John Nicodemo Cpa, Ca, Macc Email and Phone Number

Ainsworth Pet Nutrition, LLC was successfully sold to the J.M Smucker Company in May, 2018 for $1.9 billion. Prior to this liquidity event, Ainsworth was a leading independent manufacturer and developer of super-premium pet food in the USA (led by the fastest growing brand in CPG, Rachael Ray Nutrish).As CFO, - Drove the dual IPO/Sales path liquidity event process. - Overhauled the financial operational functions to steer the transformation of Ainsworth into a super-premium brand-led pet food company. - Strategized and executed accelerated corporate growth plans anchored around Rachael Ray Nutrish to exploit powerful consumer trends and changing channel dynamics. - Led a cross-functional team with full scope over all Finance and IT functions; instilled an agile, purpose-driven, high performing culture while building a new Transformational Finance team. - Led commercial bank refinancing projects to increase credit capacity with reduced finance costs. - Improved ERP and business information support systems; enhanced reporting, analysis and controls. - Developed 5-year strategic planning process and annual budgeting cycle; delivered financial and systems capabilities and insights to support brand growth drivers at the FDM channel - Strategized capital investment thesis and application to improve production efficiencies and cost absorption rates. - Reduced input cost volatility risk by revamping commodity hedging strategies/execution.

Pernod Ricard USA is the largest market company of Pernod Ricard, the number two global spirits & wine company, which includes the notable brands of Absolut, Kahlua, Jameson, Malibu, Beefeater and Chivas Regal. Led a team of 100+ across the USA with full scope over all Finance functions. This included responsibility for business development, M&A, commercial strategy, financial planning, and market analysis & insights.Other areas of responsibility encompassed accounting, taxation, treasury, internal audit, insurance, sales and operations finance.Was a senior member of the Executive Committee and a Director on the Board of the Tequila Avion.Select accomplishments:• Successfully delivered annual financial objectives while de-stocking distributor inventory levels. • Instrumental in shaping the strategy and financial design of distributor contract negotiations with an emphasis on increased dedication of distributor resources.• Developed the M&A strategies and secured Pernod Ricard approval for the successful acquisitions of Kenwood Wineries and Tequila Avion (majority position).• Managed the design and development of the new business information reporting and commercial insights platform.

Pernod Ricard Korea is the third largest market company in Asia for Pernod Ricard. Led a team of 60+ across the South Korea with full scope for the Finance, Legal, External Affairs and Manufacturing functions. This included responsibility for business development, M&A, commercial strategy, manufacturing & operations, legal and external affairs.Other areas of responsibility encompassed financial planning & analysis, financial reporting, commercial analysis & insights, accounting, taxation; treasury, internal audit, and insurance. Direct reports included the Chief Financial Officer, the VP of Legal and the Director of Operations. Was a senior member of the Executive Committee and a Director on the Board of the Pernod Ricard Korea Imperial joint venture with Hite/Jinro.Select accomplishments:• Improved the operational efficiencies of the manufacturing facilities in Icheon, Korea with emphasis on RFID technical capabilities. • Created the strategy and negotiated the successful minority buy-out of Imperial whisky from Hite/Jinro.• Negotiated a successful excise tax settlement with the Korean Customs Service.

The majority-owned Canadian market company of Pernod Ricard. Corby is a public company listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol CSW.A.Led a team of 70+ across the Canada with full scope for all Finance, IT, Operations Supply Chain and Corporate Secretariat (2002-2004) functions. This included responsibility for business development, M&A, commercial strategy, financial planning & analysis, public company financial reporting and communications. Other areas of responsibility encompassed accounting, taxation, treasury, internal audit, insurance, supply chain logistics, information technology & business systems, and corporate secretariat (2002-2004).Was a senior member of the Executive Committee and a Director on the Board of Corby Distilleries Limited. Select accomplishments:• Achieved or overachieved financial targets for 6 straight years.• Developed the strategy and secured Board of Directors’ approval for the successful acquisitions of Seagram Coolers and Lamb’s Navy rum (UK) and the disposal of Tia Maria liqueur.• Drove a full ERP conversion (JD Edwards) and implementation of a new business intelligence system.• Designed and implemented an integrated strategic business plan based upon national brand equity and key regional market profitability leading to top-line growth that outpaced the Canadian spirits market.