Stout Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

Stout has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, finance, legal, and human resources.

Driven by premier expertise, Stout is dedicated to providing unparalleled responsiveness and deep industry knowledge to clients navigating complex financial matters.

Leadership Roles at Stout

  • Chief Executive Officer - Craige Stout
  • Chief Financial Officer - James Rojas
  • Managing Director - Chief Financial Officer Advisory Services - Sean Swiatek
  • Managing Director, Chief Financial Officer Advisory Services Practice Leader - Gregory Carlson
  • 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
  • Chief Operating Officer - Stephanie Hepp
  • Chief Operating Officer - Transaction Advisory - Richard King
  • Chief Human Resources Officer - Christine Jaroszewicz
  • Chief Legal Officer - Brian Fern
  • Craige Stout - Chief Executive Officer

    Craige Stout, the Chief Executive Officer at Stout, directs the firm's overall strategic vision and operational execution. This leadership role involves guiding the global investment bank and advisory firm through evolving market landscapes, ensuring alignment with its core specializations in corporate finance, valuation, financial disputes, and investigations. Stout's extensive experience in the finance industry underpins the firm's commitment to delivering premier expertise and deep industry knowledge to a diverse clientele, ranging from public corporations to privately held companies across numerous sectors. By fostering a culture of unparalleled responsiveness, Craige Stout ensures that clients receive critical support on their most complex matters. The Chief Executive Officer's oversight extends to driving innovation within advisory services and maintaining the firm's reputation for excellence. This executive leadership is fundamental to Stout's sustained growth and market impact.
    Craige Stout

    James Rojas - Chief Financial Officer

    James Rojas, the Chief Financial Officer at Stout, oversees the financial health and strategic financial planning of the global investment bank and advisory firm. This executive directs all fiscal operations, including budgeting, financial reporting, and capital management, ensuring Stout's financial stability and growth. Rojas's expertise is crucial for navigating the complexities of the financial services industry, supporting the firm's specializations in corporate finance, valuation, and financial disputes. The Chief Financial Officer's role involves managing financial risks and identifying opportunities for investment and expansion, thereby reinforcing Stout's commitment to delivering premier expertise. By maintaining rigorous financial controls and transparent reporting, James Rojas upholds the firm's integrity and builds confidence with clients and stakeholders. This leadership ensures Stout's capacity to provide unparalleled responsiveness and deep industry knowledge on complex financial matters.
    James Rojas

    Sean Swiatek - Managing Director - Chief Financial Officer Advisory Services

    Sean Swiatek, the Managing Director - Chief Financial Officer Advisory Services at Stout, leads critical advisory functions focused on financial strategy and execution for clients. This role involves providing expert guidance on complex financial matters, leveraging deep industry knowledge to support corporate finance, valuation, and dispute resolution initiatives. Swiatek's leadership ensures that clients receive premier expertise tailored to their specific needs, whether they are public corporations or privately held companies. The Chief Financial Officer Advisory Services leader drives the development and delivery of high-impact solutions, reinforcing Stout's reputation for unparalleled responsiveness. Sean Swiatek's focus on enhancing financial operations and strategic decision-making directly contributes to client success. This executive's contributions are integral to Stout's mission of delivering exceptional advisory services across diverse industries.

    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, spearheads the strategic direction and growth of the firm's CFO advisory services. This leadership position involves guiding teams that deliver premier expertise in areas such as financial reporting, transaction advisory, and forensic accounting. Carlson's deep industry knowledge is instrumental in advising clients, from public corporations to privately held entities, on navigating complex financial landscapes. The Practice Leader ensures that Stout maintains unparalleled responsiveness and delivers actionable insights that address critical business challenges. Gregory Carlson's focus on innovation and service excellence within the CFO Advisory Services practice reinforces Stout's commitment to client success. This executive's vision shapes the delivery of specialized financial guidance, solidifying the firm's position as a trusted advisor.

    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, directs specialized accounting and financial reporting advisory services. This role focuses on providing premier expertise to clients navigating intricate reporting requirements and financial investigations. Aertker's deep industry knowledge is crucial for assisting both public corporations and privately held companies in achieving compliance and financial clarity. The Vice President ensures Stout's unparalleled responsiveness in delivering critical insights and solutions related to accounting standards and financial disclosures. Edward Aertker's leadership in the Reporting Advisory Office is vital for maintaining the integrity of financial information and supporting clients through complex accounting challenges. This executive's contributions enhance Stout's reputation for excellence in financial advisory services.

    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 the strategic financial operations and initiatives of the global investment bank and advisory firm. This role involves contributing to financial planning, analysis, and reporting, ensuring the firm's financial integrity and performance. Sommer's responsibilities are key to reinforcing Stout's commitment to delivering premier expertise and deep industry knowledge across its service lines. The Senior Vice President collaborates closely with the Chief Financial Officer to manage financial risks and optimize resource allocation, thereby enhancing the firm's unparalleled responsiveness. Anthony Sommer's contributions are vital for maintaining robust financial controls and supporting strategic decision-making. This executive's work underpins Stout's capacity to effectively serve clients navigating complex financial matters.

    Stephanie Hepp - Chief Operating Officer

    Stephanie Hepp, the Chief Operating Officer at Stout, manages the day-to-day operational functions of the global investment bank and advisory firm. This critical role ensures the efficient delivery of services across corporate finance, valuation, financial disputes, and investigations. Hepp's responsibilities include optimizing internal processes, enhancing operational scalability, and ensuring seamless collaboration among various departments. The Chief Operating Officer's focus on operational excellence directly supports the firm's ability to provide premier expertise and deep industry knowledge to its clients. By streamlining workflows and resource allocation, Stephanie Hepp enables the firm to maintain unparalleled responsiveness, a key differentiator for Stout. This executive's leadership is vital for integrating new technologies and methodologies that improve service delivery and client satisfaction. The operational framework established by the Chief Operating Officer is essential for Stout's consistent performance and client trust.

    Richard King - Chief Operating Officer - Transaction Advisory

    Richard King, the Chief Operating Officer - Transaction Advisory at Stout, directs the operational execution and service delivery within the firm's transaction advisory practice. This executive ensures the efficient and effective management of client engagements, focusing on areas such as due diligence, valuation, and financial modeling. King's leadership is essential for providing premier expertise and deep industry knowledge to clients involved in mergers, acquisitions, and other significant transactions. The Chief Operating Officer - Transaction Advisory drives operational excellence, guaranteeing Stout's unparalleled responsiveness and high-quality service delivery. Richard King's focus on process optimization and team coordination is critical for supporting clients through complex deal processes. This executive's operational oversight strengthens Stout's capabilities in delivering critical financial advice.

    Christine Jaroszewicz - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Christine Jaroszewicz, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Stout, leads the strategic development and execution of human capital initiatives for the global investment bank and advisory firm. This executive is responsible for talent acquisition, employee development, compensation, and fostering a positive organizational culture that supports Stout's mission. Jaroszewicz's role is critical in attracting and retaining top talent, ensuring the firm possesses the premier expertise and deep industry knowledge required to serve its diverse clientele. The Chief Human Resources Officer drives initiatives that enhance employee engagement and align human resources strategies with the firm's overall business objectives. Christine Jaroszewicz ensures Stout maintains unparalleled responsiveness by cultivating a skilled and motivated workforce. This leadership is fundamental to the firm's operational success and sustained growth.
    Brian Fern, the Chief Legal Officer at Stout, oversees all legal affairs and ensures compliance with regulatory requirements for the global investment bank and advisory firm. This executive provides critical legal counsel on corporate governance, contracts, and risk management, safeguarding the firm's interests. Fern's expertise is vital for navigating the complex legal landscape inherent in financial services, supporting Stout's specializations in corporate finance and financial disputes. The Chief Legal Officer ensures that all operations adhere to the highest legal and ethical standards, reinforcing the firm's commitment to premier expertise. Brian Fern's strategic guidance is instrumental in managing legal risks and fostering a culture of compliance, thereby ensuring Stout's unparalleled responsiveness and integrity. This leadership is fundamental to the firm's sustained success and client trust.

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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 Sean Swiatek (Managing Director - Chief Financial Officer Advisory Services).
    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), Sean Swiatek (Managing Director - Chief Financial Officer Advisory Services) 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, Managing Director - Chief Financial Officer Advisory Services, Managing Director, Chief Financial Officer Advisory Services Practice Leader, Vice President, Accounting & Chief Financial Officer, Reporting Advisory Office of The Advisory.