Laura Riquelme
EVP and Chief Financial Officer, Zep Inc.
Professional Overview
Laura Riquelme is an accomplished finance executive with extensive experience in the industrial and energy sectors. As the EVP and Chief Financial Officer at Zep Inc., she oversees the company's financial strategy, operations, and reporting, playing a crucial role in driving the organization's success.
Experience Summary
Current Role
As the EVP and Chief Financial Officer at Zep Inc. since 2022, Laura is responsible for leading the company's financial strategy, overseeing treasury, accounting, tax, and financial planning and analysis functions. She is instrumental in aligning Zep's financial priorities with its overall business objectives, ensuring efficient resource allocation and financial reporting.
Career Progression
Prior to her current role, Laura held several senior finance positions, including Chief Financial Officer at Cooper Lighting Solutions and various leadership roles at GE Power, where she gained extensive experience in financial planning and analysis, supply chain finance, and integration management. Her diverse background has equipped her with a deep understanding of the industrial and energy sectors, enabling her to provide strategic financial guidance and drive operational excellence.
Academic Background
Laura holds a Bachelor's degree in Finance from Instituto Tecnológico Autónomo de México and a Bachelor's degree in Finance from Simon Fraser University. Her well-rounded education has provided her with a strong foundation in financial management and strategic decision-making.
Areas of Expertise
- Financial planning and analysis
- Treasury and cash management
- Accounting and financial reporting
- Supply chain finance
- Merger and acquisition integration
- Strategic leadership and business partnering
Professional Impact
Throughout her career, Laura has demonstrated a track record of driving financial performance and operational improvements. At GE Power, she played a key role in the successful integration of the Alstom acquisition, ensuring seamless financial alignment and synergy realization. In her previous role at Cooper Lighting Solutions, she implemented strategic initiatives that optimized the company's financial processes and reporting, contributing to its growth and profitability.
Conclusion
With her deep financial expertise, strategic mindset, and proven ability to drive organizational transformation, Laura Riquelme is poised to make a significant impact as the EVP and Chief Financial Officer at Zep Inc. Her commitment to operational excellence and her passion for driving sustainable growth make her a valuable asset to the company and its stakeholders.
