James Adams
Senior Advisor
In every sphere of life, Jay’s goal is to provide bold leadership and mentoring to others. Jay’s career has spanned 30 plus years and seen him operating as Chief Financial Officer, Corporate Controller, and Director of Finance & Administration in companies ranging from start-up to Fortune 500.
Background
Jay is a highly skilled financial leader who has experience streamlining the office of the CFO and related areas of business driving increased EBITDA. He’s consistently established and enhanced processes and implemented new systems that provide timely, accurate financial and operational information — including setting up accounting/finance functions from the ground up for entrepreneurial ventures. Jay has extensive hands-on experience in controllership and managerial accounting for organizations with domestic and international locations. His vast experience extends well beyond finance to include managing treasury and administrative functions of the organization.
While CFO for Vestcom New England, a private equity portfolio company, Jay improved EBITDA by integrating the rollup of several acquisitions. He consolidated facilities, centralized manufacturing geographically, eliminated multiple reporting and operational platforms and implemented a standard shop floor costing system which allowed each business unit to be comparable in structure while reducing stand-alone overhead costs. As Corporate Controller for Lodestar Corporation, Jay provided financial leadership as the company rapidly grew, including facilitating the acquisition of private equity financing to support continued expansion. He has managed centralized accounting for large multi-unit retailers including Orchard Brands, a $1 billion conglomerate of 15 internet catalog and direct retailers owned by private equity investors, and Laura Secord a $100 million multi-unit Canadian private equity-owned retailer and manufacturer of gourmet chocolates. Jay held multiple financial positions at a $600 million national hospitality chain acquired by Imperial Group, PLC, which included hotels, restaurants, retail, distribution and manufacturing.
Jay holds a BS in accounting from Boston College and is a member of the CFO Leadership Council as well as the Treasurers Club of Boston.
Outside The Office
Jay spends time reading and playing golf — keeping mentally sharp and physically active are among his favorite personal pursuits. One of his chief joys in life is spending time with his five children and giving back to those who have helped him in his own development.
