Martie Zakas, EVP and CFO

Professional Overview

Martie Zakas is a highly accomplished finance executive with extensive experience in the manufacturing and financial services industries. As the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Mueller Water Products, she oversees the company's financial strategy, operations, and compliance, contributing to its growth and success. Zakas also serves on the boards of BlueLinx Corporation and the University of Virginia Darden School of Business, leveraging her strategic and leadership expertise.

Experience Summary

Current Role

As the EVP and CFO of Mueller Water Products since 2018, Zakas is responsible for the company's overall financial management, including financial reporting, treasury, tax, and investor relations. Under her leadership, Mueller Water Products has strengthened its financial position and navigated through challenging market conditions. Zakas has played a pivotal role in aligning the company's financial strategies with its long-term business objectives, driving operational efficiency and enhancing shareholder value.

Career Progression

Prior to her current role, Zakas held several senior positions, including Senior Vice President of Strategy, Corporate Development, and Communications at Mueller Water Products, where she led the company's strategic initiatives and external communications. She also served as a Board Member and Chair of the Audit Committee at Atlantic Capital Bank, providing her expertise in corporate governance and financial oversight.

Zakas' career began in investment banking at Morgan Stanley, where she gained valuable experience in mergers and acquisitions, corporate finance, and capital markets. She then transitioned to the corporate world, holding executive roles at Equifax and Russell Corporation, where she excelled in investor relations, treasury management, and corporate strategy.

Academic Background

Zakas holds a Bachelor's degree from the University of Virginia and an MBA from the Darden School of Business, where she currently serves on the Board of Directors. Her academic achievements and her involvement with the Darden School of Business demonstrate her commitment to lifelong learning and her dedication to advancing the next generation of business leaders.

Areas of Expertise

Zakas' areas of expertise include financial management, strategic planning, corporate governance, and investor relations. She has a proven track record of driving operational improvements, optimizing financial performance, and implementing effective risk management practices. Her strong analytical skills, combined with her ability to communicate complex financial information to diverse stakeholders, make her a valuable asset to the organizations she serves.

Professional Impact

Throughout her career, Zakas has played a pivotal role in shaping the financial and strategic direction of the companies she has worked for. At Mueller Water Products, she has been instrumental in navigating the company through challenging market conditions, implementing cost-saving measures, and enhancing its financial reporting and compliance. Zakas' contributions have earned her recognition as a respected and influential leader in the manufacturing and financial services industries.

Conclusion

With her extensive experience, strategic acumen, and strong financial expertise, Martie Zakas is well-positioned to continue driving the success of Mueller Water Products and contributing to the growth and development of the organizations she serves. Her dedication to excellence and her commitment to driving positive change make her a valuable asset to her industry and the broader business community.