Professional Summary
Professional Overview
Bill Lacey is an experienced finance executive with a proven track record of driving business growth and operational excellence. As the Chief Financial Officer at Woodward, Inc. and the Vice President of Finance at Amazon, he leverages his strategic financial acumen and industry expertise to navigate complex business challenges and deliver sustainable value.
Experience Summary
Current Roles
Chief Financial Officer, Woodward, Inc.
(May 2023 - Present)
- Responsible for overseeing all financial operations, including financial planning, reporting, and risk management
- Collaborates with the executive team to develop and implement strategic initiatives that drive long-term profitability and shareholder value
- Provides financial leadership and guidance to support the company's ambitious growth objectives
Vice President of Finance, Amazon
(February 2022 - Present)
- Manages the financial operations and reporting for key business units within Amazon
- Plays a crucial role in strategic decision-making and financial planning to support the company's rapid expansion and innovation
Career Progression
President & CEO, GE Lighting, a Savant company
(July 2020 - February 2022)
- Led the successful turnaround and transformation of GE Lighting, aligning operations with the company's strategic priorities
- Drove operational efficiency, cost optimization, and process improvements to enhance profitability and competitiveness
Various Finance Leadership Roles, GE
(1995 - 2020)
- Progressed through a variety of finance leadership positions within GE, including roles in GE Lighting, GE Healthcare, GE Energy, and GE Appliances
- Demonstrated a strong track record of driving financial performance, leading strategic initiatives, and spearheading process improvements
Academic Background
Bill Lacey holds a Bachelor's degree in Accounting from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign.
Areas of Expertise
- Strategic financial planning and analysis
- Operational and cost optimization
- Financial reporting and risk management
- Mergers, acquisitions, and integration
- Process improvement and organizational transformation
- Strong leadership and team-building capabilities
Professional Impact
- Played a pivotal role in the turnaround and transformation of GE Lighting, improving profitability and competitiveness
- Drove process improvements and cost optimization initiatives that enhanced operational efficiency and financial performance across various GE business units
- Leveraged his financial expertise and industry knowledge to support the growth and expansion strategies of Woodward, Inc. and Amazon
Conclusion
With over 25 years of experience in the finance and business leadership domains, Bill Lacey is a seasoned executive with a proven track record of delivering exceptional results. His strategic financial acumen, combined with his ability to drive operational excellence and transform organizations, make him a valuable asset to Woodward, Inc. and Amazon as they navigate the evolving business landscape.