Stephen Zahn

Finance Executive

Glenview, Illinois, United States

About

Financial executive with extensive experience in consumer products and industrial manufacturing businesses. Demonstrated leadership abilities to provide strategic direction and innovate solutions for strategic, financial and operational issues. Experience spans start-up, high-growth, mature and troubled businesses.

Experience

  • Finance Director at UL (Underwriters Laboratories)
    2008 - Present · 18 yrs 6 mos

    -currently Corporate Director of Planning & Analysis -prior role as Finance Director of Knowledge Services business unit -prior role as Finance Director of Information Technology Group

  • Chief Financial Officer at Merrick Ventures LLC
    2007 - 2007 · Less than a year

    Pursued M&A opportunities to establish the company’s initial investment portfolio. Established finance infrastructure and processes for accounting, financial reporting, treasury, financial forecasting and strategic planning. Managed the owner’s private investment portfolio and charitable foundation activities.

  • Management Consultant at SPZ Inc.
    2004 - 2007 · 3 yrs

    -Worked with a public investor group, Boulder Specialty Brands, to complete the $500 million acquisition of Smart Balance Foods. -Retained by Underwriters Laboratories, Northbrook, IL ($800 million global safety testing services) to improve strategic planning and expand management reporting capabilities. -Retained by ClearSource, Inc., Natick, MA to develop a business strategy for this $60 million branded bottled water business. ClearSource was subsequently merged into another beverage company.

  • Vice President, Strategic Development at Tampico Beverages
    2001 - 2004 · 3 yrs

    Developed and executed brand growth opportunities in new markets, new products and new distribution channels. Developed financial forecasts and long-range strategic plans, and counseled shareowners on investment growth strategies. Management responsibility for Information Technology function.

  • MacLean-Fogg Company (5 yrs 1 mo)
    • Group Controller
      1998 - 2001 · 3 yrs

      Managed strategy and acquisitions, financial planning and analysis, accounting and reporting, cost accounting, capital planning, credit and collections, and disbursements.

    • Director, Corp. Business Planning and Development
      1996 - 1998 · 2 yrs

      Evaluated potential acquisitions and prepared due diligence work for deals in process. Managed lending relationships and debt covenant compliance. Made financial presentations to Board of Directors and lending institutions.