Roger Whitham is a seasoned executive specializing in financial strategy, corporate development, and operational performance, with over two decades of proven leadership across global markets and industries. He is widely respected for his ability to lead transformational initiatives that enhance profitability, optimize performance, and position organizations for sustainable growth. With extensive experience across finance, operations, and business development, Roger brings a hands-on, metrics-driven approach to executive leadership, particularly in navigating complex financial landscapes and spearheading cross-border ventures.

As Director of Finance at Singer Kittredge, a food service equipment distributor, Roger played a pivotal role in revitalizing the company’s financial operations. His efforts to streamline reporting processes and reduce the month-end close time from over 30 days to just five days directly contributed to sustained double-digit growth and record-setting profits. He led a high-performing team through three consecutive successful financial audits and introduced strategic budget oversight that aligned with divisional leadership goals across multiple branches.

Previously, Roger served as Director of Analytics and Finance at Defender Industries, where he managed the divestiture process of a major omni-channel eCommerce marine outfitter. He was instrumental in the diligence and execution of a successful sale in December 2021. Roger established the company’s FP&A function, introduced real-time forecasting and reporting tools, and implemented standard costing models that significantly enhanced pricing accuracy and profitability. His ability to lead through change was also evident in his oversight of a finance team that produced three years of unqualified audits and significantly shortened financial close cycles.

Roger’s tenure at Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company further highlights his ability to manage complex budgets at scale. Overseeing a $260 million operating budget, he reduced company-wide expenses by $53 million through strategic restructuring and budgetary innovations. He also spearheaded the development of dynamic budgeting tools that streamlined reporting and fostered greater collaboration among business managers.

As Managing Director of Bassett Bridge, LLC, Roger worked as a strategy and operations consultant, engaging directly with emerging and mid-market companies. He executed activity-based costing studies, managed ERP implementation planning that saved $225,000 in project costs, led strategic planning workshops, and oversaw international acquisition due diligence. His insights were also pivotal in crafting go-to-market strategies for businesses seeking international expansion in medical devices and technology.

Roger’s earlier career includes significant leadership positions such as Divisional Controller at MRV Communications, where he managed finance across domestic and international operations, restored profitability through restructuring, and improved revenue forecasting accuracy to within a 2.5% margin of error. He also held key leadership roles at Telenity, Inc. and Intec Billing, Inc. (later ADC Telecommunications), where he managed multimillion-dollar budgets, oversaw global operations in APAC and CALA regions, and established commercial risk management protocols that ensured 100% profitability on system sales and implementations.

Roger holds an MBA in Finance from the Barney School of Business at the University of Hartford and a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Economics from the University of Connecticut. While his career path has been predominantly rooted in finance and strategic operations, Roger’s entrepreneurial spirit, global experience, and ability to drive complex financial projects make him a standout leader.

In addition to his corporate work, Roger is Managing Director of Bassett Bridge LLC, a consulting firm and thought leadership platform, where he continues to share insights through a dedicated blog. His deep expertise in financial management and strategic execution positions him as a valuable asset for board service, particularly for organizations navigating transformation, M&A, or international growth.

Character
Roger Whitham exemplifies integrity, resilience, and leadership through his consistent delivery of financial and operational excellence across global organizations. His ability to build trust, lead diverse teams through transformation, and uphold high standards of accountability reflects a deep commitment to doing what is right for the business and its people.

Knowledge
Roger brings over two decades of multidisciplinary expertise in financial strategy, operational optimization, and corporate development, backed by an MBA in Finance and a strong foundation in agricultural economics. His hands-on experience across industries, including telecommunications, insurance, and eCommerce, positions him as a dynamic leader with a robust understanding of complex business ecosystems.

Strategic
Roger is a forward-thinking strategist who drives value through meticulous financial planning, M&A execution, and scalable operational systems. Whether launching new FP&A functions or leading international divestitures and acquisitions, he identifies opportunities for growth and steers organizations toward long-term success with measurable outcomes.

Communication
Roger communicates with clarity, purpose, and precision, aligning cross-functional stakeholders around financial goals and strategic initiatives. His ability to distill complex data into actionable insights empowers leadership teams to make informed decisions and fosters a culture of transparency and performance.