Finance and Investing is pleased to announce The Top 25 CFOs in Consumer Products for 2023. The consumer product industry owes its robust growth to the mid-1800s industrial revolution in Western Europe and the U.S. The entire lifecycle of manufacturing, distribution, marketing, and sales has undergone transformative shifts over the ensuing decades. Today, this formidable sector wields substantial global economic influence, accounting for more than two-thirds of the world economy's trade volume. Looking ahead, the industry's prospects are notably promising, driven by rising demand in emerging retail markets like China, Russia, and India. Regardless of operational geography, the efficacy of these companies hinges significantly on their leadership teams, particularly those holding the position of Chief Financial Officer. These executives are charged with steering the company's financial strategy, overseeing budgeting, financial reporting, and analysis. Their pivotal role extends to shaping strategic decisions that enhance financial performance and ensure the company's fiscal robustness and expansion.
Among this year’s awardees is Adam Orvos, who has served as EVP and CFO for the retail giant Ross Stores since October 2021. Orvos, who previously held leadership roles in the finance departments for companies like Neiman Marcus and Belk Department Stores, is currently in charge of the overall financial operations for a $18.7 billion Fortune 500 Company. Representing another major name in the retail industry, this year we are honoring Jill Timm, the CFO for Kohl's. A 20-year Kohl's veteran, Timm leads financial planning and analysis, investor relations, financial reporting, accounting operations, tax, and treasury for the company's 1,100+ stores in 49 states. Additionally, we would like to draw special attention to John Garratt, who currently serves as Dollar General’s President and CFO. Before leading the financial activities of his company's 19,000+ stores, Garratt held a wide range of leadership positions at Yum! Brands. On top of his current CFO duties, Garratt also serves on the Board of Directors for the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta.
Please join us in celebrating the accomplishments of The Top 25 CFOs in Consumer Products for 2023.
1. John Garratt
President and Chief Financial Officer, Dollar General
John Garratt currently serves as Dollar General’s President and CFO. In these roles, Garratt is responsible for oversight of the company’s finance, accounting, strategy and procurement functions — as well as responsibilities for Dollar General’s strategic initiative relating to healthcare and its international expansion to Mexico. Founded in 1939, the company’s 19,294 stores across the U.S. (and Mi Súper Dollar General stores in Mexico) provide everyday essentials, including many of the world’s most trusted brands. Garratt joined Dollar General in 2014. During his time with the company, he has served as senior vice president of finance and strategy (July-December 2015) and executive vice president and CFO (December 2015-August 2022).
Prior to Dollar General, Garratt held various positions of increasing responsibility at Yum! Brands from 2004 through 2014. This includes serving as VP of finance and division controller for KFC; and holding leadership positions in corporate strategy and financial planning. Garratt also previously served as Plant Controller for Alcoa. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for Louisville-based Humana, the Board of Directors for the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, and the American Red Cross Tennessee Region Board of Directors. Garratt holds a bachelor’s in finance from Indiana University and an MBA in finance and strategy from Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh.
2. Katrina O'Connell
Chief Financial Officer, Gap Inc.
As CFO for Gap Inc., Katrina O’Connell is leading the company’s global finance function. Founded in San Francisco in 1969, Gap continues to build on its heritage grounded in denim and khakis. Notably, Gap is the namesake brand for leading global specialty retailer, Gap Inc., which includes Old Navy, Gap, Athleta and Banana Republic brands. O’Connell has a proven track record of driving a high-performance culture. With over 25 years at Gap, she has extensive experience across both brands and functions, from Brand Finance (both high-growth and mature) to Inventory Management to Investor Relations.
Most recently, O’Connell served as Old Navy’s CFO and head of Strategy & Innovation – with global responsibility for the brand’s financial performance, real estate portfolio, product/experience digital strategies, competitive intelligence and portfolio strategic planning. In addition, her various corporate roles focused on both financial budgeting and forecasting for Gap Inc.’s portfolio of brands, as well as engaging in Supply Chain, IT, Treasury, and Investor relations work. O’Connell holds a bachelor’s in Foreign Services from Georgetown University. On top of her CFO duties, she serves as a member of the Gap Foundation Audit Committee and as Board Chair of the Mount Tamalpais School in Mill Valley, CA.
3. Jill Timm
Chief Financial Officer, Kohl's
Jill Timm is the CFO for Kohl’s. In her role, Timm leads financial planning and analysis, investor relations, financial reporting, accounting operations, tax, and treasury for the company. Kohl’s is a leading omnichannel retailer. With more than 1,100 stores in 49 states and the online convenience of Kohls.com and the Kohl's App, Kohl's offers amazing national and private brands at incredible savings for families nationwide.
Timm joined Kohl’s in 1999 as a senior financial analyst. During her more than 20-year tenure at Kohl’s, she has held a number of progressive leadership roles across several areas of finance — most recently as executive vice president of finance. Prior to joining Kohl’s, Timm served as senior auditor at Arthur Andersen LLP. Timm graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.
4. Matthew Bilunas
Chief Financial Officer, Best Buy
Matt Bilunas is the CFO and Senior EVP of enterprise strategy at Best Buy Co. Inc. In this role, he is responsible for overseeing all aspects of global finance – inclusive of audit, procurement and financial services; as well as enterprise strategy and real estate. Today, Best Buy’s over 100,000 employees provide solutions to their customers in over 1,000 locations and online. Whether it’s working as a Geek Squad Agent, an in-store advisor, or in their corporate office, they offer each other support and prepare for what might come next.
Since joining Best Buy in 2006, Bilunas has served in a variety of financial leadership roles, both in the field and at the corporate campus. He started as a territory finance director in Los Angeles and has worked in the company’s domestic and international businesses. Bilunas has been a key finance leader during Best Buy’s transformation. Prior to becoming CFO, he was senior vice president of enterprise and merchandise finance. He also has held finance roles in retail, e-commerce and marketing. Before Best Buy, Bilunas worked at Carlson Inc., NRG Energy Inc., Bandag Inc., and KPMG. He holds a bachelor’s in accounting from Iowa State University.
5. Mario Marte
Chief Financial Officer, Chewy
Mario Marte is the CFO of Chewy, a leading online source for pet products, supplies and prescriptions. The company provides a broad selection of high-quality products and services – which they offer at competitive prices and deliver with an exceptional level of care and a personal touch to build brand loyalty and drive repeat purchasing. They partner with more than 3,500 of trusted brands in the pet industry, offering more than 110,000 products and services offerings. Marte began his career in 1998.
6. Adam Orvos
Chief Financial Officer, Ross Stores, Inc.
At Ross Stores, Adam Orvos has served as EVP and CFO since October 2021. He joined the company in January 2021 as Group Senior Vice President of Supply Chain Administration. Previously, he served as Senior Vice President of Retail Finance and Global Financial Planning and Analysis at Lowe’s from 2019 to 2020; CFO and COO at Neiman Marcus from 2018 to 2019; and Executive Vice President of Retail and then CEO at Total Wine & More from 2016 to 2017. He also held several senior management positions at Belk Department Stores from 2006 to 2016, where he eventually became its CFO. For almost 20 years prior to this, Orvos held various financial roles at The May Department Stores Company, ultimately rising to CFO at their Foley’s division.
For the last 40 years, Ross Stores, Inc. has grown from a six-store chain into an $18.7 billion, Fortune 500 Company. They operate their off-price businesses in a way that keeps costs low so they can pass the savings to their customers. They continue to open new stores and their sales growth has outpaced traditional retailers for the past three years. Ross Dress for Less® has 1,704 stores in 40 states, the District of Columbia and Guam. dd’s DISCOUNTS® has 330 stores in 22 states. Orvos graduated from the University of Missouri-Columbia with an undergraduate degree in finance.
7. Jane Nielsen
Chief Financial Officer, Ralph Lauren
Jane Nielsen is COO and CFO for Ralph Lauren, a global leader in the design, marketing and distribution of luxury lifestyle products in five categories: apparel, footwear & accessories, home, fragrances and hospitality. For more than 50 years, Ralph Lauren has sought to inspire the dream of a better life through authenticity and timeless style. Its reputation and distinctive image have been developed across a wide range of products, brands, distribution channels and international markets. Nielsen joined the company in 2016.
In her current roles, Nielsen leads Ralph Lauren’s global finance, business development and real estate organizations – driving the company’s financial strategy to deliver sustainable profitable growth. Nielsen is also responsible for the global functions of internal audit, investor relations, procurement, IT and global logistics. In addition, she serves on the Board of Directors of Mondelez International, Inc. Nielsen graduated from Harvard Business School with an MBA and from Smith College with an undergraduate degree in economics.
8. Vincent Zanna
Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, J.Crew
Vincent Zanna has been the CFO and Treasurer of J.Crew Group since August 2017. In these roles, he leads all aspects of Finance including, Accounting, Financial Planning and Analysis, Treasury, Investor Relations, Procurement. He also leads Real Estate, Planning and Construction, and Loss Prevention. Prior to his current positions, he served as J.Crew’s Senior Vice President of Finance and Treasurer since October 2016; and Vice President and Treasurer. Prior to joining J.Crew in 2009, he served as the Treasurer of Footstar, Inc., where he held various finance positions from 1998 to 2009.
J.Crew began in 1983, when the first catalog was launched. The first J.Crew store opened in 1989 at the South Street Seaport in New York City. Since then, J.Crew has expanded to hundreds of specialty retail and over 150 outlet stores across the world, with a robust online business and new stores opening regularly. In 2006, the J.Crew Group launched Madewell, which quickly became a go-to brand for effortlessly cool styles for gals and guys alike. Notably, Zanna graduated from Fairleigh Dickinson University with an undergraduate degree in finance and economics.
9. Michael Porter
Chief Financial Officer, EVEREVE
Michael Porter began his professional career 19 years ago. Today, he is the CFO at EVEREVE, a coast-to-coast retailer with a boutique feel and unmatched personal service, offering a curated collection of elevated, contemporary, versatile brands for women who are ever-evolving in life and style. They have 100 stores in 30+ states, an e-boutique at EVEREVE.com, daily programming on @evereveofficial, and a digital personal styling service at TRENDSEND.com.
Porter got his start in 2004 as an accountant at Target, before eventually rising to SVP and chief financial officer at iMedia Brands, Inc., his most recent position prior to joining EVEREVE. Porter graduated from the University of Minnesota’s Carlson School of Management with an MBA and from the University of Iowa with an undergraduate degree in finance.
10. Darian Rezai
Chief Financial Officer, Watson's
Darian Rezai is the CFO at Watson's, a family-owned business that can trace its roots back over a half century. From humble beginnings, the company’s dedication to selection, service, and savings has enabled it to become one of the world’s largest specialty retailers. Watsons sells the highest quality indoor and outdoor furniture, hot tubs and spas, above ground pools and supplies, among others.
Rezai has been with Watsons since 2012. Previously, he was a VP of finance at The C.M. Paula Company. Before that, he was a CFO at Deufol. Earlier in his career, he worked with Franks Industries as a controller. Rezai earned an undergraduate degree in accounting from The Ohio State University.
11. Brian Sullivan
Chief Financial Officer, Bargain Hunt
Brian Sullivan is the CFO of Bargain Hunt, a Nashville-based, extreme value retail chain with 89 stores across 10 states. With a team of buyers skilled in acquiring high-quality closeouts, buyouts, overstocks and returns, Bargain Hunt can provide customers savings of 30-70%. Bargain Hunt offers substantial savings on an ever-changing assortment of amazing brand name items across food, beverage, personal care, cleaning, pet, baby, bed, bath, kitchen, home décor, furniture, and many other categories.
Sullivan began his career in 1993. Before joining Bargain Hunt, he was a CFO at Forman Mills. Before that, he served as a CFO at Donald Pliner. Earlier in his career, he worked with BDO as a senior accountant. Sullivan graduated from New York Law School with a JD and from the State University of New York at Oswego with an undergraduate degree in accounting.
12. Bruce Breedlove
Chief Financial Officer, Mattress Warehouse, Inc.
Bruce Breedlove began his professional career 45 years ago. Today, he is the CFO of Mattress Warehouse, Inc., the No. 1 independently-owned American retailer with stores throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. Serving customers for more than 30 years, it is their mission to provide each customer with a relaxed and educational buying process that provides the best overall sleep experience with quality products at the best possible price.
Breedlove got his start in 1978 as a senior manager at KPMG US. From there, he went on to Global Natural Resources Inc., before eventually rising to VP and controller at Friedman's Jewelers, his most recent position prior to joining Mattress Warehouse, Inc. Breedlove graduated from Texas McCombs School of Business with an undergraduate degree in finance.
13. Lorraine Disanto
Chief Financial Officer, Serena & Lily
Lorraine Disanto is the CFO of Serena & Lily, a company that combines their love of breezy California style with a passion for great design. Their look is casual and coastal, relaxed yet refined. Their designs blend classic influences with modern lines; eclectic inspiration with great American style. They believe home should be a welcoming oasis, your favorite place to retreat, gather, and live well every day.
Disanto joined the company in 2022. Previously, she was a CFO at Sequential Brands Group. Before that, she served as CFO at Design Within Reach. Earlier in her career, she worked with IBM as a staff accountant. Disanto earned an MBA and an undergraduate degree in finance and information systems from Pace University.
14. Mark Schnorbus
Chief Financial Officer, Mike's Carwash
Mark Schnorbus is the CFO of Mike's Carwash. Founded in 1948 in Fort Wayne, IN, Mike's Carwash operates car washes with locations in Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky and is based in Cincinnati, OH. Mike's is a family-owned company and was voted one of the top 40 Best Places to Work in Ohio, 30 Best Places to Work in Indiana and one of the Top 15 Best Small Workplaces by the Wall Street Journal.
Schnorbus began his career in 2004. Before joining Mike's Carwash, he was an FP&A leader at Champion Window Mfg. Before that, he served as a director of finance at Executive Jet Management. Earlier in his career, he worked with NetJets as a financial analyst. Schnorbus graduated from the University of Cincinnati Carl H. Lindner College of Business with an MBA in finance and from Xavier University with an undergraduate degree in history and political science.
15. Frederic Lartiguevieille
Chief Financial Officer, Stila Cosmetics
Frederic Lartiguevieille began his professional career 33 years ago. Today, he is the Chief Financial Officer of Stila Cosmetics. Celebrity makeup artist Jeanine Lobell founded Stila in 1994. Today the company creates products for the eyes, cheeks, lips and face as well as for complexion perfection and multi-use. The brand's innovative, multi-tasking formulas, eco-friendly packaging, and fashion-forward colors have cemented its place on must-have lists of top beauty editors around the world. The prestige color brand regularly appears on the pages of magazines like Allure and InStyle, and is also used by top designers during New York fashion week.
Lartiguevieille got his start in 1990 as an acoustical engineer at Ingemansson. From there, he went on to Altran Technologies, before eventually rising to VP of finance at Revlon Inc., his most recent position prior to joining Stila Cosmetics. Lartiguevieille graduated from NYU’s Stern School of Business with an MBA in finance and from Ecole centrale de Lyon with an undergraduate degree.
16. Tim Costigan
Chief Financial Officer, Fox's
Tim Costigan is the Chief Financial Officer of Fox's, a growing premier fashion retailer for women’s apparel, shoes and accessories. They have 15 locations throughout New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia and Illinois and are continuing to grow. They have built their reputation by providing leading fashion designers at off-prices along with exceptional customer service.
Notably, the company’s buyers travel the world to bring the latest styles to their stores. This is what has made them successful for over 40 years. An industry veteran, Costigan has been with the company since 1989. He earned an undergraduate degree in business from Marquette University.
17. Andy Barnes
Chief Financial Officer, Farm & Home Supply
Andy Barnes is the CFO of Farm & Home Supply. The company first opened its doors as Quincy Farm Supply in 1960. Since then, they have always based their company on a policy of fair prices, good selection and great service. The company has grown to a total of fifteen stores: ten stores are located in Illinois: Quincy, Jacksonville, Jerseyville, Pittsfield, Springfield East, Springfield West, Alton, Havana, Lincoln, and Taylorville. They also have three stores in Missouri and two stores in Iowa.
Barnes began his career in 1996. Before joining Farm & Home Supply, he was a CFO at Skybridge Americas. Before that, he was a CFO at AMT Consumer Services. Earlier in his career, he worked with Valspar as a business and treasury analyst. Barnes graduated from the University of Minnesota’s Carlson School of Management with an MBA in finance and operations management and from the University of Iowa with an undergraduate degree in accounting.
18. Dennis O'Shell
Chief Financial Officer, Colony Tire Corporation
Dennis O'Shell began his professional career 17 years ago. Today, he is the CFO of Colony Tire Corporation, a company that has made it their primary goal to exceed their customers’ expectations of service by offering high-quality, competitively-priced automotive services and tire products in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia.
By focusing on long-term growth and success for their customers, Tire Corporation has been able to develop strong relationships with thousands of loyal customers who return for routine maintenance, new tires, and much more. O'Shell graduated from Wake Forest University with an MBA and from George Mason University with an undergraduate degree in accounting and business management.
19. Peter Delahunt
Chief Financial Officer, Old Time Pottery, LLC
Peter Delahunt is the CFO of Old Time Pottery, LLC. Since 1986, Old Time Pottery has brought great bargains and stylish home decor into the homes of millions of people. Started as a single-store operation in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, they now cover the Southeast and Midwest with 43 stores. They are famous for low prices because they buy in huge volume from the industry's largest suppliers.
Delahunt joined the company in 2022. Previously, he was a CFO at Aqua-Leisure Recreation, LLC. Before that, he was a CFO at KT Tape. Earlier in his career, he worked with Child World, Inc. as a manager of merchandise planning. Delahunt earned an undergraduate degree in finance from Babson College.
20. Kevin Harbeson
Chief Financial Officer, Hillerich & Bradsby Co.
Kevin Harbeson is the CFO of Hillerich & Bradsby Co., a world-class sporting goods manufacturer and operator of the renowned Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory and their new bourbon experience, Barrels & Billets. The company also produces award-winning Bionic Gloves. H&B has manufactured Louisville Slugger® wood bats, the Official Bat of Major League Baseball®, since 1884. Notably, more home runs, hits, and RBIs have occurred with Louisville Slugger bats than all other bat brands combined. H&B owned the world-famous Louisville Slugger brand from its inception in 1884 to 2015, when Wilson Sporting Goods acquired it. H&B now serves as Wilson’s manufacturing partner for wood bats.
Harbeson is a strategic leader and finance professional with a proven track record of managing cross-functional teams to successfully drive operational improvements through the application of best practices. He possesses over 27 years of experience solving multiple and complex issues in the financial, human resources, legal, tax, sales, and operational areas of business management. Harbeson graduated from Indiana University Southeast with an undergraduate degree in accounting.
21. Carter Shae
Chief Financial Officer, Cuts Clothing, Inc
Carter Shae is the Chief Financial Officer of Cuts Clothing, Inc., a high-growth, global apparel brand with an omnichannel reach in-store and online. With extensive experience in business strategy across multiple categories and disciplines, Carter oversees all aspects of finance, human resources, customer experience, and logistics. Previously, Carter worked at one of the Big Four accounting firms, PwC, and eventually moved on to a larger healthcare system, managing a $1B+ budget.
He is an experienced Financial Director with a demonstrated history of working in the apparel and fashion industry. Carter received a bachelor’s degree in business administration with an emphasis in accounting from Washington State University and a master’s in accounting from the University of Washington.
22. Guillermo Fernandez
Chief Financial Officer, Stop and Compare Markets
Guillermo Fernandez, an accomplished CFO from Spain, has a proven track record of driving financial success in the retail industry. Having moved to the United States in 2010, he brought a diversity of experience and expertise. With proficiencies in financial accounting and process improvement, he's demonstrated his ability to enhance organizational performance. As the current CFO of Stop and Compare Supermarkets in Boston, he oversees financial planning for a company exceeding $50 million in revenue and has been instrumental in securing financing for expansion.
Previously at J. Jill, Guillermo managed budgets for over 280 stores, uncovering significant cost-saving opportunities. He has also held volunteer roles, including Chairman of the Chelsea Business Foundation, reflecting his dedication to the professional community. His academic achievements include an MSA from Boise State University and an MBA from Cambridge College, completing the NGA Leadership Program at Cornell University.
23. Josh Harbour
Chief Financial Officer, Red Dress
Josh Harbour is the CFO of Red Dress, which was founded by its CEO & dreamer, Diana Harbour in 2005 as a small storefront in Athens, Georgia. Red Dress was born from a need of creative expression on a larger scale and a desire to fill a void Diana saw in the market. They were one of the first websites to feature "complete the look" features, by styling and selling entire outfits from head to toe.
Their e-commerce website officially launched in 2009, just as social media was starting to become a place for businesses. Harbour first joined the company in 2008 as chief operating officer. He earned a JD from the University of Georgia School of Law and an undergraduate degree in political science from The University of Georgia.
24. Stewart Mederos
Chief Financial Officer, Recreation World, Inc.
Stewart Mederos is the CFO of Recreation World, which is Central Florida’s #1 RV dealer proudly serving Florida’s RV community since 1976. Giant Recreation World combines the personal service that can only be given by a family owned. In Florida they provide a wide range of offerings, including Coachmen motorhomes, Coachmen Freelander motorhomes, Coachmen Concord, and Coachmen Mirada motorhomes, among others.
An industry veteran, Mederos has 36 years of experience. He began his career in 1987. Before joining Recreation World, Inc., Mederos was a controller at Angelika Film Center & Cafe. Earlier in his career, he worked with UFG International as an assistant controller. Mederos graduated from CUNY New York City College of Technology with an undergraduate degree in accounting and finance.
25. Mark Schneider
Chief Financial Officer, Slumberkins
Mark Schneider started his professional career 24 years ago. Today, he is the CFO of Slumberkins, an e-commerce children’s brand on a mission to promote emotional wellness and provide tools to caregivers and educators to empower children to be caring, confident, and resilient. Founded by a therapist and educator, each product addresses different themes such as Mindfulness, Authenticity, Growth Mindset, and Self-Esteem.
Schneider got his start in 1999 as a financial planning manager and analyst at Norm Thompson Outfitters. From there, he went on to Orchard Portfolio, before eventually rising to VP of finance and CFO at GiftTreeGift, his most recent position prior to joining Slumberkins. Schneider graduated from Willamette University with an MBA and an undergraduate degree in economics and mathematics.
