Safeguard Scientifics Steve Zarrilli Named ‘CFO of the Year’ by Philadelphia Business Journal
Posted by | July 12, 2012
When Stephen T. Zarrilli joined Safeguard in 2008, the company was in the midst of an effort to rebuild its brand and reputation in the wake of the burst of the dot-com bubble. Safeguard was still somewhat financially unstable, and its public market valuation was severely depressed.
Steve came to Safeguard as a connected and well-respected financial executive with over 25 years of strategic, financial, and operational experience raising capital, managing diverse organizations, and developing innovative financial and corporate strategies. Using those skills, he implemented a number of programs to support Safeguard’s growth plans, including restructuring debt, controlling expenses, and strengthening the company’s balance sheet.
We’re not the only ones who recognize Steve’s achievements. Earlier today, Philadelphia Business Journal named Steve “CFO of the Year” in the small company category, a fitting tribute to a talented executive who has demonstrated leadership through adversity.
For this award, CFOs were judged along a number of dimensions, including financial management, strategic thinking, contribution to the company’s reputation, and turnaround success.
Finalists were recognized at a luncheon today in the Crystal Tea Room at the Wanamaker Building in Center City. They were also honored for their outstanding performance in a special section of the Philadelphia Business Journal.
Since joining Safeguard in 2008, Steve has provided strategic guidance to foster partner company growth. In addition, the financial restructuring, capital deployment opportunities, IPOs, M&A’s and well-timed exits executed under Steve’s guidance strengthened the company’s overall performance. Today, Safeguard is fundamentally stronger and better positioned for continued growth and value creation not only in 2012 but beyond. Congratulations Steve. This award is well-deserved!
