Eric Westlake, MBA

Driving strategic growth at the intersection of finance, AI, consumer markets, and global innovation.

Redondo Beach, California, United States

About

I’m a finance executive with a passion for transforming complex businesses into scalable, high-performance engines of growth. Trained at Amazon and battle-tested across startups, Fortune 500s, and public sector organizations, I bring 20+ years of leadership in strategic finance, AI-driven innovation, M&A, and operational transformation. From spearheading a $4B AI strategy to negotiating $600M in studio financing, my work blends financial discipline with vision, agility, and long-term value creation. My leadership experience spans: * Tech & E-commerce: Amazon, digital product integration, AI-enabled forecasting * Media & Entertainment: Sony, Disney, Marvel-style startups, studio buildouts * Consumer Products: W3LL PEOPLE acquisition by e.l.f. Cosmetics, Target/Whole Foods expansion * Nonprofit & Government: CFO for multiple organizations, securing grants, streamlining compliance I specialize in aligning finance with product, operations, and go-to-market strategy to drive both topline and margin growth. Whether guiding multibillion-dollar P&Ls or advising on capital raises and acquisitions, I operate with a bias for clarity, execution, and results. Let’s connect if you’re building something bold—and need financial leadership to match.

Experience

  • Chief Financial Officer at NEW-GEN Universe, Inc.
    Aug 2025 - Present · 1 yr

    https://www.newgenuniverse.com • Oversaw financial strategy and operations for NEW-GEN Universe, a pioneering transmedia entertainment platform. • Developed and implemented a scalable business model integrating storytelling, consumer products, and gaming. • Fostered strategic partnerships in animation, distribution, and retail to enhance global reach and monetization.

  • President at Encore Management Consulting, LLC
    1999 - Present · 27 yrs 7 mos

    In my role at Encore Management Consulting, I focus on strategic project management and business development within the entertainment sector. I have successfully created business plans and financial models for various companies, including a technology firm that enables viewers to purchase products during shows. My efforts have led to significant capital raises and innovative partnerships, enhancing the industry's infrastructure and audience engagement.

  • Amazon (4 yrs)
    • Finance Manager
      Jan 2023 - Jul 2025 · 2 yrs 7 mos

    • Finance Manager
      Aug 2021 - Jul 2025 · 4 yrs

    • Senior Financial Analyst
      Aug 2021 - Jan 2023 · 1 yr 6 mos

  • Chief Financial Officer at Goodwill Industries of New Mexico
    Jun 2020 - Aug 2021 · 1 yr 3 mos

    Successfully launched a two day Production Assistant (PA) training program focused on providing New Mexico’s under served population a path into New Mexico’s fast growing entertainment industry. So far at least 55% of our graduates have landed on productions.

  • Chief Financial Officer at W3LL PEOPLE
    Jan 2019 - Apr 2020 · 1 yr 4 mos

    In my role at W3LL People, I played a pivotal part in the company’s strategic growth and financial management. I successfully guided the sale of the company to e.l.f. Cosmetics and secured essential capital for expansion into major retailers like Target and Whole Foods. Additionally, I established finance and accounting procedures that led to our first profitable fiscal year.