Executive Vice President, CFO, and Board Member of Katzkin Leather, Inc. a middle market, private equity backed (ClearLight Partners) designer and manufacturer of custom aftermarket automotive leather interiors. Partner with CEO on all aspects of strategy, management, digital marketing, organization, and operations to lead the revitalization of the company. Initiate and lead cross-functional teams in areas including: direct to consumer digital marketing; new product development; production; quality; call center optimization; and inventory management. Work closely with all line leaders across the business to drive growth initiatives, cost reductions, and working capital efficiency. Manage all traditional CFO functions, including: strategy; FP&A; budgeting, forecasting, and planning; accounting and reporting; KPI development and measurement; treasury; and risk management. Oversee materials/procurement, human resources, and information technology. Review and negotiate contracts. Built company's financial planning and analysis (FP&A) capability. Overhauled sales and operations planning (S&OP) process and methodology to simultaneously reduce finished goods inventory while improving in-stock availability to drive revenue growth. Manage lender relationships / refinanced loan significantly reducing interest expense. Work directly with private equity firm on key governance issues.

Active board member for a global sales training and sales force effectiveness company. Richardson works with some of the largest and most sophisticated companies in the world providing an emphasis on skills to execute in the sales process and tools that enable sales people to succeed.

Senior private equity executive with responsibility for deal origination, mergers and acquisitions execution, and portfolio governance. Served as active board member / board observer, provided in-depth strategic guidance to drive value creation initiatives at companies across multiple industries, including: - Katzkin Leather, Inc. (custom automotive leather interiors), Board Member - The Richardson Company (sales training), Board Member - The Outsource Group (healthcare receivables/revenue cycle management), Board Member - U.S. Education (post-secondary education), Board observerManaged lending relationships for operating companies, including arranging financing, negotiating amendments, and monitoring / ensuring covenant complianceClosed over ten transactions (platforms and add-ons), evaluated hundreds of new investment opportunities. Cultivated relationships with executives, investment banks, and referral sources to increase deal flow.Recruited numerous CEO, CFO, and VP level executives for portfolio companies. Identified and recruited outside board members and advisors. Hired and mentored junior investment professionals.ClearLight is a private equity firm with $900 million under management. ClearLight invests in market-leading growth companies with $5 million to $20 million of EBITDA in a wide variety of industries, including education and training, niche manufacturing, consumer, healthcare, and business services.

Strategy consultant and engagement manager advising client management teams in the United States and Europe in the financial services, consumer, and business services sectors on growth strategy, operational improvements, and organizational issues.

Served as a special assistant to the CEO and CFO and led financial planning and analysis (FP&A). Executed successful sale ($200 million) of this former private equity owned (Brentwood Associates) company to the Tribune Company. Led company’s first strategic planning process; overhauled the budget process; and worked on numerous operational initiatives to increase growth and profitability.Educational Publishing was a publisher of supplemental educational materials (early childhood through high school) operating under the brand names Creative Publications, Instructional Fair, TS Denison, and Ideal School Supply.

Private equity analyst. Oversaw performance of portfolio companies, restructured investment, and evaluated new investment opportunities.

Completed two-year investment banking financial analyst program as a member of the Mergers and Acquisitions Department. Assignments included M&A execution, transaction development, and the Princes Gate investment fund.