Rick Stewart

Professional Background

Rick Stewart is an accomplished senior financial and operations executive with a wealth of international and industry experience. Over the course of his career, he has consistently demonstrated his ability to identify both strengths and weaknesses within corporate structures, enabling him to implement effective company policies and standards. His expertise lies in streamlining operations and enhancing systems, in order to optimize productivity and profitability significantly.

With a successful track record of fostering collaborative atmospheres, Rick is known as a strong team builder and facilitator, encouraging talented professionals to reach their maximum potential. He possesses exceptional communication skills, adeptly conveying complex information in accessible formats for diverse audiences. Among his notable achievements, Rick has effectively led three M&A events in the past four years as Chief Financial Officer (CFO), underscoring his proficiency in strategic financial planning and mergers and acquisitions.

Education and Achievements

Rick Stewart's academic foundation includes a study in Business Administration and Management at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey-New Brunswick, where he equipped himself with vital knowledge and skills that would serve him throughout his professional journey. His early education at Peddie School laid the groundwork for his success, fostering his analytical skills and leadership qualities.

Additionally, Rick has obtained Certificates of Completion in various accounting, finance, and general management courses from the IBM International School of Finance and Planning Analysis (IFPA) at Pace University. This varied educational background has empowered him to excel in defining strategic operating principles and technological implementations essential for business success.

Career Highlights

Rick Stewart has played a pivotal role in shaping financial and operational strategies across several prominent organizations. Here are some of the notable positions he has held:

• CFO at Hawthorne Effect, Inc. – Present
• Former CFO at Wealth-X (Acquired by Euromoney PLC in November 2019) – Contributed significantly to the firm’s operational re-engineering and strategic expansion.
• Former CFO at Webcollage (Acquired by Gladson in March 2018 - now Syndigo) – Instrumental in the company’s transition during the acquisition, ensuring smooth financial operations.
• Former CFO at PulsePoint (Acquired by WebMD in June 2021) – Expertly navigated the complexities involved in the acquisition process, enhancing the financial fortitude of the company.
• Former VP Finance at AppNexus (Acquired Yieldex in April 2015) - Strengthened financial strategies and improved fiscal performance leading to a successful merger.
• Former Interim CFO at JWALK – Provided strategic financial leadership during a transitional period, advocating for sound fiscal practices.
• Former CFO at Yieldex (Acquired by AppNexus in April 2015) – Proven abilities in audit and due diligence processes during significant acquisitions.
• Former CFO at Spence-Chapin – Managed financial operations, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
• Former VP Finance at Penton Media – Directed financial strategies for media operations, optimizing profitability.
• Former CFO Innovation Ads at Innovation Ads – Enhanced operational efficacy and financial management within digital advertising ventures.
• Former Vice President Royalty Operations/Finance at Warner Music Group – Spearheaded financial operations, contributing to the organization’s music industry leadership.
• Former Chief Audit Executive at NYC Department Of Education – Ensured compliance and fiscal accountability within a major public sector organization.
• Former Vice President & General Manager Equisearch Division at ChoicePoint – Drove strategic growth within the analytics space.
• Former VP Finance Sales & Marketing at Gartner – Managed financial planning and operational strategies for a leading research and advisory firm.
• Former Various Financial Positions at IBM – Gained foundational experience in some of the world's leading financial practices and technologies.

Specialties

Rick Stewart's areas of specialty are vast and varied, showcasing his versatility and deep understanding of the financial sector. His proficiencies include:

• Operational Re-engineering – Aiming to optimize business processes and systems to drive efficiency.
• SaaS (Software as a Service) – Understanding the intricacies and financial dynamics of this booming industry.
• SME Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) – Navigating regulatory requirements and ensuring compliance for smaller enterprises.
• Strategic & Financial Planning/M&A – Expertly overseeing mergers and acquisitions to fortify corporate strategies.
• Manager/Motivator – Formulating and leading high-performing teams towards achieving ambitious business objectives.
• Audit/Due Diligence – Conducting thorough audits to secure the integrity of financial data and practices.
• Quality Management – Strengthening organizational effectiveness through quality control measures.
• Online Media – Innovating finance and operational strategies in the rapidly evolving online media landscape.

Rick Stewart’s well-rounded skill set and experience have made him a sought-after executive in the financial sector, and his ability to deliver results consistently sets him apart as a distinguished leader in business efficiency and productivity. His contributions across major companies demonstrate the impact of strategic financial leadership and operational excellence, marking him as a prominent figure in the realm of financial management and corporate strategy.