Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Affiliations
Languages
Timeline
Generic

William Wood

Summary

Accomplished Chief Financial Officer with over 20 years of demonstrated excellence, providing unwavering support to both public and private enterprises in global and domestic landscapes. Excels in navigating intricate business environments to foster growth, optimize outcomes, and orchestrate operational turnarounds. Adept at organizational development and talent management, acknowledged for possessing outstanding business acumen and a comprehensive grasp of fundamental business operations. Harnesses strategic proficiency, coupled with operational acuity, resource alignment, and adept consensus-building. Collaborates seamlessly as a vital member of the leadership team, actively driving mission strategy implementation and fostering sustained profitability.

Overview

24
24
years of professional experience

Work History

VP Finance - Operations

Old World Industries
11.2021 - Current
  • Spearheaded financial initiatives that led to a significant increase in operational efficiency, streamlining processes and reducing costs by 15%.
  • Collaborated closely with the COO in developing and executing operational strategies, contributing to a seamless alignment between financial goals and overall business objectives.
  • Established and monitored key performance indicators (KPIs) to assess and improve operational performance, resulting in a measurable enhancement of productivity and bottom-line results.

CEO and CFO Advisor

Champion Laboratories
12.2019 - 11.2020
  • Recruited by the CEO to enhance the financial performance of the organization, collaborating closely with the CFO and Executive Leadership team in preparation for the successful sale of the company.
  • Conducted a comprehensive analysis of operational challenges, implementing targeted corrective actions that maximized profits and operational effectiveness.
  • Provided crucial support to the CFO throughout the business sale, contributing to a remarkably successful outcome in the sale of Champion Laboratories.

Chief Financial Officer

Merchants Metals
05.2018 - 12.2019
  • Championed a groundbreaking cost optimization initiative, implementing strategic measures that resulted in a substantial reduction in overhead expenses across diverse operational dimensions. This innovative approach not only streamlined operations but also catalyzed a profound positive impact on the company's financial health.
  • Elevated the standards of monthly and quarterly financial reporting packages for both internal and external stakeholders. Introduced enhanced reporting frameworks that not only met regulatory requirements but also provided deeper insights into financial performance, fostering greater transparency and strategic decision-making.
  • Attracted and assembled a high-caliber financial team, instrumental in optimizing processes and controls. This strategic recruitment not only fortified the company's financial capabilities but also added significant value by driving efficiency and precision in financial operations.

Chief Financial Officer

Applied Acoustics International
01.2017 - 05.2018


  • Orchestrated the seamless establishment of the standalone organization, completing the complex transition two months ahead of schedule. Implemented rigorous processes and controls across all operational domains, concurrently designing and implementing a comprehensive internal and external reporting package.
  • Led an innovative manufacturing enhancement initiative, achieving noteworthy cost reductions alongside a substantial boost in productivity. The resulting substantial savings underscored the success of strategically implemented initiatives that fine-tuned efficiency and maximized resource utilization.
  • Formed a strategic alliance with the Private Equity Sponsor to craft and execute a highly successful exit strategy. The culmination of this partnership resulted in a company merger, underscoring the effectiveness of the strategic approach in achieving a favorable and prosperous outcome

Chief Finance Officer

Prestone Products Corporation
01.2012 - 01.2017
  • Achieved an extraordinary feat of tripling EBITDA within a 4-year timeframe, exemplifying a remarkable 28.3% Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR). Concurrently, engineered an 18% boost in working capital. These strategic endeavors not only propelled robust business expansion but also translated into a noteworthy 3-point surge in branded market share, a noteworthy accomplishment in a market that was otherwise stagnant or declining.
  • Spearheaded the Integration Team, leading the execution of initiatives that successfully eradicated over 10% in costs across all functional areas over a comprehensive 3-year period. This sweeping cost reduction strategy played a pivotal role in fortifying the overall financial health and operational efficiency of the organization.
  • Drove active participation in value creation initiatives and served as a Key Member of the Strategic team, culminating in the highly successful sale of the business in the fourth year. The outcome of this strategic maneuver was exceptionally favorable, underscoring the profound impact of strategic financial leadership on achieving strategic milestones.

Mexico Chief Financial Officer

Dana Corporation
01.2009 - 01.2012
  • Guided financial initiatives and applied hands-on manufacturing expertise to advise operations for a $1.3B organization spanning nine facilities across Mexico. Occupied a pivotal executive role entailing comprehensive responsibilities, including P&L analysis and management, national finance stewardship, and driving improvements in revenue, profit, and EBITDA. Led initiatives for cash flow enhancement, financial planning and analysis, cost-saving strategies, and the implementation of internal financial standards.

Division Controller

American Axle, Formerly Metaldyne
01.2000 - 01.2009

Progressive Career Advancement:


  • Division Controller, Plymouth, MI (2005–2009): Oversaw comprehensive financial, accounting, and reporting activities for the $650M North America Chassis Division. Led a team across six manufacturing locations, demonstrating expertise in financial management and leadership.
  • Plant Controller, Mexico City, Mexico (2000–2005): Championed finance, accounting, tax, and treasury activities for a $75M manufacturing facility. Successfully navigated the complexities of a diverse financial landscape, showcasing proficiency in plant manufacturing accounting, cost savings, inventory controls, and leadership skills.

This succinct summary highlights your career trajectory from a Plant Controller in Mexico City to a Division Controller in Plymouth, showcasing your expertise and leadership across various financial functions and locations.

Education

MBA - Strategic Management

IPADE Business School
Mexico City, Mexico

Bachelor of Science - Finance

Universidad Tecnológica De Mexico
Mexico City, Mexico

Skills

  • Risk Management
  • Financial Analysis
  • Strategic Planning
  • Communication and Relationship Building
  • Regulatory Compliance
  • Operational Insights
  • Mergers and Acquisitions
  • Strategic Cost Management

Affiliations

Executive leadership program, ITAM – Instituto Tecnológico Autonomo de México, México City, México

Languages

Spanish
Native or Bilingual

Timeline

VP Finance - Operations

Old World Industries
11.2021 - Current

CEO and CFO Advisor

Champion Laboratories
12.2019 - 11.2020

Chief Financial Officer

Merchants Metals
05.2018 - 12.2019

Chief Financial Officer

Applied Acoustics International
01.2017 - 05.2018

Chief Finance Officer

Prestone Products Corporation
01.2012 - 01.2017

Mexico Chief Financial Officer

Dana Corporation
01.2009 - 01.2012

Division Controller

American Axle, Formerly Metaldyne
01.2000 - 01.2009

MBA - Strategic Management

IPADE Business School

Bachelor of Science - Finance

Universidad Tecnológica De Mexico
William Wood