John Kogan

Bio

With more than 20 years of senior leadership experience, John brings a key understanding of the relationship between finance and organizational success to his role as Armanino’s CFO. John’s previous experience in C-level roles, as well as with finance outsourcing, defines his approach to leadership in a growth company. John understands deal structures and client engagements, which helps him understand and support the firm’s needs and foster its growth. His practical approach to finance includes engaging with stakeholders to better support their business success.

With previous experience as a director in Armanino’s Business Outsourcing Services practice and as lead of its strategic finance outsourcing services team, John has helped numerous companies chart a path to their best future. After working in operating finance roles at AlliedSignal and Cisco Systems, John founded his first company in 1999. This began a string of six growth companies where John held senior leadership positions including founder, CEO, COO, CFO, board member and board chair.

Through a combination of fundraising and mergers and acquisitions, John raised capital and sold companies worth over $1 billion. Four of those companies were successfully acquired by corporations including Walmart and Cardinal Health.

Q&A

The firm’s entrepreneurial spirit and how it supports possibility. After selling my sixth startup, I was looking for a new path that would give me the creative excitement and challenge of a startup but within an already-growing company. As CFO, I’m still working every day on projects that allow me to be entrepreneurial, try new things and think outside the box, which keeps me growing and happy.

I’ve had to make organizational changes a number of times over the years. It’s uncomfortable and difficult, but the payoff has been worth it for all involved. Change can free someone to pursue something for which they’re a better fit, and it can enable an organization to reach its full potential.

I’m action-oriented and focused on results, but in a “glass half-full” way. When we’re facing a challenge, I think about whether there’s another way to approach or think about it, and I empower my team to use the art and science of finance to make the most impact for our firm.

When both of my children received their first-degree black belts in taekwondo. The process involved years of practice, work and sacrifice, and I took great pride in watching them succeed at something that was a reach. The confidence they gained along with the joy and sense of meaning of this achievement has extended to other pursuits.

My brother, who we lost to cancer when he was young. I greatly admire the way he lived his life, and he taught me that it’s possible to treat everyone well in a challenging world where many choose not to.

I find that having a positive outlook helps you think creatively about most challenges. If you fundamentally believe there are good solutions out there, I believe it’s a bit of a self-fulfilling prophecy.