Stout Executive and Leadership Team

June, 2026

Leadership Overview

Stout has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, information technology, operations, finance, and transaction advisory.

Driven by premier expertise, Stout is dedicated to providing unparalleled financial advisory services to a diverse global clientele, fostering complex matters with deep industry knowledge and responsiveness.

Leadership Roles at Stout

  • Chief Executive Officer - Craige Stout
  • Chief Financial Officer - James Rojas
  • Vice President, Accounting & Chief Financial Officer, Reporting Advisory Office of The Advisory - Edward Aertker
  • Senior Vice President - Office of the Chief Financial Officer - Anthony Sommer
  • Managing Director, Chief Financial Officer Advisory Services Practice Leader - Gregory Carlson
  • Managing Director - Chief Financial Officer Advisory Services - Sean Swiatek
  • Chief Operating Officer - Stephanie Clifford
  • Chief Operating Officer - Valuation Advisory - Gregory Gallagher
  • Chief Operating Officer - Transaction Advisory - Richard King
  • Chief Information Officer - Stacy Carron
  • Craige Stout - Chief Executive Officer

    Craige Stout, the Chief Executive Officer at Stout, directs the firm's overall strategic vision and operational execution. Overseeing global investment banking and advisory services, Stout ensures alignment with the company's mission of delivering premier expertise and deep industry knowledge. This leadership role involves guiding the firm's expansion into new markets and enhancing client relationships across public corporations and privately held companies. By driving innovation in corporate finance, valuation, and financial disputes, Craige Stout directly impacts Stout's market position and financial performance. Ultimately, Stout secures the firm's reputation for unparalleled responsiveness on complex matters.
    Craige Stout

    James Rojas - Chief Financial Officer

    James Rojas, the Chief Financial Officer at Stout, directs the firm's financial planning, reporting, and capital management. Overseeing all financial operations, Rojas ensures fiscal integrity and strategic resource deployment across Stout's global initiatives. This leadership role involves managing budgets, analyzing financial performance, and supporting investment strategies that align with the company's growth objectives. By driving financial discipline and insightful analysis, James Rojas directly impacts Stout's profitability and long-term sustainability. Ultimately, Rojas upholds the firm's financial stability, enabling the delivery of premier expertise and unparalleled responsiveness to clients.
    James Rojas

    Edward Aertker - Vice President, Accounting & Chief Financial Officer, Reporting Advisory Office of The Advisory

    Edward Aertker, the Vice President, Accounting & Chief Financial Officer, Reporting Advisory Office of The Advisory at Stout, manages critical accounting functions and financial reporting advisory services. Overseeing the reporting advisory teams, Aertker ensures adherence to the highest standards of premier expertise and deep industry knowledge. This leadership role involves guiding clients through complex accounting regulations and reporting requirements, supporting Stout's advisory capabilities. By driving accuracy and compliance in financial reporting, Edward Aertker directly impacts the integrity of client financial statements. Ultimately, Aertker enhances Stout's reputation for unparalleled responsiveness in financial investigations and disputes.

    Anthony Sommer - Senior Vice President - Office of the Chief Financial Officer

    Anthony Sommer, the Senior Vice President - Office of the Chief Financial Officer at Stout, supports strategic financial initiatives and operational oversight within the CFO's domain. Overseeing key projects and cross-functional financial coordination, Sommer ensures the application of premier expertise and deep industry knowledge across Stout's global operations. This leadership role involves enhancing financial planning processes and supporting the firm's overall fiscal strategy. By driving efficiency and alignment within the finance office, Anthony Sommer directly impacts Stout's ability to manage complex financial matters. Ultimately, Sommer contributes to the firm's unparalleled responsiveness and robust advisory services.

    Gregory Carlson - Managing Director, Chief Financial Officer Advisory Services Practice Leader

    Gregory Carlson, the Managing Director, Chief Financial Officer Advisory Services Practice Leader at Stout, leads the strategic direction and client engagement for CFO advisory services. Overseeing the practice area, Carlson ensures the delivery of premier expertise and deep industry knowledge to clients navigating financial complexities. This leadership role involves developing innovative solutions for corporate finance and financial disputes, serving a diverse clientele. By driving the growth and excellence of the CFO advisory practice, Gregory Carlson directly impacts Stout's market leadership. Ultimately, Carlson embodies the firm's commitment to unparalleled responsiveness and expert guidance in financial matters.

    Sean Swiatek - Managing Director - Chief Financial Officer Advisory Services

    Sean Swiatek, the Managing Director - Chief Financial Officer Advisory Services at Stout, drives client success within the firm's specialized financial advisory practice. Overseeing key engagements, Swiatek applies premier expertise and deep industry knowledge to address complex financial challenges for corporations. This leadership role involves guiding clients through critical financial decisions, including corporate finance and dispute resolution. By focusing on client-centric solutions, Sean Swiatek directly impacts Stout's ability to deliver unparalleled responsiveness and tailored advice. Ultimately, Swiatek reinforces the firm's commitment to providing exceptional value and strategic insights in financial advisory services.

    Stephanie Clifford - Chief Operating Officer

    Stephanie Clifford, the Chief Operating Officer at Stout, manages the firm's day-to-day operational functions and process optimization. Overseeing administrative departments and resource allocation, Clifford ensures seamless service delivery across all advisory practices. This leadership role involves enhancing operational workflows to support Stout's commitment to unparalleled responsiveness and deep industry knowledge. By driving efficiency improvements, Stephanie Clifford directly impacts the firm's capacity to handle complex matters for a diverse client base. Ultimately, Clifford strengthens the operational backbone that supports Stout's premier expertise in investment banking and advisory services.
    Stephanie Clifford

    Gregory Gallagher - Chief Operating Officer - Valuation Advisory

    Gregory Gallagher, the Chief Operating Officer - Valuation Advisory at Stout, spearheads the operational execution within the firm's valuation advisory services. Overseeing the teams dedicated to corporate finance and valuation, Gallagher ensures the delivery of premier expertise and deep industry knowledge to clients. This leadership role involves optimizing processes for complex valuation engagements, supporting both public corporations and privately held companies. By driving operational excellence in valuation methodologies, Gregory Gallagher directly impacts the accuracy and timeliness of client deliverables. Ultimately, Gallagher enhances Stout's capacity to provide unparalleled responsiveness on intricate valuation matters.
    Gregory Gallagher

    Richard King - Chief Operating Officer - Transaction Advisory

    Richard King, the Chief Operating Officer - Transaction Advisory at Stout, leads the operational framework for the firm's transaction advisory services. Overseeing the execution of M&A support and due diligence, King ensures the application of premier expertise and deep industry knowledge across all client engagements. This leadership role involves streamlining processes for complex transactions, supporting clients navigating intricate financial landscapes. By driving operational efficiency in transaction execution, Richard King directly impacts Stout's ability to provide unparalleled responsiveness during critical deal phases. Ultimately, King strengthens the firm's capacity to manage diverse client needs in financial disputes and investigations.

    Stacy Carron - Chief Information Officer

    Stacy Carron, the Chief Information Officer at Stout, architects the firm's technology strategy and digital infrastructure. Overseeing all information systems and cybersecurity measures, Carron ensures robust data management and secure client communications. This leadership role involves implementing advanced technological solutions that support Stout's global operations and enhance operational efficiency. By driving digital transformation initiatives, Stacy Carron directly impacts the firm's ability to deliver responsive and cutting-edge advisory services. Ultimately, Carron safeguards the integrity of client data and supports the firm's premier expertise through reliable technology.
    Stacy Carron

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Stout Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Stout?
    Stout is led by Craige Stout (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as James Rojas (Chief Financial Officer) and Edward Aertker (Vice President, Accounting & Chief Financial Officer, Reporting Advisory Office of The Advisory).
    Who is part of Stout’s executive team?
    The executive team of Stout includes leaders such as Craige Stout (Chief Executive Officer), James Rojas (Chief Financial Officer), Edward Aertker (Vice President, Accounting & Chief Financial Officer, Reporting Advisory Office of The Advisory) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Stout have?
    Stout has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Stout’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Stout includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Vice President, Accounting & Chief Financial Officer, Reporting Advisory Office of The Advisory, Senior Vice President - Office of the Chief Financial Officer, Managing Director, Chief Financial Officer Advisory Services Practice Leader.