Sign In

Jessica DePetro

Chief Financial Officer at Bagel Brands

Professional Background

Jessica DePetro is an accomplished operational finance Senior Vice President, renowned for her strategic execution and unparalleled vision in creating long-term value for organizations. With a proactive approach, Jessica collaborates closely with executive leadership teams to implement short-term initiatives that align with broader corporate strategies. As the Senior Vice President of Finance and Treasury at Life Time, Inc., she serves as a trusted advisor and strategist, leveraging her extensive operational and financial expertise to optimize the enterprise's mission and strategic direction.

At Life Time, a prominent $2 billion health, wellness, and lifestyle company, Jessica manages a diverse team of over 100 professionals, overseeing key functions including accounting, tax, financial planning and analysis, treasury, compensation, and payroll. Known for her effective communication skills, she maintains fruitful relationships with C-suite executives and board members, contributing significantly to the organization’s growth by collaborating on capital raising efforts that total nearly $900 million. Jessica's leadership and strategic influence have also facilitated multiple debt issuances and repricings, further showcasing her profound impact on the company's financial landscape.

Jessica thrives in fast-paced and rapidly evolving environments, adeptly driving significant changes within finance and operational organizations that consistently enhance shareholder value. Recognized for her ability to build and develop high-performing teams, she emphasizes predictable business results anchored in both annual and long-term financial planning. Her commitment to fostering corporate and business unit financial insights enables her teams to excel and achieve their goals efficiently.

Before joining Life Time, Jessica held the position of Corporate Controller at Amsted Industries, one of the largest employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs) in the country. In this capacity, she collaborated directly with the CFO to create critical financial modeling that facilitated the successful divestiture of a $200 million ductile iron pipe business and a $90 million rail fastening business. This experience solidified her expertise in corporate finance and demonstrated her capacity to execute complex transactions effectively.

Jessica’s impressive career began at Ernst & Young (EY), where she gained extensive operations, finance, and business insights as part of the globally recognized “Big Four” audit and consulting firms. There, she supported litigation matters and forensic accounting investigations, showcasing her analytical prowess and ability to lead project teams successfully.

Education and Achievements

Jessica's academic credentials reflect her commitment to excellence and her desire to innovate within the financial realm. She earned her Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the prestigious Harvard Business School, where she honed her leadership and strategic thinking skills. Her foundational education includes a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Finance from Indiana University Bloomington, equipping her with the necessary tools to thrive in the challenging landscape of finance.

Throughout her career, Jessica has participated in a myriad of organizations that validate her expertise and leadership capabilities. Notably, she served as Chief Financial Officer at Bagel Brands, where her financial acumen played a pivotal role in the organization’s strategic initiatives. Jessica also held progressive leadership roles at Vail Resorts, including Vice President of Mountain Finance, where she contributed effectively to the financial operations of a leading resort and recreation company.

At Life Time, Inc., Jessica advanced through various finance-oriented positions, including Executive Vice President of Finance, Senior Vice President of Finance and Treasurer, and Vice President of Finance and Controller. Her diverse experiences across these leadership roles have strategically positioned her as an influential force in the health and wellness sector.

Achievements

Jessica DePetro has achieved remarkable success throughout her career, combining her analytical skill set with innovative strategies to drive financial and operational growth. Key highlights of her achievements include:

  • Leading Strategic Financial Initiatives: At Life Time, she has guided the accounting, finance, and treasury teams in supporting the organization's overall strategic direction and optimizing financial outcomes.
  • Successful Capital Raising: Collaborated to raise nearly $900 million in capital, significantly enhancing the company’s operational capabilities and expansion prospects.
  • Innovative Financial Modeling: Developed critical financial models while working at Amsted Industries that led to the successful divestitures of substantial business segments worth over $290 million combined.
  • Cultivating High-Performing Teams: Known for her leadership style, Jessica has cultivated thriving work environments that prioritize team development, work-life harmony, and strong interpersonal relationships.
  • Recognition as a Trusted Advisor: Jessica is respected in the finance community for her ability to build trust with executive leadership, enabling effective communication and collaboration on sensitive financial matters.

Jessica DePetro's multifaceted background, characterized by her education, significant leadership roles, and innovative contributions to finance, positions her as a leading expert in operational finance. Her journey from a budding finance professional at EY to holding senior positions in large organizations exemplifies her dedication, hard work, and ability to forge lasting success in various finance sectors.

Related Questions

How did Jessica DePetro become a Senior Vice President in operational finance?
What strategies does Jessica DePetro employ to create long-term value for organizations?
Can Jessica DePetro share her insights on building high-performing finance teams?
What were the key factors that led to Jessica DePetro's success in raising nearly $900 million in capital?
How does Jessica DePetro maintain work-life harmony within her teams?
What lessons did Jessica DePetro learn from her father, a CFO, that have shaped her leadership style?
How has Jessica DePetro's experience at Amsted Industries influenced her approach to corporate finance?
In what ways does Jessica DePetro leverage data-driven insights for business initiatives?
Jessica DePetro
Add to my network

Location

Denver Metropolitan Area