Earl Ellis
Growth-Focused CFO | Driving M&A and Organic Growth | Leading Enterprise Transformations with Financial Rigor to Unlock Revenue & Enhance Profitability
Xylem•Washington DC-Baltimore Area
View LinkedIn ProfileExecutive Overview
Strategic and growth-oriented Chief Financial Officer with a proven record of driving business transformation, enhancing operational efficiency, and delivering sustained financial performance across leading global organizations including ABM Industries, Best Buy, Canadian Tire, Campbell’s, Kraft, and Coca-Cola. I bring a unique blend of financial rigor, business insight, and transformational leadership to every role. My passion lies in helping companies grow—whether through M&A, digital transformation, capital strategy, or reimagining how finance adds value as a strategic partner. I've led enterprise-wide change initiatives, implemented ERP systems (SAP, Oracle), and optimized cost structures to unlock hundreds of millions in recurring EBITDA. Over the years, I've built and led high-impact finance teams across FP&A, treasury, tax, investor relations, and shared services, always emphasizing talent development, succession planning, and culture. I also serve as a board director and Audit Committee Chair, contributing deep expertise in financial governance, audit oversight, and risk management. ► Core specialties: Strategic Planning | M&A | Financial Leadership | Operational Excellence | Capital Markets | Risk & Compliance | Digital Finance | Talent Development ► Board & Executive Leadership | $8B+ P&L | $2B+ M&A | Global Experience | Recognized as one of Savoy Magazine’s Most Influential Black Executives in Corporate America I aim to continue leveraging my financial expertise to support transformational growth and help organizations achieve strategic and operational excellence. Whether it's shaping strategy, navigating complex transactions, or developing future-ready teams, I’m driven to create enduring value. Let’s connect and explore how I can help your organization unlock its next level of performance.
Career Timeline
- Panera BreadCurrentOct 2025–Present· 11 mos
- Executive Vice President, Chief Financial OfficerCurrentOct 2025–Present
- XylemCurrentMar 2023–Present· 3 yrs 6 mos
- Member Board of Directors; Audit Committee ChairCurrentMar 2023–Present
- Nov 2020–Sep 2025· 4 yrs 10 mos
- Executive Vice President, Chief Financial OfficerNov 2020–Sep 2025
- 2018–Nov 2020· 2 yrs 10 mos
- Senior Vice President, Finance2018–Nov 2020
- May 2016–Dec 2017· 1 yr 7 mos
- Senior Vice President, Chief Financial OfficerMay 2016–Dec 2017
- Apr 2014–May 2016· 2 yrs 1 mo
- Vice President, Financial Planning and AnalysisApr 2014–May 2016
- Aug 2009–Mar 2014· 4 yrs 7 mos
- Vice President Finance, US RetailNov 2012–Mar 2014
- Assistant TreasurerAug 2009–Oct 2012
- Jul 2006–Jul 2009· 3 yrs
- Chief Financial Officer, Vice PresidentJul 2006–Jul 2009
- Sep 1999–Jul 2006· 6 yrs 10 mos
- Director, Corporate FP&ASep 1999–Jul 2006
- Sep 1994–Aug 1999· 4 yrs 11 mos
- Senior Finance Manager - Supply Chain FinanceSep 1994–Aug 1999
Education
Hons B.A.
Management Economics
University of Guelph