Effective August 31, 2024, Stephen Keller will assume the role of chief financial officer at Compass Diversified (CODI), succeeding Ryan Faulkingham. Faulkingham, who has served as the company’s CFO since July 2013, will depart on August 30, 2024. However, he will continue to assist in the transition process, serving in an advisory capacity.
Bringing over 25 years of executive finance experience across diverse industries, including automotive, healthcare, industrial, specialty materials, retail and apparel branding, and media, Keller is well-equipped to lead CODI’s finance organization. His responsibilities will encompass accounting, planning, treasury, tax, reporting, and investor relations.
Most recently, Keller served as interim CFO and VP of Investor Relations at Envista Holdings Corporation, a $2.6 billion company and one of the leading suppliers of dental solutions globally. At Envista, he also served as VP of Strategy and Business Development and VP and GM of Nobel Biocare’s Prosthetics Business Unit.
Before Envista, Keller worked at Avery Dennison Corp., an $8 billion global materials science company, where he held various positions of increasing responsibility in finance, strategy and general management. Most notably, Keller was the VP of Strategy & Corporate Development, overseeing multiple acquisitions. He was also the VP of Finance in Asia for an operating region worth $800 million. He further led new and emerging markets for Avery Dennison’s Retail Branding and Information Solutions division.
Keller received a BS in Economics from the University of Iowa and an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University.
Elias Sabo, CEO of Compass Diversified, commented, “We are delighted to welcome Stephen to Compass Diversified. His extensive experience at numerous public companies in financial leadership and other senior executive positions will bolster CODI’s strong organizational foundation. He has guided both public and private companies through dynamic conditions and meaningful transformation during his impressive career. Stephen brings to CODI an inspirational leadership style and a proven track record of driving strong financial results, instilling financial and operational discipline while also developing strong relationships with shareholders and prospective investors. We believe he has the right skill set to help shape and lead our strategic direction moving forward.”
On his appointment, Keller stated: “I am very excited to join the CODI team as its CFO. The company’s diverse mix of disruptive and innovative middle market businesses combined with its permanent capital base and long-term, disciplined approach to value creation creates an exciting opportunity for all stakeholders. I look forward to working closely with Elias, the CODI board of directors and the senior leadership team to spearhead the organization’s financial stewardship while pursuing growth initiatives and accretive acquisitions for the benefit of our owners.”
Sabo continued: “We are grateful for Ryan’s significant contributions during his tenure as CFO. He played an instrumental and important role in getting CODI to this point in our evolution, and we wish him all the best in his next endeavor.”
Images courtesy CODI, Stephen Keller
