Rik Katz
Portfolio CFO
PROFESSIONAL PROFILE
- Career Highlights: Led multiple M&A transactions and roll-up strategies in private label and industrial manufacturing, scaling businesses to $200MM+ in revenue. Drove rapid turnaround from a $150K/month loss to profitability within 3 months, followed by sustained growth to $100MM. Expanded operations globally through sourcing, partnerships, and joint ventures across Asia, Europe, and South America. Improved financial controls and eliminated $3MM in unauthorized debt while strengthening reporting and banking relationships. Implemented BI, KPI dashboards, and centralized procurement systems overseeing up to $1B in spend.
- Specialties: BI & KPI Reporting/Purchasing / M&A/ Negotiating/ Operations managemen/EE Benefits/Exit preparation
- Education: Bachelor of commerce in Accounting and Business Management from the University of Cape Town.
CAREER JOURNEY
Rik Katz is a Portfolio CFO with Imperial Advisory and an experienced senior executive with a strong background in financial leadership and general management. He is a seasoned Chief Financial Officer with a demonstrated history of working in the manufacturing and distribution sectors, where he has led organizations through operational, financial, and strategic initiatives.
“In today’s market, CFOs must be both strategic and operational, both analytical and people-centered. Rik exemplifies this modern CFO profile better than most professionals I encounter.”
— Richard Kopelman, CEO, Aprio
Throughout his career, Rik has held executive leadership roles across multiple organizations, including Pak-Lite, Inc., Volk Enterprises, Inc., Royal Oak Sales, Inc., and Arrow Industries, Inc., where he was responsible for financial strategy, operations, procurement, and supply chain management. His experience also includes international roles in trading and finance, including positions with The Gerber Goldschmidt Group and International Shipping Co., where he managed credit facilities, international operations, and restructuring efforts.
Rik has executed multiple mergers and acquisitions, developed and implemented financial reporting systems, established banking relationships, and led organizations through turnaround and growth situations. His expertise spans negotiating, business development, strategic planning, procurement, mergers and acquisitions, banking relations, and international trade. He has also been involved in ERP/MRPII implementations and strategic planning processes, serving as a key executive for capital project decisions.
In addition to his corporate experience, Rik has contributed as a Guest Lecturer at the University of Cape Town and has written on topics including financing options for importers, foreign exchange pitfalls, cash flow versus profit, and the ABCs of costing. He has also contributed regularly to financial publications and articles for small and medium-sized businesses.
Rik’s early experiences include volunteering in Israel shortly after the Six-Day War, where he arrived on June 12, 1967.