Management Customer Service
Resume:
ROBERT A. CORNOG, JR.
*** ******* ****, ********, ** 60093
Home Office: 847-***-**** Mobile: 312-***-****
abnpg8@r.postjobfree.com
C- LEVEL EXECUTIVE
Expertise in Leading & Partnering Corporate Finance with Enterprise Strategies, Initiatives, Transactions & Goals
to Drive Growth, Increase Revenue, Optimize Operational Performance, Improve Profitability, Create Value
PROFILE DISTINCTIONS VALUE
STRATEGIC CORPORATE FINANCE EXPERT Dynamic, high-performance CFO with extensive experience and
exceptional success in conceiving, planning, developing and executing strategic and tactical finance initiatives that drive
top-line performance and deliver bottom-line results. Accomplished in every aspect of the corporate finance function
expertise in capital formation, structure/mix, allocation, management and optimization technically proficient in all
accounting treatments, and knowledgeable of related methodologies, best practices, transactions and compliance
requirements. Skilled in advanced financial modeling and analytics combined with a talent for creating and interpreting
meaningful decision support. Seasoned presenter, negotiator and deal maker.
CONSUMMATE MANAGEMENT EXECUTIVE Valuable member of the corporate leadership team, contributing
expertise in finance blended with superior business acumen, high-caliber general management qualifications, keen instincts,
experience-backed judgment and excellent timing. Value-added professional degree and career background in law. Battle-
tested in high-profile executive roles, making high-stakes decisions, solving real-world problems, and translating vision
into strategies converting strategies into action plans and ensuring that efforts deliver results.
EXCEPTIONAL INDIVIDUAL & TALENTED LEADER Lifelong overachiever with uncommonly strong degree of
drive, ambition and urgency to succeed, bolstered by uniquely high levels of intellectual agility, and analytical and
cognitive reasoning skills. Talented motivator, mentor and leader outstanding role model for diligence, accountability,
flexibility, tenacity, positive thinking and enthusiasm. Trusted advisor and partner to top-tier executives, and superior
representative of the company to all internal and external constituencies. Confident and assertive, yet approachable with
superior communication skills and a professional demeanor that demonstrates competency and fosters confidence.
QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERTISE
Business Strategy, Execution & Leadership Strategic Corporate Finance Management
P/L Improvement & Operations Management Corporate Development & Strategic Alternatives
Organizational Development & Change Capital Planning, Allocation & Management
Restructuring - Financial, Operational & Organizational Financial Forecasting, Analysis & Reporting
Budget, Cash Flow & Asset Management Administration, IT & HR Management
Debt/Equity Financing, M&A, JV, Cross-Border Deals SEC, SOX, GAAP Compliance
Team Building, Mentoring & Leadership Investor, Analyst, & Board Relations
Internal & External Relationship Management Transaction, Project, Engagement Management
Executive Advisory, Partnering & Decision Support Legal Advisory, Negotiations & Transactions
CAREER HISTORY & SUCCESSES
2008 to 2009
DigitalONE Network Chicago, IL
Dynamic Web 2.0 Entertainment Company Providing a Suite of Cutting-Edge Internet Software Tools for Producing and Distributing
Live Programs and Events First-Ever Blend of New Media Production with the Best of Social Networking
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
Second-in-command of business operations and top-ranking corporate finance executive in charge of driving and
optimizing performance of a high-potential startup. Transition CEO/Founder’s vision into viable business strategies and
activities emphasis on building solid financial structure required to support operations as a global organization. Partner
with CEO in all high-level strategic planning, problem solving and decision making. Provide leadership to the core
management team and multiple direct reports Director of Strategic Planning, Controller, CIO, Director of Facilities,
Director of HR.
Manage every aspect of corporate finance strategy and corporate development; financial planning and analysis; capital
acquisition and allocation for $15 million launch budget; treasury and tax; budget planning and control; cash flow; general
accounting and financial statement preparation; financial controls; GAAP/SEC compliance and oversee administrative
functions (legal and regulatory affairs, policy formation, business and financial processes, corporate communications, HR
including executive compensation, information technology, investor relations, customer service, strategic alliances, and
relationship management).
ROBERT A. CORNOG, JR. Page 2 of 4
CFO DigitalONE Network (continued)
Management & Leadership Successes
Brought real-world approach, strategy and structure while making high-profile contributions to enterprise-level vision,
forward momentum, and team-level enthusiasm and collaboration.
Improved performance, functionality and cost-effectiveness of the IT infrastructure. Selected and directed ongoing
implementation of ERP solution, and teamed with the CIO and CMO in replacing the existing system architecture
(kiosk “spoke” model) with a fully consolidated, web-centric hosted platform.
Restored confidence and commitment among senior-level executives by implementing a formal management incentive
plan and revising the organizational chart to better reflect new structure/focus of the business.
Corporate Finance & Strategy Results
Optimized business viability and mitigated risks by revising balance sheet requirements, capital plan mix/allocation,
go-to-market strategy, and operating model/budgets to align with current market challenges, economic conditions,
commercial trends and competitive activities.
Addressed investor “concern” threatening continued existence of the company by conveying superior business acumen
and finance expertise. Replaced $25+ million fund-and-go capital plan which had not been realized after 2 years
with phased-in financing transactions aligned with operational capacities and supported by disciplined spending.
Identified, opened inroads and/or began discussions with multiple potential sources of capital. Authored formal road-
show presentation including communications materials, marketing message, operating model, financial structure,
valuation analysis, governance structure and Private Placement Memorandum.
2006 to 2007
Sovereign Deed Chicago, Illinois
High-Growth Private Company Subscription-Based Disaster Preparedness Solution Utilizing Innovative, Proprietary Blend of
Technology and Logistics Services
EVP STRATEGY & FINANCE
Key member of the enterprise leadership team (one of 2 direct reports to CEO) and corporate finance executive
(functioning as CFO) in charge of all nonoperational activities of the organization corporate strategy, finance and
accounting functions; transactions/deal making; purchasing; financial analysis and management reporting; internal/external
communications; select legal matters; SEC/SOX compliance; Board and investor relations.
Led a core team of professionals in corporate strategy, finance, accounting and purchasing roles, and provided indirect
oversight to up to 35 others. Served as the face of the company to the Board of Directors and investment community
(bankers, brokers, analysts), lawyers, consultants and accountants (Kirkland & Ellis, McKinsey & Co., Deloitte), vendors,
customers, strategic partners, industry players and other interested parties.
Management & Leadership Successes
Created organizational infrastructure required to support the Founder’s vision a distinctive commercial solution for
disaster preparedness and drive/support operations within a highly structured, real-world financial plan. Steered the
financial direction of the company, and assumed and maintained active, hands-on role in every aspect of the business.
Established strategies and business processes for all essential operational functions (administration, purchasing, vendor
selection, product/service agreements, strategic partnerships).
Teamed with McKinsey consultants in replacing the existing “hard goods” sales approach with a cost-effective, easy to
sell, execute and track subscription-based business model.
Corporate Finance & Strategy Results
Raised $10+ million through equity and asset monetization transactions with new and existing investors. Orchestrated
a formal Wall Street placement process from agent assessment/selection through due diligence, valuation criteria
and documentation for future equity financings.
Enhanced operational strength and flexibility, improved customer acquisition/retention, mitigated risk exposure and
reduced tax liability by devising and implementing a corporate structure that simultaneously aligned the business
model with operational and financial objectives.
Conceived and implemented strategic acquisitions plan to augment/extend the product offering. Identified, negotiated
and executed strategic acquisition of an e-Learning company with a solid, value-added member portal service.
Improved strength and relevance of decision support by refining financial analysis structure/tools to address key
operational/financial performance metrics balance sheet efficiency, customer activity, profitability (by product and
geography), capital allocation and group performance.
Introduced SOX-compliant internal business processes, accounting practices and financial reporting systems.
ROBERT A. CORNOG, JR. Page 3 of 4
2003 to 2006
Revolution Capital Chicago, IL
Private Investment and Financial Advisory Services Firm Specialization in Strategic Corporate Finance and M&A Advisor to
Corporate Clients, and Evaluation and Execution of Investments on Behalf of Individual Clients
MANAGING PARTNER
Directed the Firm’s business operations and managed all related projects/transactions and client engagements. Structured,
negotiated and executed investments spanning subsidiary redeployment, M&A and equity/debt financings. Provided
advisory services to CEOs, CFOs and other key decision makers covering a broad spectrum of matters business and
financial strategy, corporate development alternatives, general accounting, SOX implications/compliance, investor relations
and more.
Key Engagements & Results
Financial Advisor Renewable Energy Company. Devised and advised on the execution of formal financing plan
focused on venture capital investors.
Principal Seasoned Development, LLC. Key player in inspiration, funding, planning and launch of a unique, multi-
concept restaurant business focused on brand development and franchising.
Financial Advisor Retained to investigate and evaluate strategic investment/exit alternatives. Structured, negotiated
and executed sale of the $250 million private company (supplier to capital goods industry) to $500 million public
enterprise at 15% higher than expected return.
Financial Advisor Executed divestiture of $15 million machine tool subsidiary of $600 million public company.
2001 to 2003
Mesirow Financial Chicago, IL
Diversified Financial Services Firm Comprised of 5 Divisions/Lines of Business Serving Institutional, Corporate and Individual Clients
MANAGING DIRECTOR Investment Banking
Recruited to grow, expand and manage the investment banking business unit capital raising, restructuring, M&A,
strategic advisory services on behalf of corporate clients doing business in a broad range of industries (concentration in
industrial and distribution sectors). Reported directly to the Vice Chairman, held P&L accountability for group operations
and provided oversight to all group related projects/engagements and approximately 30 professionals.
Management Successes & Key Projects/Transactions
Led the charge to transition the client base from small, family companies to large, corporate entities. Targeted and
secured clients in the $250+ million bracket breakthrough for the Investment Banking Division.
Exclusive Advisor in structure, negotiation and consummation of $100 million sale of private distribution company.
Deal Lead in financing and acquisition of $75 million privately held capital goods company by $500 million public
industrial company.
Principal Advisor to private equity firm in $90 million acquisition of public distribution company in Section 363
bankruptcy proceeding.
1993 to 2001
Merrill Lynch Chicago, IL and New York, NY
World-Class Investment Bank with Global Operations and Teams Serving Institutional, Individual and Major Corporate Clients
VP and DIRECTOR Investment Banking, Chicago, IL (1997 to 2001)
ASSOCIATE and VP Investment Banking, New York, NY (1993 to 1997)
Provided and/or managed the delivery of a full range of financial advisory, deal-making and project/engagement
management services on behalf of major corporate clients doing business in diverse industry sectors. Identified and secured
new business, established and strengthened client relationships, and led project/client coverage teams. Reviewed business
plans, designed financial models, conducted advanced analytics, performed/oversaw due diligence and ensured SEC
compliance. Structured, negotiated and executed the full spectrum of investment and corporate development transactions
public/private equity, debt (bank term/revolving loans, high-yield, investment grade, CP, MTNs, project finance), equity-
linked, M&A, joint venture, strategic alliance, divestiture and provided advisory services (strategic planning, balance
sheet management, cash flow, risk management, FX/hedging, corporate communications, IR, more) to C-level executives.
Management & Leadership Successes
Recognized as high-performance, high-potential earned VP designation one year ahead of peers.
As a Director in the Chicago Office, held P&L accountability for a $25+ million business organization, project-
managed multi-million office space renovation, and supervised and/or provided oversight to a core team of 30+
professionals (specific deal teams requiring as many as 75 internal and external personnel).
Executed transactions generating $100+ million in fee income and was part of a group that worked on some of the
firm’s largest, most complicated deals.
Led talent recruitment activities for the University of Chicago and Northwestern University and oversaw career
development and performance evaluation of junior professionals.
ROBERT A. CORNOG, JR. Page 4 of 4
Merrill Lynch (continued)
Representative Projects/Transactions
Galileo International $784 million IPO
Crescent Real Estate $1.7 billion acquisition of bifurcated casino
Continental Airlines $210 million common stock and $225 Convertible TOPrS offerings, $100 million purchase of
JV interest, and restructuring of certain stock and warrant agreements
Sundstrand $4.3 billion sale to United Technologies and $200 million MTN financing
China Eastern Airlines $227 million Global Initial Public Offering
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino $120 million Credit Facility
Maytag $185 million Senior Notes and ongoing MTN issuance and share repurchases
LAW FIRM EXPERIENCE
1988 to 1993
Shearman & Sterling New York, NY and Abu Dhabi, UAE
Leading Law Firm with 19 Offices and 900+ Attorneys Worldwide Consistently Ranked as a Top 10 Global Firm Providing a
Complete Portfolio of Legal and Financial Advisory, Litigation and Other Professional Services to Corporate and Government Clients
RESIDENT ASSOCIATE Abu Dhabi, UAE (1992 to 1993)
ASSOCIATE New York, NY (Summer 1988 and 1989 to 1992)
Managed the delivery of the full complement of strategic, business, finance and legal advisory services. Planned, structured
and executed virtually every type of corporate finance/development transactions public offerings, private placements,
debt and warrant securities, cross-border project financings, credit agreements, bank loans, secured/unsecured credit
facilities, leveraged lease transactions, strategic alliances, international trade agreements, FX/hedging. Contributed legal
and corporate finance orientations/expertise in formulating policy (corporate governance, SOX, GAAP-compliant
accounting treatments), preparing corporate documents (SEC filings, Board resolutions), leading presentations, negotiating
contracts, arguing positions, protecting assets and ensuring compliance.
Distinctions & Management Successes
Recognized as a top performer youngest and most junior associate trusted to manage a principal client relationship;
youngest and most junior associate to manage a regional office; and first-ever recruit/hire from Northwestern
University School of Law.
Generated in excess of $3+ million in annual fee revenue. Championed the Firm’s brand and leveraged quality of
principal client relationships to continually acquire new clients and generate new business.
Engagement/Transaction Highlights & Results
Succeeded in a high-profile, client-facing role, representing the interests of both the Firm and the client to all internal
and external stakeholders foreign government agencies/officials, import/export banks, opposing counsel, auditors,
regulatory officials, vendors, strategic partners, customers, investors, members of the indigenous community.
Executed client company’s first-ever back-to-back financing (simultaneously borrowing and lending the same money)
by developing and closely managing a forward looking and aggressive capital acquisition plan, thereby removing all
interest rate risk and “locking in” client’s borrowing spread.
Expanded client transaction capacity by 30% via the development and utilization of sophisticated cross-border
transaction structures that financed the purchase of a variety of capital goods and aircraft, while remaining compliant
with US government (Export-Import Bank) requirements.
EDUCATION
NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF LAW Chicago, IL
Juris Doctor (1989)
Honors Dean's List, Member of Journal of Criminal Law and Criminology
UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO GRADUATE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS Chicago, IL
MBA Coursework (1988 to 1989)
NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY Evanston, IL
BA Economics (1986)
Honors Dean's List, Order of Omega, Alpha Lambda Delta
Leadership President, Theta Chi Fraternity
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