Post Job Free
Sign in

Management Vice President

Location:
Sherman Oaks, CA, 91423
Posted:
June 01, 2011

Contact this candidate

Resume:

GARY P. ROLFES

**** ****** ***. ****: 818-***-****

Sherman Oakes, CA 91423 ********@*****.***

SENIOR EXECUTIVE – FINANCE / OPERATIONS / STRATEGIC PLANNING

Versatile and accomplished executive with more than 30 years of progressive leadership directing financial

and operational functions for businesses across diverse industries, ranging from early-stage enterprises to global market

leaders. Resourceful leader with top-notch finance, accounting, strategic planning, P&L enhancement, and

turnaround management skills, who excels at leading enterprise-wide programs for driving down costs, fueling

revenue growth, maximizing profitability, and strengthening overall financial position. Extensive experience with M&A

and turnaround initiatives. Additional core competencies include:

Executive Leadership & Supervision Operations Management Startup & Turnaround Management

Strategy Planning & Execution P&L / Budget Management Direct & Matrixed Team Leadership

New Business Development Financial Planning & Analysis Staff Building & Consolidation

Mergers & Acquisitions / Due Diligence Cost Cutting & Fiscal Control Forecasting

Profit Margin Optimization Risk Management Regulatory Compliance

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

LRN CORPORATION, Los Angeles, CA 2006 to 2008

A leading provider of e-learning (ASP) solutions and consulting services that enable Fortune 1000 clients worldwide to

navigate complex legal and regulatory environments and build ethical cultures to enhance reputation and maximize profits.

EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT – FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION

Served as CFO with overall responsibility for all finance and administrative functions. Provided leadership in

driving ongoing improvements in financial oversight, forecasting, financial planning, controls, and analysis.

Facilitated new business acquisitions by conducting the due diligence process and leading the integration of

newly acquired businesses into company operations. Supervised 25 direct reports across diverse functional

areas, including human resources, contract administration, and facilities management. In addition to managing

the legal research department. Managed budget of $6 million.

• Significantly enhanced overall performance of finance team in addition to developing and

implementing new forecasting process that improved planning and overall company management

capabilities.

• Executed new business acquisitions, including GreenOrder, a strategy and consulting company

specializing in sustainable business, and an e-learning business, which increased content

development capabilities and positioned the company for lucrative expansion into new geographic

markets in Europe and India.

INTELLIGENT ENERGY HOLDINGS PLC, London, England 2005

A clean power systems company with proprietary fuel cell and hydrogen generation technology.

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

As a key member of senior executive team and integral member of the board of directors, assisted in directing

operations of this international technology company with a team of more than 70 professionals. Assisted with

efforts to become a public company listed on NASDAQ, which included SEC filings and leasing U.S. office

space, prior to senior management re-consideration to remain a private, UK-based company.

CANDLE CORPORATION / IBM, El Segundo, CA 1997 to 2005

One of the world's largest independent software and professional services companies, with sales in excess of $400 million,

which was acquired by IBM in 2004.

SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT / CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

Directed global financial functions, managing more than 100 staff members across diverse functional areas and

departments, including division finance heads. Developed and implemented restructuring initiatives that

reduced costs and significantly improved profitability and cash flow. Served as member of company advisory

Continued on Page 2

Gary P. Rolfes Cell: 818-***-**** ********@*****.*** Page 2

board and executive committee. Reported directly to the Chairman of the Board / CEO. Managed budget of $25

million.

CANDLE CORPORATION (Continued)

• Developed and executed plans and strategies for achieving consistent and profitable growth while

maximizing returns.

• Played instrumental role contributing to all phases of the company’s successful sale to IBM in 2004,

one of the largest software acquisitions of the year; contributions included negotiations, due diligence,

regulatory review, and corporate integration.

• Pioneered and implemented a new financial system to support worldwide operations.

• Served as member of the Board of Directors for the Candle Foundation.

MATTEL, INC., El Segundo, CA 1985 to 1997

The world’s largest manufacturer of toys, games, and media, a Fortune 500 company with annual sales of $4.8 billion and

more than 25,000 employees worldwide.

SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT OF BUSINESS PLANNING (1996-1997)

Directed and managed all aspects of strategic planning for the international division. Served as senior advisor

to the President of Mattel International and led major special projects and business development initiatives to

drive significant growth of the division. Directed Mattel Media’s international business.

• Developed, implemented, and directed the strategic planning process that resulted in significant

revenue and profitability growth for the division.

• Played instrumental role in improving the capabilities and efficiency of the international distribution

system in meeting the needs of operations throughout Europe.

SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT & CORPORATE CONTROLLER (1992-1996)

As chief accounting officer, directed all worldwide division controllers and financial leaders with oversight of a

worldwide staff of hundreds of direct and indirect reports. Established the financial policy and global controls,

implemented financial information systems to enhance productivity, managed financial and SEC reporting, and

performed corporate financial planning and analysis functions. Prepared presentations for the board of

directors and executive and audit committees. Provided financial support for the Chairman of the Board and

CEO. Managed budget of $15 million.

• Played major role in directing key strategic acquisitions, including Fisher-Price ($1.2 billion),

International Games, Kransco, and Tyco Toys.

• As part of senior-level task force, contributed to major corporate turnaround by formulating,

implementing, and monitoring wide-scale plans for driving cost savings and efficiency, which have been

instrumental in driving sustained growth over a period of more than 10 years.

• Re-engineered closing and financial processes for worldwide operations.

SUMMARY OF EARLIER CAREER EXPERIENCE:

Prior engagements included a steady progression to key leadership roles of increased responsibility and scope

within Mattel (1985-1992) and other companies across diverse industries, which included Xerox and a division

of Time Warner. These positions included Chief Financial Officer, Controller, and Director of Financial Planning

& Accounting. Key contributions included:

• Developed financial plans for securing private early-stage funding for a rapidly growing computer

product distributor that grew into a multi-billion dollar public company.

• Played key role in developing and growing several early stage companies, including one that achieved

tripled growth in revenue run rates in just one year.

EDUCATION & CERTIFICATIONS

Continued on Page 2

Master of Business Administration – PEPPERDINE UNIVERSITY

Bachelor of Business Administration, Accounting – LOYOLA UNIVERSITY

Certified Merger & Acquisition Advisor (CM&AA)

Certified Corporate Director – UCLA

Continued on Page 2



Contact this candidate