Leadership

2020 Trends: Rise of the CFO-COO

The combined role is gaining popularity across industries. But is it really that much of a change?
By Jane Thier • Jan. 26, 2020
ThoughtSpot exec: CFO must be company's 'objective source of truth'

Mohit Daswani, who has worked on the finance teams at Square and Paypal, told CFO Dive what he prioritizes as incoming CFO, and what he will expect of his team in preparation for a potential IPO.
By Jane Thier • Jan. 23, 2020
Former Twitter finance VP moves to Eightfold.ai

Celia Poon has spent the past 20 years in executive financial roles for Silicon Valley tech startups, but Eightfold.ai will be her first foray into AI.
By Jane Thier • Jan. 20, 2020
New Fundbox CFO a 'Swiss Army Knife' of expertise

As an investment analyst, Marten Abrahamsen was an expert at advising companies in his portfolio on optimization. As the new CFO of Fundbox, he's repurposing his skills to build his company for the long haul.
By Jane Thier • Jan. 14, 2020
Founders Bank hires new CFO amid planned 2020 launch in DC

It's been a difficult year for new banks in Washington, D.C. But Founders Bank, which is set to open in the first half of this year if it raises $25 to $30 million, is optimistic, hiring Karen Grau as its new CFO.
By Dan Ennis • Jan. 13, 2020
All eyes will be on new Party City CFO after disappointing year

Todd Vogensen, who will arrive at Party City from Chico's in February, will be tasked with helping the party goods chain improve its bottom line after a year of declining sales and dismal brick-and-mortar traffic.
By Jane Thier • Jan. 12, 2020
Abbott Labs sets CFO transition in motion

The company will install a new CFO a month before incoming CEO Robert Ford takes the helm.
By Maria Rachal • Jan. 08, 2020
Sprouts Farmers Market announces new CFO

Denise Paulonis will join the natural grocer in February after serving as CFO of arts and crafts retailer Michaels.
By Jessica Dumont • Jan. 08, 2020
Finance chief must be a vital decision-maker, Captivate CFO says

Throughout 20 years in finance leadership, Jenny Buchholz said she has found some things to be consistently true. "Numbers don't lie," she said.
By Jane Thier • Jan. 07, 2020
Aramark hires CFO from a top competitor

Industry veteran Tom Ondrof spent the bulk of his career at Aramark's competitor, Compass Group North America. He comes on board three months after John Zillmer stepped in as new CEO.
By Jane Thier • Jan. 06, 2020
OTC Markets CFO: No substitute for talking to customers

If you’re not solving problems for the companies that buy your products, someone else will do it better, faster and cheaper, Bea Ordonez said.
By Robert Freedman • Jan. 06, 2020
How new Eventbrite CFO will regain shareholder trust

After a tumultuous year for the ticketing company, new CFO Lanny Baker is tasked with earning back shareholder trust and strengthening company credibility.
By Jane Thier • Jan. 05, 2020
Metrics, management reporting are top CFO priorities in 2020

CFOs' perceived shortcomings tend to fall beyond the scope of the typical responsibilities, veering into operations, IT and management.
By Jane Thier • Jan. 02, 2020
Cantor Fitzgerald CFO to become finance chief at BGC Partners

BGC, the brokerage firm that split off from Cantor Fitzgerald in 2004, replaces its interim CFO.
By Jane Thier • Dec. 22, 2019
CFOs must 'be the steward' for IPO success

The public markets are unforgiving toward the unprepared, but buttoned-up, high-growth companies are rewarded. The difference falls on the CFO, according to Jason Maynard.
By Jane Thier • Dec. 19, 2019
Green Dot CEO, CFO stepping down amid C-suite shakeup

The share price at the legacy prepaid-card company has plummeted 60% since May, but the longtime leader expressed a reluctance to let go at a panel discussion this fall.
By Dan Ennis • Dec. 19, 2019
Strategic CFOs look through the windshield, not rearview

As he moves into his third CFO role at his third SaaS company, Will Johnson tells CFO Dive the lessons he's learned, and what sets "accounting CFOs" apart from "strategic CFOs."
By Jane Thier • Dec. 18, 2019
Response to departing CFOs reinforces need for talent pipeline

News of a CFO's departure will often have a ripple effect on company valuation. Having a talent pipeline will help keep any drop to a minimum.
By Jane Thier • Dec. 17, 2019
New Cycas Hospitality CFO also leads IT department

Peter Habelitz calls the merging of his new CFO role and IT duties "a logical progression and a natural fit."
By Jane Thier • Dec. 16, 2019
As Bill.com files IPO, CFO's role evolves

Bill.com, a B2B billing and payments software company, filed its IPO on Thursday. CFO John Rettig discussed how going public changes his role.
By Jane Thier • Dec. 15, 2019
Tapestry CFO assumes Kate Spade leadership amid CEO's exit

Joanne Crevoiserat will have direct oversight of Kate Spade strategy with CEO Anna Bakst leaving by the end of the year, as the company struggles to find its footing within the larger Tapestry conglomerate.
By Kaarin Vembar • Dec. 13, 2019
Gap finance chief moves to Nautilus

Konold is the third CFO to head the Vancouver-based fitness giant in the last ten years; its former CEO also resigned in March.
By Jane Thier • Dec. 12, 2019
Potbelly CEO assumes finance role after former CFO joined Planet Fitness

CFO Tom Fitzgerald left Potbelly Corp. on Dec. 27 after one year as finance chief; the Chicago-based sandwich chain is searching for a replacement even as the CEO has assumed the temporary role.
By Jane Thier • UPDATED: Jan. 22, 2020 at 10:11 a.m.
Finance has gone digital. How did we get here?

Ash Noah of the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants explains what precipitated finance's move toward automation, and how CFOs can best prepare.
By Jane Thier • Dec. 10, 2019
How CFOs can lead digitization efforts in 4 steps

Ash Noah has spent his career helping CFOs adopt new technology and restructure their businesses. He told CFO Dive the four integral steps to spearhead those initiatives.
By Jane Thier • Dec. 09, 2019