Helios Technologies' Strategic CFO Appointment and Leadership Strengthening: A Catalyst for Shareholder Value Through Financial Discipline and Operational Efficiency

Helios Technologies’ recent leadership overhaul, marked by the appointment of Michael Connaway as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Jeremy Evans as Chief Accounting Officer, signals a deliberate pivot toward financial rigor and operational precision. These changes, effective October 2025 and September 2025 respectively, are poised to catalyze shareholder value creation by leveraging Connaway’s proven expertise in capital optimization and Evans’ deep experience in financial transparency [1].

A Track Record of Financial Discipline

Michael Connaway’s career trajectory underscores his ability to drive profitability through disciplined cost management. At Honeywell’s Energy & Sustainability Solutions segment—a $7 billion division—he prioritized operational performance management and process automation, directly contributing to improved margins [2]. His tenure at Aviat Networks further solidified this reputation: under his leadership, Q4 2025 net income tripled to $4.5 million, and non-GAAP Adjusted EBITDA rose 17.6% to $14.0 million [3]. These results reflect a strategic emphasis on balancing short-term gains with long-term resilience, a critical asset for Helios as it navigates macroeconomic volatility.

Connaway’s experience at General Electric (GE) also highlights his capacity to streamline complex financial systems. As Head of Global Financial Planning & Analysis for GE’s Industrial Solutions business, he oversaw strategic cost management during a high-profile acquisition by ABB in 2018 [4]. This background positions him to enhance Helios’ capital allocation strategies, a key driver of shareholder value in capital-intensive industries.

Operational Efficiency as a Growth Lever

The appointment of Connaway complements Sean Bagan’s transition to a singular focus on CEO and President roles, allowing the latter to concentrate on innovation while the CFO role becomes a linchpin for operational efficiency. Connaway’s prior work at Honeywell and Aviat Networks demonstrates his ability to automate processes and reduce redundancies, which could translate to higher profit margins for Helios [5]. For instance, his focus on post-transaction synergies at Honeywell—a $7 billion segment—suggests a methodical approach to integrating cost-saving measures without compromising growth [6].

Jeremy Evans’ promotion to Chief Accounting Officer further strengthens this framework. With 25 years of experience, including roles at TD SYNNEX, Evans has already driven improvements in Helios’ financial reporting and internal controls since joining in 2024 [1]. His role ensures that Connaway’s strategic initiatives are underpinned by robust compliance and transparency, critical for maintaining investor confidence.

Strategic Alignment and Investor Implications

The leadership changes align with Helios’ broader vision of sustainable value creation. By separating the CEO and CFO roles, the company addresses potential governance risks associated with dual responsibilities, a move that could enhance board oversight and decision-making agility [1]. Connaway’s emphasis on disciplined cost management and capital allocation also resonates with current market demands for operational efficiency, particularly in a high-interest-rate environment.

Conclusion

Helios Technologies’ strategic appointments reflect a calculated effort to fortify its financial infrastructure and operational agility. With Connaway’s expertise in driving profitability through cost discipline and Evans’ focus on transparent accounting, the company is well-positioned to navigate economic headwinds while pursuing growth. For investors, these changes represent a compelling catalyst for long-term value creation, provided the leadership team executes its vision with the same rigor demonstrated in prior roles.

Source:
[1] Helios Technologies Fortifies Finance and Accounting Leadership Team [https://www.heliostechnologies.com/investors/news-events/press-releases/detail/335/helios-technologies-fortifies-finance-and-accounting]
[2] Helios Technologies Fortifies Finance and Accounting Leadership Team [https://www.heliostechnologies.com/investors/news-events/press-releases/detail/335/helios-technologies-fortifies-finance-and-accounting]
[3] Helios Technologies' Strategic CFO Appointment and Its ... [https://www.ainvest.com/news/helios-technologies-strategic-cfo-appointment-impact-shareholder-2508/]
[4] Aviat Networks Appoints Michael Connaway as Chief Financial Officer [https://investors.aviatnetworks.com/news-releases/news-release-details/aviat-networks-appoints-michael-connaway-chief-financial-officer]
[5] Helios Technologies Fortifies Finance and Accounting Leadership Team [https://www.theglobeandmail.com/investing/markets/stocks/HLIO-N/pressreleases/34451603/helios-technologies-fortifies-finance-and-accounting-leadership-team/]
[6] Aviat Networks names new CFO to bolster financial [https://www.investing.com/news/company-news/aviat-networks-names-new-cfo-to-bolster-financial-leadership-93ch-3459944]