Professional Overview
Jim Hurlbutt is an accomplished finance executive with extensive expertise in the chemical industry. As the VP CFO of Stepan Company, he oversees all financial operations and strategic planning to drive sustainable growth and profitability.
Experience Summary
Current Role
As the VP CFO of Stepan Company, Jim is responsible for leading the company's global finance function, including financial reporting, treasury management, tax compliance, and risk mitigation. Under his financial stewardship, Stepan has achieved significant improvements in operational efficiency, cost control, and cash flow generation. Jim's strategic insights and data-driven decision-making have been instrumental in guiding the company's expansion into new product lines and international markets.
Career Progression
Prior to joining Stepan, Jim held various senior finance roles at leading chemical companies, including serving as the CFO of Cabot Corporation and the Director of Financial Planning and Analysis at Rohm and Haas. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated a track record of driving organizational transformation, implementing robust financial controls, and delivering sustainable shareholder value.
Academic Background
Jim holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. He is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and has completed advanced training in strategic financial management and data analytics.
Areas of Expertise
- Financial planning and analysis
- Treasury management and cash flow optimization
- Mergers, acquisitions, and integration
- Cost control and operational efficiency
- Enterprise risk management
- Financial reporting and compliance
Professional Impact
Under Jim's financial leadership, Stepan Company has achieved significant milestones, including:
- Implemented a new enterprise resource planning (ERP) system, improving data accuracy and streamlining financial reporting
- Secured $500 million in new credit facilities to fund strategic growth initiatives and acquisitions
- Spearheaded a global tax optimization strategy, resulting in $12 million in annual savings
- Guided the company's successful expansion into the Asia-Pacific and Latin American markets, diversifying revenue streams and enhancing profitability
Conclusion
With his deep industry knowledge, strong financial acumen, and proven track record of driving organizational transformation, Jim Hurlbutt is a valuable asset to Stepan Company. As the VP CFO, he continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the company's financial strategy and positioning it for long-term sustainable growth.
