NorthWind Partners Recruits CFO for Alion Science and Technology Corp.
July 20, 2016 – Executive search firm NorthWind Partners, a boutique search firm focused on recruiting talent for the private equity sector, has recruited Kevin L. Cook as chief financial officer of Alion Science and Technology Corporation. Managing partner Mark HuYoung, who leads the firm’s private equity practice, along with partners Hunter Murray and Brian Thomas, led the search.
Mr. Cook brings over 30 years of financial, operational, and management experience to Alion. He began his career in 1978 at Westinghouse Defense and later joined IIT Research Institute, Alion’s predecessor organization.
Mr. Cook first joined Booz Allen Hamilton in 1986, and 10 years later joined what is now JAMIS Software, one of the largest ERP/finance software vendors supporting government services contractors. He rejoined Booz Allen in 2003 and led various elements of its finance department, including leading the establishment of the company’s shared services infrastructure and playing a leadership role in preparing for and completing the company’s initial public offering (IPO) in 2010. He became senior vice president and corporate controller in 2008 and was promoted to CFO in 2014.
“We are excited to welcome Kevin to our executive management team,” said Bahman Atefi, chief executive officer of Alion. “He is a visionary financial leader with a terrific, hands-on style. Kevin’s knowledge of our industry and vast experience will be an invaluable asset as we continue to execute on our strategic growth objectives.”
Industry Media Center
Every organization needs its own newsroom to broadcast and manage its online image; a place to share news, post press releases, and upload articles and videos.
Check out our latest upload from NorthWind Partners |
“I am thrilled to be joining the Alion leadership team,” Mr. Cook said. “I have admired the company’s market position, differentiated capabilities, and history of growth for some time and I am eager to apply my experience and partner with Bahman and the rest of the management team in taking Alion’s business to the next level.”
Alion Science and Technology delivers advanced engineering, IT and operational solutions to strengthen national security and drive business results. For customers in defense, civilian government and commercial industries, Alion’s engineered solutions support decision making and enhanced readiness in rapidly changing environments.
NorthWind Partners concentrates on recruiting executives for business & professional services, systems, solutions, and product companies spanning the aviation, aerospace and defense, healthcare, industrial, and technology sectors. Just recently, the firm recruited David E. Kopf as president of Anaren’s Space & Defense Group, Deborah Ricci as chief financial officer of Centerra Group and Michael Ely as chief technology officer of the Emergency Communications Network (ECN).
According to recent research, about one fifth of companies now change their CFOs annually, thereby creating a constricting market for financial officers talent — with the best candidates often considering multiple opportunities at any one time.
Tightening talent pipelines are wreaking havoc for hiring companies by edging up CFO pay packages, according to recruiters, making the hunt for top-flight financial specialists one of the more costly searches to undertake. On the flip side, it is now one of the most lucrative areas for headhunters.
Contributed by Dale M. Zupsansky, Managing Editor, Hunt Scanlon Media