Koppers Holdings CFO Retirement Sparks Leadership Transition and Future Growth Initiatives
- Koppers Holdings' CFO Jimmi Sue Smith will retire on January 5, 2026, transitioning to advisory support until February 2026.
- Bradley Pearce, with Koppers since 2006, has been appointed interim CFO and Chief Accounting Officer during the transition.
- Koppers is committed to financial stability and growth, focusing on finding a successor to enhance its strategic objectives.
Koppers Holdings Prepares for Leadership Transition as CFO Retires
Koppers Holdings Inc. announces the impending retirement of Chief Financial Officer Jimmi Sue Smith, effective January 5, 2026. Smith, who has held the CFO position since January 2022, will continue to serve as Treasurer and provide advisory support until February 28, 2026. This transitional phase aims to ensure Koppers maintains its operational continuity while the company embarks on an external search for a permanent successor. Bradley Pearce, who has been with Koppers since 2006 and has served as the Chief Accounting Officer since May 2019, takes on the interim CFO and Chief Accounting Officer roles.
Under Smith’s financial leadership, Koppers has successfully optimized its capital structure and emphasized free cash flow improvement, leading to record returns for shareholders over the past two years. Her tenure is marked by a focus on strategic growth initiatives and effective oversight of budgeting and forecasting processes. Chief Executive Officer Leroy Ball acknowledges Smith's significant contributions, particularly during the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, where her efforts played a crucial role in maintaining the company's financial stability. As Koppers looks to the future, the leadership transition is framed as a pivotal moment for the company's continued growth and development.
Bradley Pearce's extensive experience in finance and accounting will be vital during this transition. As he takes on the dual roles of interim CFO and Chief Accounting Officer, Pearce brings a solid background in overseeing Koppers’ accounting, tax, and external reporting functions. His qualifications include a bachelor's degree in Accounting from Grove City College, positioning him well to navigate the company's financial operations during this period of change. Koppers remains committed to finding a qualified successor who can uphold and enhance the company's financial leadership and strategic objectives.
In light of this transition, Koppers Holdings emphasizes its ongoing dedication to financial stability and growth. The upcoming leadership changes reflect the company's adaptability and commitment to maintaining its competitive edge in the industry. As Koppers prepares for this new chapter, it remains focused on leveraging its financial expertise to drive innovation and strategic initiatives, ensuring continued success in an evolving market landscape.