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Ronald Kasner
Vice Chairman - Advisor (former, CEO, President, COO, & CFO)
Professional Background
Ronald Kasner is an esteemed strategic and operational executive with a proven track record of guiding organizations towards sustainable growth and success. Currently serving as an independent board member, strategic advisor, and operating partner, Kasner utilizes his innovative "Execution Framework" to offer valuable insights on strategic planning, operational alignment, and scaling fast-growth businesses. His expertise extends to speaking engagements at various industry events and executive forums, where he shares his knowledge and insights on effectively managing growth within organizations.
Kasner holds more than 20 years of executive leadership experience, primarily within the technology sector. One of his most notable roles was at iCIMS, the premier recruiting technology platform, where he played a pivotal role in scaling the company from an annual recurring revenue (ARR) of $20 million to over $250 million. His contributions were crucial during a time when the company also expanded its workforce to over 1,000 employees. Under his guidance, iCIMS earned accolades as one of the Best Places to Work both nationally and in New Jersey, reflecting his commitment to fostering a positive workplace environment.
Kasner first joined iCIMS in early 2010 as the Chief Corporate Development Officer, tasked with accelerating growth initiatives. He later served as Chief Financial Officer from 2014 to 2017, managing the General and Administrative operations, which included finance, accounting, shared services infrastructure, talent management, and legal affairs. His distinguished leadership during this period earned him the prestigious title of CFO of the Year in 2014, awarded by the New Jersey Technology Council. After his successful tenure as CFO, he was promoted to President and ultimately became the interim CEO, leading the company through its transition and subsequent sale to Vista Equity Partners in 2018, which valued iCIMS at over $1 billion. This impressive achievement highlighted Kasner's strategic foresight and operational acumen.
Following the transition of leadership in 2020 to Steve Lucas, the former CEO of Marketo (another Vista portfolio company), Kasner continued to lend his expertise as an advisor to the CEO, ensuring a smooth continuation of corporate strategy and execution.
Education and Achievements
Ronald Kasner’s academic background sets a strong foundation for his executive career. He pursued his Juris Doctor (JD) with a focus on Negotiation & Intellectual Property at Harvard Law School, where he gained invaluable insights into legal strategies and intellectual property management. Prior to his law degree, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance & Accounting from the University of Virginia, further enhancing his analytical skills and financial expertise, which would prove instrumental in his future executive roles.
In addition to his extensive careers in executive roles and corporate governance, Kasner has held several strategic positions across various organizations, where he has made significant contributions. Notable appointments include his roles as Vice Chairman and Investor at Conductor, where he played a critical role in shaping strategic direction and driving growth initiatives. As a former strategic advisor at BVP Forge and operating executive at Berenson & Company, he showcased his versatility and adaptability across different business environments.
Kasner's experience also includes serving as the Executive Chairman and Investor at AbsenceSoft, along with advisory roles at Tetra Insights and Envisage Technologies. His leadership has consistently encouraged innovation and growth in these organizations, reflecting his commitment to nurturing businesses that embrace technology and digital transformation.
Achievements
- CFO of the Year Award (2014): This accolade from the New Jersey Technology Council recognized Kasner's outstanding contributions as Chief Financial Officer of iCIMS, illustrating his financial acumen and leadership abilities.
- Growth of iCIMS: Under his leadership, iCIMS achieved an impressive transition from $20 million to over $250 million in annual recurring revenue (ARR), marking a significant growth trajectory for the organization.
- Company Valuation: iCIMS was valued at over $1 billion in 2018 during its acquisition by Vista Equity Partners, a noteworthy achievement that underscores Kasner’s impact on scaling and optimizing business performance.
- Workplace Recognition: During his leadership at iCIMS, the organization was consistently named one of the Best Places to Work, which speaks volumes about his commitment to creating a healthy and engaging work culture.
Kasner's expansive professional background, academic achievements, and notable accomplishments demonstrate his effectiveness as a leader and strategist in the fast-paced technology sector. His passion for promoting growth while maintaining a positive corporate culture positions him as an invaluable asset to any organization seeking to achieve long-term success.
