Ajay Kataria

Chief Financial Officer

Professional Overview
Ajay Kataria is an accomplished financial executive with over 20 years of experience in the consumer goods and manufacturing industries. As the Chief Financial Officer of Utz Brands, Inc., he oversees all financial operations, strategic planning, and business transformation initiatives for the leading snack food company.

Experience Summary

Current Role
As the Chief Financial Officer of Utz Brands, Inc. since 2021, Ajay is responsible for driving the company's financial strategy, managing its $1.2 billion budget, and optimizing financial performance. He has played a pivotal role in Utz's successful integration of recent acquisitions, leading cross-functional teams to streamline operations and drive cost efficiencies. Under his financial leadership, Utz has achieved consistent year-over-year growth, delivering strong returns to shareholders.

Career Progression
Prior to his current role, Ajay held several senior finance and accounting positions within Utz Brands, serving as the Executive Vice President of Finance & Accounting from 2019 to 2021, and the Senior Vice President of Finance & Treasury from 2017 to 2019. He also brings valuable experience from his previous roles at Armstrong Flooring, Chobani, and PepsiCo, where he held leadership positions in finance, strategy, and supply chain planning.

Academic Background
Ajay holds a Bachelor of Engineering degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Pittsburgh's Katz Graduate School of Business.

Areas of Expertise

• Financial planning and analysis

• Treasury management and capital allocation

• Mergers, acquisitions, and post-merger integration

• Business transformation and process optimization

• Strategic planning and performance management

Professional Impact
Throughout his career, Ajay has demonstrated a track record of driving operational excellence and creating shareholder value. At Utz, he has spearheaded initiatives to optimize the company's capital structure, streamline financial reporting, and enhance data-driven decision-making. His strategic leadership and financial acumen have been instrumental in Utz's successful expansion and diversification efforts.

Conclusion
With his deep expertise in the consumer goods industry, strong financial and operational capabilities, and a collaborative leadership style, Ajay Kataria is well-positioned to continue guiding Utz Brands' growth and profitability as the company's Chief Financial Officer.