systems, and engaged cybersecurity experts to investigate. The Qilin ransomware group claimed responsibility on October 27, 2025, adding MedImpact to its dark web leak site and claiming it had stolen data, which it threatened to publish unless a ransom was paid.

What Information Was Exposed

The compromised data varied by individual and may include names, addresses, dates of birth, Social Security numbers, subscriber and insurance identification numbers, and health-related information such as prescriptions, treatment, dates of service, service locations, and provider names. Because Social Security numbers and protected health information are highly sensitive, affected individuals face a lasting risk of identity theft, medical fraud, insurance fraud, and targeted phishing.

Your Legal Options

Edelson Lechtzin LLP is investigating a potential class action to pursue legal remedies for individuals whose sensitive personal and health data may have been compromised. The firm is examining whether MedImpact implemented reasonable cybersecurity safeguards and whether additional measures could have prevented or reduced the breach’s impact. The firm will evaluate your rights and potential claims at no cost.

Recommended Protective Steps

Preserve your breach notification letter and enroll in any complimentary credit monitoring offered to you.Monitor your account statements, credit reports, and explanation-of-benefits statements for unauthorized activity.Consider placing a fraud alert or security freeze with Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.Be cautious of phishing calls, texts, and emails referencing the breach.

Contact Us for a Free Case Evaluation

Speak confidentially with a data privacy attorney today: Marc Edelson, Esq., Edelson Lechtzin LLP, 411 S. State Street, Suite N-300, Newtown, PA 18940; Phone: 844-696-7492; Email: medelson@edelson-law.com; or click HERE to request a free consultation.

About Edelson Lechtzin LLP

Edelson Lechtzin LLP is a national class action law firm with offices in Pennsylvania and California. In addition to data breach litigation, the firm handles class and collective actions involving securities and investment fraud, federal antitrust violations, ERISA employee benefit plans, wage theft, and consumer fraud.

Legal Notice: This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/medimpact-data-breach-edelson-lechtzin-llp-launches-investigation-into-exposure-of-social-security-numbers-and-health-information-302890807.html

SOURCE Edelson Lechtzin LLP

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