June 2024 witnessed a series of strategic CFO appointments across various public companies, reflecting broader financial and operational priorities. This detailed analysis aims to provide professional investors with critical insights into these pivotal hires, examining the backgrounds of the new CFOs and the potential implications for their organizations’ financial strategies and market performance. Through this deep dive, investors can better understand the rationale behind these leadership changes and anticipate their impact on future corporate governance and financial health.
Scott Haralson, Hertz Global Holdings, Inc. (HTZ), Start Date: June 30, 2024
Scott M. Haralson is set to take on the role of Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at Hertz Global Holdings, Inc. (HTZ) by the end of June 2024. Haralson transitions to Hertz from Spirit Airlines, Inc., where he has served as Executive Vice President and CFO since February 2023. Before his current role, he held the position of Senior Vice President and CFO at Spirit Airlines from October 2018 to January 2023. His career also includes financial management roles at companies such as Dish Network, Frontier Airlines, Swift Aviation, and Guardian Gaming, where he gained experience in financial planning and analysis, and structured finance within corporate banking.
At Hertz, Haralson will oversee the company’s financial operations, playing a crucial role in executing its strategic initiatives. His appointment aligns with Hertz’s broader efforts to enhance its leadership team, aimed at driving fleet rotation plans and implementing cost and revenue improvement strategies. Haralson’s extensive experience in the airline industry and his financial management background are anticipated to align with Hertz’s objectives and contribute to its strategic growth initiatives.
Darin Harper, Dave & Buster’s Entertainment, Inc. (PLAY), Start Date: June 17, 2024
Darin Harper, 49, has been named the new Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Dave & Buster’s Entertainment, Inc., effective June 17, 2024. While specific details about Harper’s previous career roles were not provided, his appointment suggests he brings a considerable amount of experience to this senior position. Given his age and the responsibilities that come with the CFO role, analysts may infer that Harper has a significant background in finance and leadership within similar industries.
As Harper transitions into his new role at Dave & Buster’s, he will need to acclimate to the unique challenges of the entertainment and dining sector. This involves establishing strong relationships with key stakeholders, including the CEO, other executives, and external partners such as auditors and banks. Understanding the company’s strategic goals and vision will be crucial as Harper develops an onboarding plan that outlines his responsibilities and priorities. Additionally, he will need to assess the current financial landscape of the company, identify potential areas for financial improvement, and implement strategies aimed at driving growth and stability. Harper’s ability to leverage his expertise and build effective relationships will be fundamental to his successful integration and the long-term financial health of Dave & Buster’s Entertainment, Inc.
Learn more about Dave & Buster’s
Antonella Franzen, DuPont de Nemours, Inc. (DD), Start Date: June 1, 2024
Antonella Franzen will assume the role of Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at DuPont de Nemours, Inc. (DD) starting June 1, 2024. Franzen’s career spans over two decades in finance roles within large multinational industrial manufacturing companies, where she has accumulated extensive experience in managing significant corporate transformations. Prior to joining DuPont, she was Vice President and Chief Investor Relations and Communications Officer at Johnson Controls International. Her tenure at Johnson Controls followed several finance leadership roles at Tyco International, where she played a pivotal role in the company’s three-way separations in 2007 and 2012. Franzen began her professional journey at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), providing assurance advisory services to major public companies in the industrial and pharmaceutical sectors.
Franzen joined DuPont in February 2022, initially serving as the CFO for the Water & Protection segment, a $6 billion global business operating in over 30 countries. Her transition to the company’s CFO role follows the promotion of Lori Koch to CEO. Additionally, Franzen has been a member of the board of directors for JELD-WEN Holding, Inc. since March 2024. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the College of New Jersey, earned in 1997, and is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA).
David Baker, Aspen Technology, Inc. (AZPN), Start Date: June 3, 2024
David Baker has recently taken on the role of Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at Aspen Technology, Inc. (AZPN), effective June 3, 2024. Baker’s extensive background in finance and operational leadership spans over 27 years at Emerson, where he held several senior financial leadership positions. These roles included Vice President of Financial Planning and Vice President and CFO for various business units. His experience at Emerson involved managing financial planning, financial analysis, and strategic planning, all of which are expected to be crucial in guiding AspenTech’s financial strategy and operations.
Before joining AspenTech, Baker’s responsibilities at Emerson included leading financial planning and analysis functions and overseeing the financial performance of different business units. His diverse expertise in finance is anticipated to support AspenTech as the company updates its fiscal 2024 guidance and continues to execute its share repurchase authorization. Analysts regard Baker’s appointment as a move that reflects AspenTech’s focus on strengthening its financial management and strategic direction, positioning the company for future growth and stability.
Katie O’Halloran, GoHealth, Inc. (GOCO), Start Date: June 4, 2024
Katherine O’Halloran has taken on the role of interim Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at GoHealth, Inc. (NASDAQ: GOCO), a health insurance marketplace with a focus on Medicare-centric digital health. O’Halloran’s career at GoHealth began in April 2023 when she was appointed as the Chief Accounting Officer. Before joining GoHealth, she served as the CFO at VanEnkevort Tug & Barge, Inc., from January 2022 to April 2023. Her extensive background spans 30 years in finance and accounting, including 16 years at Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation (Nasdaq: GLDD), where she held various leadership roles in both public and private companies.
O’Halloran’s interim CFO appointment follows the departure of Jason Schulz, who left for personal reasons not related to his professional performance or GoHealth’s business operations. As the company searches for a permanent CFO, Schulz will continue to assist as a transition consultant until September 1, 2024. During this interim period, GoHealth’s CEO, Vijay Kotte, has expressed confidence in O’Halloran’s ability to lead the finance team. Her extensive experience in finance and accounting is anticipated to help maintain stability and continuity in GoHealth’s financial leadership.
Irene Esteves, Spirit AeroSystems Holdings, Inc. (SPR), Start Date: June 5, 2024
Irene Esteves has been appointed as the new Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Spirit AeroSystems Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: SPR), effective immediately, succeeding Mark Suchinski. Esteves brings a wealth of financial leadership experience from her previous roles at Time Warner Cable, XL Group plc, and Regions Financial Corporation. Having served as an independent director on Spirit’s board since 2011, she has already contributed significantly to the company’s financial strategies and has a deep understanding of its operations and challenges.
Esteves’ appointment comes at a pivotal moment for Spirit AeroSystems, which is grappling with financial difficulties, including notable quarterly net losses and cash burn. The company is also facing the repercussions of a Boeing 737 MAX 9 jet incident, leading to reduced production and heightened expenses. Additionally, Spirit is in ongoing discussions about a potential merger with Boeing, its former owner. Analysts believe Esteves’ extensive experience will be crucial in addressing these challenges and advancing Spirit’s strategic objectives. Her immediate priorities will include stabilizing the company’s financial position, considering options for capital raises, and ensuring a seamless transition with the outgoing CFO, Mark Suchinski, who will remain for a transitional period.
O James Sterling, bluebird bio, Inc. (BLUE), Start Date: June 10, 2024
O. James Sterling has been named the new Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of bluebird bio, Inc. (BLUE), effective June 10, 2024. He succeeds Chris Krawtschuk, who served in the role since 2022. Sterling arrives with a background in the healthcare sector and capital markets, areas that CEO Andrew Obenshain has highlighted as critical to the company’s future. Sterling’s previous role was CFO at Renalytix plc, a diagnostics firm focused on kidney disease management. His career also includes positions at Renwick Capital LLC, Brock Capital Group LLC, Aleutian Capital Group, and a role as a management consultant at Booz Allen Hamilton. Sterling holds a B.A. from Boston University and an MBA from Columbia Business School.
Sterling’s appointment is part of bluebird bio’s ongoing efforts to bolster its executive team. In his new role, he will be tasked with overseeing the restatement process of the company’s consolidated financial statements for 2022 and 2023, which have experienced delays. The company has publicly stated its confidence in Sterling’s capability to manage these financial challenges and to support bluebird bio’s trajectory in gene therapy development and commercialization. This strategic hire underscores bluebird bio’s commitment to navigating the complexities of its financial landscape while continuing its mission to innovate in gene therapy.
Curt Calaway, Tyson Foods, Inc. (TSN), Start Date: June 13, 2024
Curt Calaway has been named the interim Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at Tyson Foods, Inc. following the suspension of John R. Tyson. Calaway, who has held various leadership positions at Tyson Foods for nearly two decades, steps into this role with a deep understanding of the company’s financial and operational structures. His previous roles as a senior finance executive within the company have provided him with the necessary experience to handle the responsibilities of the CFO effectively. Analysts note that the company’s decision to appoint Calaway swiftly reflects confidence in his capability to manage financial leadership during this transitional phase.
The appointment occurs at a significant juncture, as the suspension of John R. Tyson has corresponded with a 1.3% decline in Tyson Foods’ stock price in afternoon trading. Calaway’s leadership will play a crucial role in maintaining investor confidence and ensuring financial stability for the company. His long tenure and various leadership roles at Tyson Foods position him as a knowledgeable insider who can navigate the company through this period of uncertainty. Observers will be watching closely to see how Calaway’s interim role may evolve and whether it might transition into a more permanent position as CFO.
Brian McMenamy, Spirit Airlines, Inc. (SAVE), Start Date: June 14, 2024
Brian McMenamy has taken on the role of Interim Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at Spirit Airlines, Inc. (SAVE), effective June 14, 2024, following the departure of Scott Haralson. Haralson is transitioning to a CFO position at a larger, publicly traded company outside the airline sector. McMenamy’s tenure at Spirit Airlines began in 2017, and his career in corporate finance spans nearly four decades, including 33 years at American Airlines. At American Airlines, he held various senior roles such as Vice President, Finance; Vice President, Financial Planning and Analysis; and Vice President and Controller. McMenamy holds a Bachelor of Science in Financial Economics from Rockhurst College and an MBA from Northwestern University’s J.L. Kellogg Graduate School of Management. Additionally, he is a Certified Public Accountant.
In his new role as Interim CFO, McMenamy will steer Spirit Airlines’ finance team amidst ongoing financial challenges, including debt management and cost-saving measures. His extensive background in the airline industry and deep financial expertise are expected to be critical as the company navigates this turbulent period. A comprehensive search for a permanent CFO is currently underway, with a leading executive search firm assisting in the process. McMenamy’s leadership during this interim phase will be pivotal as Spirit Airlines seeks to stabilize and strengthen its financial position.
Learn more about Spirit Airlines
Greg Cameron, CF Industries Holdings, Inc. (CF), Start Date: June 17, 2024
Greg Cameron has been appointed as the new Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of CF Industries Holdings, Inc., effective June 17, 2024. Cameron brings over three decades of experience in the industry to his new role. He is expected to leverage his extensive background to support CF Industries as it continues to grow and advance its clean energy initiatives. Cameron’s previous roles have equipped him with a deep understanding of financial operations and strategy, which will be essential as he takes on the responsibilities of overseeing the company’s financial decisions and investments.
This leadership change follows the promotion of Chris Bohn to Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. Bohn, who previously served as CFO, will remain in the role until Cameron officially steps in, ensuring a smooth transition. Cameron will report directly to Tony Will, the President and CEO of CF Industries Holdings, Inc. The company has emphasized its focus on maintaining strong leadership and expertise in key positions through this transition. Cameron’s appointment aligns with CF Industries’ ongoing efforts to decarbonize its ammonia production network and expand its clean energy projects, signaling a continued commitment to disciplined capital and corporate management to meet sustainability goals.
Geoff Ley, Evergy, Inc. (EVRG), Start Date: June 21, 2024
Geoffrey Ley has been appointed as the acting Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Evergy, Inc. (NASDAQ: EVRG) effective June 21, 2024. This appointment follows the departure of Kirk Andrews, who has left Evergy to assume the CFO position at Consolidated Edison, Inc. (NYSE: ED). Ley will hold the acting CFO role while Evergy undertakes a comprehensive search, both internally and externally, for a permanent replacement.
Ley joined Evergy in 2021 as Vice President, Corporate Planning, and Treasurer. He brings a broad spectrum of experience from his previous role as Vice President and CFO at Hunt Refining Company, where he managed accounting, information technology, supply chain, and treasury functions. His career also includes significant financial leadership roles at InfraREIT, TXU, and Energy Future Holdings Corporation. Ley’s familiarity with Evergy’s operations, combined with his extensive background in finance and accounting, positions him to steer the company’s financial operations during this transitional phase. Evergy’s chairman and CEO, David Campbell, has expressed confidence in Ley’s ability to manage the financial responsibilities effectively during this period of change.
Andy Johnson, AST Spacemobile, Inc. (ASTS), Start Date: June 25, 2024
Andrew Johnson has been named the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at AST SpaceMobile, Inc. (NASDAQ: ASTS), in addition to his responsibilities as Chief Legal Officer. This announcement on June 25, 2024, is part of a broader strategic realignment aimed at accelerating the company’s commercialization and manufacturing initiatives. Johnson’s dual role is indicative of AST SpaceMobile’s approach to leveraging internal talent to strengthen its leadership team as it navigates the complexities of the emerging space-based cellular broadband market.
Johnson’s career spans over 24 years in legal and financial arenas, with significant experience in emerging markets, capital markets, and international operations. Before joining AST SpaceMobile, he held various leadership roles at 3D Systems (NYSE: DDD), including Executive Vice President, Chief Corporate Development Officer, and Chief Legal Officer. Notably, he served as interim CEO from October 2015 to April 2016. Johnson’s educational background includes a Juris Doctor from the University of Virginia and an MBA from the University of Michigan Ross School of Business. His extensive experience in capital markets and international operations is expected to be instrumental as AST SpaceMobile aims to enhance financial discipline and support its ambitious growth objectives through the strategic realignment of its executive team.
Ashima Ghei, Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. (BR), Start Date: June 30, 2024
Ashima Ghei has been appointed as the Interim Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. (NYSE: BR), effective June 30, 2024. This follows the departure of Edmund Reese, who is transitioning to Aon as its new CFO. Ghei has been with Broadridge since January 2022, serving as the CFO of the company’s $4.5 billion revenue Investor Communication Solutions segment. Before joining Broadridge, she spent 18 years at American Express, where she held various senior roles in Finance and Business Strategy, including Head of Merchant Pricing for the Americas.
Ghei’s career has been marked by her involvement in managing large business units and leading financial teams. Her new role places her at the helm of Broadridge’s financial operations, where she will continue to oversee the execution of the company’s three-year financial objectives. While Broadridge has initiated a search for a permanent CFO, considering both internal and external candidates, Ghei’s appointment aims to ensure a smooth transition and stable financial leadership. Broadridge, a global fintech leader with over $6 billion in revenues, will rely on her experience to maintain its financial performance during this interim period.
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