Russell Reynolds Associates Leading CFO Search for Energizer

July 21, 2017 – Chief financial officers continue to be in high demand. Finding them is keeping many of the nation’s top recruitment operations busier than ever. In one recent assignment, Russell Reynolds Associates was tapped by Energizer Holdings to lead its search for a new CFO. Brian K. Hamm, the current CFO, is leaving the company to pursue other opportunities, but will work with Energizer to help with the transition

Timothy Gorman, Energizer’s vice president and controller, chief accounting officer and will assume responsibility for all financial-related functions on an interim basis. Russell Reynolds will review both internal and external candidates.

“We are pleased that Tim has agreed to assume the interim CFO position and I look forward to working closely with him as he takes on these expanded responsibilities,” said Alan Hoskins, chief executive officer. “Tim brings significant financial expertise and public company experience to this position. His comprehensive understanding of our business makes him the ideal person to manage this transition.”

Energizer Holdings, based in St. Louis, is among the world’s largest manufacturers of primary batteries and portable lighting products. It is anchored by Energizer and Eveready, two globally recognized brands. It is also a leading designer and marketer of automotive fragrance and appearance products from recognized brands.

Finding CFOs

Recruiters say a need for top flight financial executives has risen, making CFOs much more in demand than other C-suite leaders. And that begs an interesting question: What are “actively-looking” CEOs most after as they team up with headhunters in the pursuit of their next CFO? The position generally serves as right-hand man to the chief executive, so the stakes are high.

In recent months, search firms of all shapes and sizes have placed CFOs at various companies. Here’s a look at just a few from the Hunt Scanlon Media archives:

 TRANSEARCH International placed Jarrett Pugh as the CFO of Greenberry Industrial LLC. The search was led by consultants Mike Morrow and John Ryan. Mr. Pugh has held several positions in the Gulf Coast area, where he recently worked as the manager of finance and project accounting in the oil, gas, and chemical division of CDI Corporation. 

 TillmanCarlson recruited Terence R. Rogers as EVP and CFO at Roadrunner Transportation Systems. Founder Rob Tillman led the searches. Mr. Rogers previously served for four years as CFO for the Heico Companies, LLC, parent company for a diversified portfolio of more than 35 businesses.

 Diversified Search placed Sean P. Roddy as CFO for Catholic Charities USA. Nalini Perkins, managing director of the recruiter’s non-profit practice, and Mark Mulvanerty, managing director of its financial officers practice, co-led the assignment. Most recently, Mr. Roddy was a consultant for accounting and financial consulting firm Cordia Partners.

 ON Partners recruited Mike Berry as EVP and CFO of McAfee. Most recently, Mr. Berry served as EVP, CFO, and chief operating officer at FireEye, responsible for worldwide finance, accounting, data analytics, investor relations, facilities, procurement, information technology, manufacturing operations, and internal audit.

 Acertitude placed Anubhav Raj as CFO of Aligned Energy. The search was led by Kevin O’Neill, founder and managing partner, supported by partner Geoffrey Votta. Mr. Raj will direct major financial planning initiatives, as well as identify new and refine pre-existing efficiencies to achieve Aligned Energy’s fiscal objectives.

 Spencer Stuart recruited Richard J. Schmaeling as EVP and CFO of Entercom Communications Corp. Mr. Schmaeling brings deep media expertise and more than 30 years of finance and leadership experience to Entercom. Most recently, he served as chief financial officer at Travel Leaders Group.

 AETHOS Consulting Group placed Douglas L. Ludwig as EVP, treasurer, and CFO of Red Lion Hotels Corporation. Managing director Ken Greger led the assignment. Mr. Ludwig most recently served as CFO of Baha Mar Resorts Limited for the past 10 years. Prior to his time at Baha Mar, he spent more than 20 years with Four Seasons Hotels, including 13 years as CFO.

 The McAulay Smith Firm recruited Alexander Pease as executive vice president and CFO of Snyder’s-Lance, Inc. President Steven Smith led the assignment. Mr. Pease joins the company from McKinsey & Co., where he was a leader in the firm’s global corporate finance and business functions practice working with leading CFOs across a wide range of industries.

 BridgeStreet Partners tapped Temple H. Weiss as CFO of Centennial Real Estate Company. Dave Westberry, managing director of BridgeStreet Partners, led the assignment. Previously, Mr. Weiss served as CFO of several private equity-owned portfolio companies, including CEC Entertainment, Pegasus Solutions and Ace Cash Express.

 WinterWyman placed Gary Eason as CFO at TG Gallagher. Senior vice president and partner Ken Martin led the search. Previously, Mr. Eason was director of finance for Interstate Electrical Services Corporation and the director of finance and administration for Triumph Modular Incorporated.

Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief; Dale M. Zupsansky, Managing Editor; Stephen Sawicki, Managing Editor; and Will Schatz, Managing Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media