Jack Connolly is a distinguished financial executive and former Business Unit CFO whose career spans more than three decades of transformative leadership across global organizations. Known for his ability to bridge finance, operations, and strategy, Jack has consistently delivered measurable impact in complex and evolving industries. His career reflects a deep commitment to excellence, adaptability, and value creation, positioning him as a trusted advisor and leader in financial services, publishing, and construction sectors.
Throughout his 35+ years of professional experience, Jack has built a reputation for guiding organizations through periods of rapid growth, market volatility, and structural transformation. His expertise lies not only in financial stewardship but in shaping the strategic direction of businesses, helping executive teams make informed decisions grounded in data, insight, and experience. His ability to translate complex financial concepts into actionable strategies has made him an indispensable partner at the executive level.
Jack’s tenure at S&P Global stands as a defining chapter in his career, where he spent over 19 years in progressively senior leadership roles. As Business Unit CFO for S&P Dow Jones Indices, he provided comprehensive financial oversight for one of the organization’s most profitable and fastest-growing divisions. Under his leadership, revenues expanded significantly, and he played a central role in scaling the business from approximately $200 million to $600 million in revenue. His strategic insight helped shape product development, investment decisions, and global expansion initiatives.
In addition to driving organic growth, Jack was instrumental in executing complex joint ventures and international partnerships. He played a key role in forming a joint venture with Dow Jones, seamlessly integrating operations while delivering substantial cost savings. His leadership extended globally, including the development of a partnership with the Bombay Stock Exchange, where he helped establish a new revenue stream and operational infrastructure in an emerging market. These initiatives reflect his ability to operate effectively across borders and cultures.
As Senior Director within S&P Global Ratings, Jack further demonstrated his capacity for innovation by implementing advanced business intelligence tools to enhance financial analysis and reporting. He led efforts to modernize financial systems, including the integration of platforms such as Salesforce, Oracle, and Zuora, enabling more efficient and data-driven decision-making. His leadership not only improved operational performance but also empowered teams with the tools needed to uncover new revenue opportunities.
Earlier in his career, Jack served as Director of Finance for Aviation Week, where he successfully navigated the organization through one of the most challenging periods in the aerospace and defense industry following September 11, 2001. Through strategic restructuring and a forward-thinking digital strategy, he helped double operating profits while positioning the business for long-term sustainability. This experience highlights his resilience and ability to lead through uncertainty.
Jack’s foundational experience includes roles in corporate audit, risk assessment, and public accounting, where he developed a strong technical grounding in financial reporting, compliance, and internal controls. His work in global risk management and Sarbanes-Oxley compliance further underscores his comprehensive understanding of governance and regulatory frameworks. These early experiences laid the groundwork for his later success as a strategic financial leader.
In recent years, Jack has transitioned into advisory and consulting roles, including his work as an Engagement Director with CliftonLarsonAllen, where he provided financial and operational guidance to a diverse range of organizations. His ability to step into interim leadership roles and quickly assess and improve financial functions speaks to his versatility and depth of experience. Today, he continues to contribute his expertise as a member of the Pension Advisory Committee for the City of Clearwater, advising on investment strategies for a multi-billion-dollar fund.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Jack is deeply committed to community engagement and mentorship. He has supported numerous charitable organizations, participated in environmental initiatives, and served as a guest lecturer and internship sponsor. His dedication to giving back reflects a broader philosophy that leadership extends beyond the boardroom and into the communities we serve.
Jack is now actively seeking board opportunities where he can continue to apply his extensive experience and passion for helping organizations succeed. He is driven by a desire to remain engaged in the business community and to contribute meaningfully to the growth and governance of forward-thinking companies. His broad industry exposure, global perspective, and collaborative leadership style make him a valuable asset to any board.
At his core, Jack Connolly is a leader who combines technical expertise with strategic vision and a genuine commitment to people and purpose. His career is a testament to the impact that thoughtful, disciplined, and forward-looking financial leadership can have on organizations of all sizes and stages.
Character:
Jack demonstrates unwavering integrity in every aspect of his professional journey, consistently earning the trust of colleagues, stakeholders, and executive teams. He approaches leadership with humility and a genuine desire to help organizations and individuals succeed. His commitment to community service and mentorship reflects a values-driven mindset that extends beyond business outcomes.
Knowledge:
He possesses a deep and comprehensive understanding of financial management, capital markets, and global operations developed over more than three decades. His technical expertise is reinforced by prestigious credentials, including CPA and CISA, as well as hands-on experience across multiple industries. He continuously applies this knowledge to solve complex challenges and drive meaningful results.
Strategic:
Jack excels at aligning financial strategy with broader business objectives, enabling organizations to achieve sustainable growth. He has a proven track record of leading high-impact initiatives, including joint ventures, system implementations, and global expansions. His forward-thinking approach allows him to identify opportunities and mitigate risks in dynamic market environments.
Communication:
An effective and engaging communicator who can distill complex financial information into clear, actionable insights. He has extensive experience presenting to executive leadership, boards, and global teams, ensuring alignment and informed decision-making. His collaborative style fosters strong relationships and drives consensus across diverse stakeholders.
