“Strategic Finance Architect Driving Operational Excellence Across Borders”

David Distler is a seasoned executive whose career has been defined by transformative leadership in financial strategy, operational streamlining, and cross-border enterprise management. With over three decades of experience in finance and operations—spanning the U.S., Canada, and Latin America—David has consistently driven profitability, efficiency, and scalable growth for Fortune 500 manufacturing organizations. As a Chief Financial Officer and Strategic Operations Leader, he possesses an uncommon blend of financial discipline and people-centered leadership that fuels sustainable change from the inside out.

David’s career trajectory reflects a thoughtful ascent through finance and operations leadership, where he began by mastering the technical aspects of accounting and treasury before expanding into roles that would give him command over multimillion-dollar portfolios and global teams. Early roles with U.S. Gypsum sharpened his skills in credit management and accounting, forming the foundation for his analytical prowess and control mindset. From those roots, David launched into an extraordinary 20+ year career at Emerson—one of the world’s most innovative manufacturing and technology firms—where he would leave a lasting mark.

At Emerson, David’s tenure evolved through a series of increasingly strategic roles. As Vice President / CFO of Emerson Process Management in Latin America, he supported the region’s explosive sales growth from $250M to $500M by implementing disciplined financial oversight, improving internal controls, and enabling cross-functional cooperation across four countries. His influence was evident not just in numbers, but in systems. By introducing lean office practices, improving inventory turnover, and tightening Days Sales Outstanding (DSO), he demonstrated how finance can be a driver of operational excellence.

Promoted to Corporate Vice President of Latin America, David assumed responsibility for consolidating Shared Services across the region. Under his leadership, Costa Rica became a regional center of excellence, scaling from inception to 750 employees in five years—delivering “best cost” support in finance, HR, logistics, and payroll. David’s vision for integration not only cut costs by millions but also elevated service levels, proving that efficiency and quality are not mutually exclusive. He enabled regional units to preserve autonomy while enjoying the economies of scale—a testament to his collaborative leadership style.

Transitioning to Emerson Canada, David took the helm as Vice President of Finance & Administration for a $1B enterprise with 13 business units. Here, he built on his legacy of operational transformation. He implemented a common operating system across units that eliminated redundant processes and saved $300K annually. His meticulous review of cost structures and vendor contracts further delivered $200K in savings, and his cash pooling innovation enhanced liquidity while mitigating fraud risks—netting an additional $1M annually in interest income. Each initiative was rooted in his belief that finance should empower—not encumber—operational leadership.

David’s talent for aligning finance with strategic imperatives was particularly evident in his oversight of M&A integrations. Leading the successful absorption of five acquired companies into Corporate Shared Services, he showcased his proficiency in post-merger integration, IT systems harmonization, and regulatory governance. His ability to lead large, cross-functional teams—spanning finance, IT, payroll, and trade compliance—ensured seamless transitions and unified cultures.

But David’s legacy is not limited to systems and savings. He is a mentor and a builder of people. At Emerson Canada, he led initiatives to understand the aspirations of each team member within finance and IT, offering opportunities for growth, learning, and leadership. His efforts resulted in a highly engaged team with zero turnover—a rare feat in any corporate environment. Colleagues describe him as a patient guide, a fair leader, and a champion of both performance and potential.

David also established strong working relationships with customers and sales leaders. By providing real-time financial insights to sales teams and forging ties with key clients, he strengthened customer satisfaction while enhancing internal communication. His ability to bridge technical finance with relational leadership made him a key advisor in high-stakes deals and complex operational challenges.

Throughout his career, David has married rigor with empathy. His governance has extended to annual statutory audits, tax compliance, and board-level financial reporting. He has developed strategic capital expansion plans—including a $65M investment in Brazil’s oil and gas sector that yielded $100M in new projects—cementing his role as a strategic finance architect, not merely a steward of resources.

With a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Drake University, David brings both academic grounding and decades of lived leadership to the table. Today, he continues to guide organizations through transformation, bringing structure to complexity and clarity to ambiguity. He is driven by the conviction that finance should be a partner in progress—a compass, not just a calculator.

Character:
David embodies integrity, accountability, and mentorship. He cultivates teams where people thrive, and his leadership is grounded in fairness, vision, and long-term stewardship.

Knowledge:
With deep expertise in financial systems, operational strategy, and international governance, David has led organizations through multimillion-dollar growth and transformation. His insights are rooted in both experience and continuous learning.

Strategic:
David consistently aligns financial management with enterprise-wide goals, creating systems that scale and strategies that endure. His ability to synthesize data, risk, and opportunity informs every initiative he leads.

Communication:
A persuasive and empathetic communicator, David connects effectively with stakeholders at all levels—from boardrooms to back offices. His clarity and collaborative spirit ensure buy-in and long-term success.