As the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at Zep Inc., Laura Riquelme plays a pivotal role in steering the financial strategy of this $700 million global leader in specialty chemicals manufacturing and distribution. With a strong background in financial planning and analysis (FP&A)...
As the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at Zep Inc., Laura Riquelme plays a pivotal role in steering the financial strategy of this $700 million global leader in specialty chemicals manufacturing and distribution. With a strong background in financial planning and analysis (FP&A) and supply chain finance, Laura has successfully navigated the complexities of a private equity-owned environment, driving significant improvements in operational efficiency and profitability. In 2023, she spearheaded a targeted pricing strategy that resulted in a remarkable 400 basis points EBITDA percentage improvement compared to the previous year. This achievement underscores her expertise in financial forecasting and variance analysis, as she adeptly identified inflationary pressures and optimized pricing structures to enhance the company's bottom line.
Laura's cross-functional leadership style fosters collaboration across departments, enabling Zep Inc. to streamline processes and enhance overall performance. Her proficiency in business planning and change management has been instrumental in aligning financial goals with operational objectives, ensuring that the company remains agile and responsive to market dynamics. As a trusted business partner, she has partnered with various teams to implement robust budgeting practices and enhance auditing processes, leveraging ERP systems to drive data-driven decision-making.
An engaging leader with a solid reputation for teamwork, Laura Riquelme is not only focused on delivering results but also on cultivating a culture of continuous improvement within Zep Inc. Her commitment to process optimization and operational excellence positions the company for sustained growth in the competitive consumer and industrial markets. With her strategic vision and analytical acumen, Laura is well-equipped to navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in the specialty chemicals industry.
