Blake A. Bonyko is a distinguished financial executive whose career has spanned over four decades of dynamic leadership, strategic transformation, and operational excellence. With a focus on industrial, manufacturing, and consumer product sectors, Blake has played an instrumental role in steering companies through growth, private equity transactions, and complex business transformations. His passion lies not only in building scalable financial systems and robust governance frameworks but also in empowering the next generation of finance leaders to succeed in an increasingly dynamic global economy.

Blake’s journey began after earning his B.S. in Accounting and Finance from Miami University in Ohio, followed by achieving his CPA certification. He launched his career with Price Waterhouse, where he honed his financial acumen auditing large-scale public companies, including two from the Dow Jones 30. Those early years forged his foundation in rigorous financial reporting, SEC compliance, and corporate governance—skills that would become cornerstones of his later executive leadership.

Blake’s first major corporate leadership role came with The Middleby Corporation, where he served as Vice President and Corporate Controller. At Middleby, he led internal and external financial reporting, consolidated manufacturing facilities, spearheaded a $20 million secondary public offering, and implemented a transformative ERP system. His strategic planning and tax structuring initiatives helped Middleby unlock significant value through a major sale and leaseback transaction, further proving his capacity to balance strategic foresight with operational execution.

In 1998, Blake took the reins as CFO at Oshkosh Specialty Vehicles (formerly AK Specialty Vehicles), a high-tech specialty vehicle manufacturer. There, he guided the company through four acquisitions, consolidated financial operations, and led cross-border integrations spanning the U.S., U.K., Brazil, and China. His ability to align finance with broader business strategy enabled the company to navigate change while maintaining operational continuity and growth.

Blake’s tenure with Generation Brands and its successor, Visual Comfort Lighting, was a defining chapter in his career. As EVP and CFO, he orchestrated two separate PE-backed sales and  a landmark $270 million debt refinancing. He led the consolidation of three business units into one unified company, integrating ERP systems and streamlining operations. His efforts not only increased efficiencies but also helped solidify the company’s competitive position in the high-end decorative lighting market during a volatile housing economy.

In 2016, Blake transitioned to Colson Group Holdings, the world’s largest manufacturer of casters and wheels. As CFO, he led the financial strategy during a pivotal PE-to-PE sale and successfully closed a $30.5 million insurance settlement following a significant operational disruption. He upgraded the company’s IT and ERP systems, implemented a unified financial reporting platform, and guided the acquisition of Vulcan Industries. His hands-on leadership style was instrumental in aligning financial strategy with operational needs, making him a transformative force within the organization.

Most recently, Blake served as Managing Director at Gryphon Investors, a premier $9 billion AUM private equity firm. In this role, he provided strategic oversight and mentorship to over 15 portfolio company CFOs, authored the firm’s audit committee policy, and guided the internal implementation of a performance monitoring system. His influence extended beyond financial oversight—he became a trusted advisor to portfolio executives, playing a critical role in shaping financial leadership across Gryphon’s industrial and consumer portfolios. Blake participated in multiple CFO search’s and value creation initiatives.

Blake’s career is defined not only by his impressive accomplishments but also by his personal mission: to guide and mentor rising financial leaders, particularly those navigating the nuanced world of private equity. Throughout his roles, he has mentored dozens of CFOs, especially those with limited PE experience or stepping into their first CFO role. His commitment to developing others reflects his core belief in leadership as a service to others—a philosophy that drives his approach to board involvement and advisory roles.

Blake brings a uniquely international perspective to his work, having managed operations across 14 countries. His global mindset enables him to navigate cross-cultural business environments with ease, making him a valuable asset to organizations seeking international expansion or facing regulatory complexities in global markets. While he is not multilingual, his cultural fluency and operational versatility have enabled him to lead effectively in diverse environments.

Now actively seeking board and advisory roles, Blake is eager to share his wealth of experience with mission-driven organizations that value strategic financial guidance, integrity in governance, and mentorship at the executive level. He is particularly passionate about contributing to audit committees and supporting transformational growth within private-equity backed enterprises. With deep roots in B2B and B2C markets and a rich history of success in both operational and strategic finance, Blake is well-positioned to bring lasting value to boards and executive teams alike.

Character:
Blake is a principled leader who prioritizes ethical stewardship and long-term impact over short-term gain. He believes in the power of mentorship and consistently seeks to uplift and empower others through his experience and guidance.

Knowledge:
With over 40 years of experience across multiple industries and continents, Blake possesses unparalleled depth in financial leadership, governance, and operational transformation. His mastery of ERP systems, audit protocols, and private equity dynamics makes him an indispensable advisor to any board.

Strategic:
Blake has repeatedly demonstrated his ability to navigate complex business landscapes, whether through orchestrating multimillion-dollar exits, restructuring enterprise operations, or building future-ready finance functions. His strategic mindset is always grounded in practical, results-oriented execution.

Communication:
Blake is a compelling communicator, equally adept at presenting to boards, mentoring CFOs, or aligning cross-functional teams. His ability to translate complex financial insights into clear, actionable strategy is one of his greatest assets as a leader.