Kenn Mangum - CFO and Strategic Finance Executive

Kenn Mangum

Fractional CFO for Growth Companies

After 20 years optimizing Fortune 500 operations, I help growth-stage CEOs build world-class finance infrastructure without corporate bureaucracy. Specializing in companies navigating AI, blockchain, and emerging technology transformation.

Now Accepting 2-3 Fractional CFO Engagements Per Quarter
Schedule Consultation How I Work

Proven Leadership Across Industry-Leading Organizations

By The Numbers

$1B+
P&L Leadership
$25M+
Annual Cost Optimization
20+
Years Experience
$30M
Mexico Expansion Led
20+
Finance Professionals Led
5
Published Books

Executive Summary

Kenn Mangum - CFO Executive

CFO-level finance executive with 20+ years driving enterprise financial strategy, operational transformation, and shareholder value creation across manufacturing and supply chain organizations. Demonstrated success managing $1.2B budgets, leading international expansion initiatives, and partnering with C-suite leadership to deliver $25M+ annual cost optimization and sustained operational excellence.

Executive Leadership: Built and scaled finance organizations of 20+ professionals and operations staff of 1,000+ while serving as strategic advisor to CEOs, CFOs, and executive leadership teams. Expert in translating complex financial insights into board-level presentations and executive decision-making frameworks.

Strategic Expertise: Proven track record in M&A financial integration ($200M+ deals), international facility expansion ($30M Mexico project), enterprise ERP implementations (SAP), and enterprise-wide KPI frameworks driving 5%+ efficiency gains. Published author on strategic finance, cryptocurrency economics, AI business strategy, and executive leadership development.

Executive Core Competencies

C-Suite Strategic Partnership
Enterprise FP&A Leadership
International Expansion & M&A
Finance Organization Building
Manufacturing & Supply Chain Finance
Enterprise ERP Transformation (SAP)
Operational Excellence & KPI Frameworks
Cost Optimization & Value Creation

Why I Left Corporate Finance

After 20 years at Ford, Henkel, Agilent, and Hunter Douglas...

I kept seeing the same pattern: Brilliant founders building genuinely innovative companies—AI startups, blockchain projects, tech-forward businesses—struggling with finance.

Not because they lacked intelligence or drive. But because they were trying to scale using financial frameworks built for 100-year-old manufacturing companies.

"Meanwhile, they'd hire 'experienced CFOs' from corporate who'd immediately install bureaucracy that kills innovation. Or they'd hire tech-native CFOs who'd never managed complex operations at scale."

I realized there was a gap. A big one.

Growth companies need someone who bridges both worlds:

  • Someone who's been in the Fortune 500 trenches—managed $1B+ budgets, led international expansions, implemented enterprise ERPs
  • But who understands AI and blockchain—not just buzzwords, but how these technologies reshape business models
  • And who can strip away the corporate bureaucracy—keep what works, discard what slows you down

That's the expertise I'm bringing to fractional CFO work.

Not legacy thinking. Not startup chaos. Strategic finance built for how you actually work.

Let's Talk About Your Challenges

Building Track Record

Currently building fractional CFO practice focused on growth-stage companies in AI and blockchain sectors. Client testimonials and detailed case studies coming Q2 2025.

In the meantime...
See my 20-year track record below

What Growth CEOs Tell Me They Need:

  • "A CFO who understands our tech"
  • "Someone who's been in the Fortune 500 trenches"
  • "Strategic finance without the bureaucracy"
  • "Help navigating AI and emerging tech"

My Approach:

  • Fortune 500 Expertise without the overhead
  • Operational Finance that actually works
  • AI & Blockchain Fluency most CFOs lack
  • Transparent, Honest Partnership from day one

If this resonates, let's talk about your specific challenges.

Schedule Consultation

Latest Insights & Thought Leadership

Exploring the intersection of strategic finance, AI transformation, and operational excellence

Featured

AI-Powered Strategic Finance: The Future of CFO Decision-Making

How artificial intelligence is transforming financial planning, forecasting, and strategic decision-making for forward-thinking CFOs. From automated analysis to predictive modeling, explore the tools reshaping the finance function.

Artificial Intelligence FP&A Strategic Finance
8 min read January 10, 2025
Read Article →

📚 Deep dive into strategic finance frameworks in my book:

Read Strategic Finance For Growth

Meet Kenn Mangum

A brief introduction to my approach to strategic finance and operational excellence

Video Introduction

Coming Soon: A personal message about my CFO philosophy, approach to strategic finance, and how I partner with executive teams to drive measurable value.

✓ Strategic Finance Approach ✓ CFO Leadership Philosophy ✓ Value Creation Focus

Track Record of Value Creation

Cumulative cost optimization and efficiency gains delivered across leadership roles

*Reflects cumulative value delivered through strategic initiatives, process improvements, and operational transformations across multiple organizations

Featured Case Studies

Real-world examples of strategic finance leadership and measurable impact

Kenn Mangum - Strategic Finance Leadership
Manufacturing

$30M International Manufacturing Expansion

Challenge

Leading North American manufacturing company needed to expand capacity and reduce costs while maintaining quality and customer service levels.

Solution

Led comprehensive financial planning and execution for new IMMEX Maquiladora facility in Mexico including due diligence, project financials, executive presentations, CAPEX control, staffing plans, and operational setup.

Results

  • $20M+ annual cost synergies achieved by year 3
  • $30M total investment successfully managed
  • 100% on-time, on-budget project delivery
  • Established sustainable cost advantage in competitive market
International Expansion Manufacturing Cost Optimization
Technology

Enterprise SAP Implementation & Integration

Challenge

$850M revenue company needed to integrate two businesses through unified ERP system while maintaining operations and preventing costly delays.

Solution

Led FICO module design, configuration, and realization. Designed product costing, material ledger, and profitability analysis processes. Directed cross-functional team for early startup.

Results

  • $4M/month delay prevented through proactive planning
  • 1% inventory revaluation (near-perfect accuracy)
  • Full integration of two businesses achieved
  • Enhanced visibility and accountability across operations
ERP SAP Integration
Supply Chain

$25M Annual Procurement Cost Optimization

Challenge

Fortune 500 consumer products company managing $850M in commodity spend needed to identify and implement sustainable cost savings.

Solution

Analyzed $1.2B annual standard costing process, identified high-ROI projects, appropriated capital, drove operational changes, and monitored results through executive presentations.

Results

  • $25M in annual recurring savings implemented
  • $850M commodity spend optimized
  • Regular CEO/CFO presentations on market trends and opportunities
  • Sustained operational improvements and cost discipline
Cost Optimization Procurement Supply Chain

Publications

Strategic Finance For Growth

The foundational framework for my fractional CFO services. A comprehensive roadmap guiding entrepreneurial CEOs through all stages of business growth—from startup to maturity. Delivers the strategic financial planning, operational excellence methodologies, and executive finance tools that form the core of my fractional CFO engagements.

Fractional CFO Finance Business Strategy Growth Management
Read Book

Harnessing Artificial Intelligence to Unlock New Possibilities for the US

Exploring the transformative impact of AI on the US economy, education system, and labor market. Examines strategies for government, businesses, and individuals to leverage AI technology for competitive advantage.

Artificial Intelligence Economic Policy Business Innovation Education
Read Book

Blueprint for Brilliance: Designing Your Life for Strategic Growth

A personal development framework adapting strategic business methodologies to individual growth. Introduces the Personal Growth Flywheel concept with practical tools for continuous self-improvement and life planning.

Personal Development Strategic Planning Self-Improvement Life Design
Read Book

Cryptocurrency Decoded: From Basics to Mastery

A comprehensive guide demystifying cryptocurrency from foundational concepts to advanced applications. Covers blockchain technology, Bitcoin, Ethereum, altcoins, DeFi, NFTs, trading strategies, and regulatory landscapes.

Cryptocurrency Blockchain DeFi NFTs
Read Book

XRP: Decoding Strategy, Technology, and Utility for Real-World Value

An in-depth analysis of XRP's technological foundations, strategic partnerships, and real-world applications in the cryptocurrency ecosystem. Explores the strategic positioning of XRP in cross-border payments and liquidity solutions.

Cryptocurrency Blockchain Financial Technology Strategic Analysis
Read Book

Professional Experience

Finance Director - Branded Operations

Hunter Douglas

2017 - Present
Salt Lake City, UT
  • Strategic financial partner supporting operations leadership across North American manufacturing plants, providing critical financial insights and co-presenting results and strategic plans to executive leadership
  • Built and lead a team of 20+ finance professionals and operations staff of 1,000+ including plant controllers, finance managers, accountants and analysts overseeing month-end close, variance analysis to budget and forecasts, and annual audit activities
  • Led all financial activities for $30M facility expansion into Mexico including preliminary due diligence, project financials, c-level presentations, CAPEX spend control, headcount staffing plans, finance hiring, cash and internal controls, bank setup, IMMEX registrations, and facility performance measurement to achieve targeted $25M+ annual cost synergies by year 3
  • Implemented divisional KPI dashboarding process tied into X-matrix strategic plan to drive SQDC performance including 5%+ annual production efficiencies and COVID recovery measures
  • Established direct labor resource and capacity planning process to drive sales and backlog forecast (ESOP), align financial forecast/budget, and drive operational performance and accountability down to plant leadership teams
  • Assisted with OneHD SAP implementation including system design and configuration specific to product costing, data validation, logistical cutover planning and hypercare activities

Senior Finance Manager

The Sun Products Corporation

2012 - 2017
Salt Lake City, UT
  • Presented and advised executive leadership including CEO and CFO on monthly commodity forecast highlighting market trends with risks and opportunities to corporate P&L spend of $850M
  • Managed $1.2B annual standard costing process by integrating procurement, manufacturing, freight and warehousing plans with annual consolidated corporate plan and quarterly re-forecasts
  • Implemented $25M in annual procurement cost savings initiatives by identifying high ROI projects, appropriating capital as necessary, driving operational changes and monitoring results
  • Directed the work of multiple teams consisting of managers and analysts to achieve corporate profitability and operational performance targets

SAP Implementation Team - FICO

The Sun Products Corporation

2009 - 2012
Salt Lake City, UT
  • Guided the blueprinting, configuration and realization of an ERP that significantly improved visibility and accountability of operations, fully integrating two businesses
  • Prevented significant project delay ($4M/month) by co-leading cross-functional team to start-up SAP client with full manufacturing and product costing data 3 months prior to actual go-live date
  • Designed and documented business operating processes and procedures for SAP controlling module including Cost Center Accounting, Product Costing, Material Ledger, Profitability Analysis and Internal Order Accounting
  • Directed inventory cut-over activities resulting in 1% revaluation and near-perfect correlation with external inventory management system
  • Assisted in design and SAP interface of multiple management reporting and budgeting cubes for enhanced cost control, variance analysis and financial reconciliations

Associate Finance Manager - US Freight and SLC Plant

The Sun Products Corporation

2009
Salt Lake City, UT
  • Collaborated with 40 department managers and executives to plan $600M in annual expenditures and obtain CEO/CFO buy-in
  • Represented SLC Plant and U.S. Freight and Warehousing in product sourcing initiative to achieve lower costs through supply chain optimization of national and retail brands

Senior Financial Analyst - System Products Division

Agilent Technologies Inc.

2008 - 2009
Loveland, CO
  • Advised division's Portfolio Board on investment strategy through concise analysis of portfolio profitability, resource allocation and growth opportunities via new products or acquisitions to expand $240M business
  • Simplified and automated multi-divisional financial tool-sets for forecasting and product planning to improve transparency and accountability

Senior Financial Analyst - Product Development

Ford Motor Company

2008
Dearborn, MI
  • Achieved superior performance ratings that led to three promotions in four years
  • Drove product profitability efforts for 2012 Focus as lead North America analyst to ensure competitive domestic brand
  • Served as regional financial liaison for Ford's first globally engineered platform and took $1.2B investment through major product milestone

Senior Analyst - Manufacturing Investment Analysis

Ford Motor Company

2006 - 2008
Dearborn, MI
  • Led financial system integration team for two $200M revenue Visteon acquisitions that resulted in accurate and complete transition to Ford systems
  • Directed implementation of RFID application throughout 24 North American manufacturing facilities as project manager to improve Sarbanes-Oxley Act compliance
  • Determined capital allocations and monitored spending levels of $600M divisional capital expenditure budget to reduce operating cost and improve facility reliability

Financial Analyst - Stamping Business Unit

Ford Motor Company

2004 - 2006
Dearborn, MI
  • Advised North America Steel Board as lead Financial Analyst to achieve $13M material utilization saving
  • Led six-member analyst team to develop $1.2B annual, five-year business plan then presented to and obtained approval from senior management

Cost Analyst - Buffalo Stamping Plant

Ford Motor Company

2003 - 2004
Buffalo, NY
  • Created industrial material low price identification tool and presented resulting $12M opportunity and implementation plan to Controller of North America
  • Acquired working knowledge of budgeting, forecasting and monitoring principles through regular financial reviews with plant management to reduce operating cost

Controller

Wolf Electronix Corp.

2002
Orem, UT
  • Improved cash float through relationship building and perseverance with customers that assisted company to become 'The 2002 fastest growing company in Utah'
  • Utilized spreadsheet and database programs to provide automated storage and reporting of sales backlog and operation performance metrics
  • Achieved high performance ratings which led to promotion to Finance Controller after six months of service

Education & Additional Experience

Master of Business Administration

University of Michigan - Stephen M. Ross School of Business

December 2007

Ann Arbor, MI

Emphases in Finance and Corporate Strategy

Bachelor of Science

Brigham Young University - Marriott School of Management

December 2002

Provo, UT

Awards: Golden Key National Honor Society, Entrepreneur Grant

Additional Experience

Instructor

BYU Office of Information Technology (2000-2002)

Taught courses in Microsoft Excel, Word, Access, PowerPoint, and Outlook

Co-Founder / Business Development

Yobro Productions (1999-2000)

Video game development company - Orem, UT

Is This You?

Fractional CFO relationships work best when there's clear fit. Here's who I work best with—and who should probably look elsewhere.

You're a Great Fit If...

  • You're building something in AI, blockchain, or emerging tech and need a CFO who actually understands what you're building
  • You're seed to growth stage (pre-revenue to $50M+) and need strategic finance without full-time CFO overhead
  • You need capital raising support—from pitch deck financials to investor intro strategy to closing rounds
  • Your unit economics are unclear and you need someone to build models that make sense
  • You need to select and implement an ERP without the usual enterprise disasters
  • You need tax strategy optimization—entity structuring, investment tax planning, and strategic tax positioning
  • You're scaling internationally and need financial planning for new markets
  • You want a strategic partner with investment banking connections—not just finance, but growth strategy
  • You value Fortune 500 operational discipline without the corporate bureaucracy

Probably Not a Fit If...

  • You need full-time, in-office presence—I work fractionally and primarily remote
  • You're pre-idea or hobby project—you need validation first, not a fractional CFO
  • You're $100M+ revenue—you probably need a full-time C-suite CFO, not fractional
  • You just need bookkeeping or tax prep—hire a great accountant, not a fractional CFO
  • You're not tech-forward—my sweet spot is companies navigating AI/blockchain/emerging tech
  • You want someone to just execute what you tell them—I'm a strategic partner who challenges thinking
  • You're looking for the cheapest option—quality fractional CFO work requires investment
  • You're outside North America—I focus on US/Canada companies (for now)

Still not sure if we're a fit?
Let's have a conversation. I'd rather tell you upfront if I'm not the right person for your needs.

Schedule a Free Consultation

Executive Contact

Available for CFO, VP Finance, and executive finance leadership opportunities. Open to discussing strategic advisory roles, board positions, and C-suite engagements in manufacturing, operations, and growth-oriented organizations.

Send Me a Message

Schedule a Meeting

Book a convenient time for a strategic finance discussion

Or reach out directly
kenn@mangumcfo.com (801) 702-9589 LinkedIn Profile

2288 N Carter Dr, Lehi, UT 84043-4149

Kenn Mangum trail running in Utah's Wasatch Mountains

Beyond the Balance Sheet

Trail running in Utah's Wasatch Mountains. Whether optimizing P&L or marathon pace, I bring the same strategic discipline to everything I do.