As a transformational finance executive with over 20 years of experience, Chris Wetzel has provided strategic financial leadership to companies ranging from high-growth startups to Fortune 500 organizations. He specializes in building financial operations that scale with growth. His unique blend of finance and technology expertise has proven instrumental in his ability to accelerate innovation, improve data-driven decision-making, and position organizations for long-term growth.

With a career spanning Big Four public accounting, global consumer technology, and venture-backed startups, he began as an auditor at Deloitte before advancing through leadership roles at Bank of America, Apple, and Electronic Arts. He then transitioned to the startup world, serving as a finance leader at Shyp and Airhouse, where he built financial operations from the ground up and guided these companies through periods of rapid growth, strategic pivots, and capital raises. He has applied his expertise across a wide range of industries, including software, consumer technology, gaming, manufacturing, and financial services.

Mr. Wetzel brings strong skills in the following areas:

Financial Planning & Analysis

• Financial modeling, budgeting, and forecasting
• Variance analysis and scenario planning
• Strategic pricing models and profitability analysis
• Sales forecasting and KPI development

Financial Management & Reporting

• Financial reporting and monthly/quarterly close
• Accounting operations and internal financial controls
• Tax compliance and treasury management
• Cash flow management and optimization

Strategic Finance & Capital

• Fundraising and debt financing
• Investor relations and board communications
• Vendor contract negotiations
• Business model transformation and strategic pivots

Leadership & Operations

• Team development and mentoring
• Cross-functional collaboration
• Performance management frameworks

A North Carolina native, Mr. Wetzel attended North Carolina State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science. He then obtained a Master of Accounting degree from the Kenan-Flagler Business School at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill before moving to Chicago, where he completed an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University and earned his CPA license in Illinois. He later moved to the Bay Area to join Apple and spent nearly a decade in the region before returning to North Carolina. Beyond his professional work, Mr. Wetzel serves as a board member of the Wiley Elementary Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to enriching the educational experience of students at Wiley Elementary School.