With a proven track record of leadership and financial acumen, Ryan brings a wealth of experience to his role as a CFO at Diamond Estates Wines and Spirit Inc. Prior to joining Diamond Estates, Ryan held the position of CEO at Megalomaniac Wineries where he showcased his expertise in strategic planning and operational management. Ryan also has an entrepreneurial history of starting and selling businesses throughout his career.
Ryan’s professional journey includes distinguished roles in Deloitte’s Financial Advisory Practice, Consulting Company and prior start-up businesses. His ability to effectively manage diverse functions and create value while fostering growth through effective financial and valuation practices is a testament to his leadership powers.
How has the CBV designation supported your career development?
The CBV designation has been a substantial contributor to my career progression, providing me with an important tool at my disposal. It has proven to be advantageous in my role as a CFO, notably shaping my career trajectory. This designation has played a pivotal role in leading me to specialize in assisting struggling companies and overseeing their financial restructuring by either maximizing or realizing the value of their assets. A lot of companies that I have worked with have often been in distressed situations. It also helped in M&A, fundraising, and investor relations.
Can you share a particularly challenging, yet interesting valuation analysis that made you realize you had chosen the right career path?
Early in my valuation career, I had the chance to be an integral part of the team assigned to independently analyze BlackBerry. This occurred during a phase when BlackBerry’s market share had significantly dropped, and they were losing their position as a prominent handheld provider. The company was grappling with decisions about its future direction.
At that point, the company was financially stable, but faced a rapid decline in market share, necessitating a substantial restructuring. This presented a complex challenge for the valuation process, as it highlighted how valuations can swiftly transform over a brief period. This experience also granted me insight into the inner workings of companies and their management teams during times of uncertainty, particularly when they are facing an unpredictable environment. The lessons I gained from this have proven to be valuable assets throughout my career.
What differences do you see in your current role as compared to your previous role?
In my former position, I spent 11 years at a Big Four firm, mainly concentrating on corporate finance, consulting, and business valuation. In this role, the main emphasis was on finalizing financial reports, achieving deliverables, and aiding the audit team with financial reporting needs. Subsequently, I transitioned to a CFO role in small- to medium-sized business, which demanded a more comprehensive perspective. My CBV experience has always allowed me to bring in valuable attributes to alter the role.
Do you have any tips for people looking to become a CBV?
Go beyond the conventional CBV role – it’s not just about valuation reports and financial reporting. The power of valuation analysis lies in its ability to unearth concealed values within organizations.
#ImportantFact: I was born with moderate to severe hearing loss. My condition is mostly unnoticeable to people who don’t know me. During the initial stages of my career, I faced considerable challenges because I had to focus very intently to understand everyone. This left me quite exhausted by the end of a workday.