Berlin Packaging, the leading full-service supplier of plastic, glass, and metal containers and closures, announced that Steven M. Spiegel has joined the company as Chief Financial Officer. Spiegel, a proven executive with diverse experience leading global financial strategy, developing organizational talent, and strengthening business results, will play a key role in helping the company achieve its next level of growth and performance. He replaces Neil Schwab, who served as Berlin's CFO for 16 years until retiring this year.
Spiegel comes to Berlin Packaging from Minneapolis-based Regis Corporation, where he spent almost four years as Chief Financial Officer. Regis is a $1.8 billion, publicly-traded company that owns, franchises or holds ownership interests in approximately 9,500 beauty salons worldwide. At the company, Spiegel partnered with the leadership team to set Regis' strategic blueprint, developed a high functioning finance organization, captured cost savings, and strengthened the company's balance sheet, thereby adding flexibility to support strategic investments.
Prior to joining Regis, Spiegel spent seven years as Vice President of Finance at Alberto-Culver and Unilever. Before its sale to Unilver in 2010, Alberto-Culver was a $1.6 billion, publicly-traded, global manufacturer, marketer and distributor of beauty care brands. In his role, Spiegel led all financial functions for the company's Americas, Asia Pacific, and Africa regions; oversaw global operations and global marketing finance; and served as the Corporate Controller. After the Unilever acquisition, he integrated the finance function into Unilever's organization.
Spiegel also spent ten years in executive finance posts at several private-equity sponsored businesses in the consumer packaged goods industry, five years at Continental Grain Company, and seven years at Deloitte & Touche, most recently as an Audit Manager.
"Steve Spiegel brings a stellar and well-rounded background to our organization," said Andrew Berlin, Chairman and CEO of Berlin Packaging. "Along with being a commercially-oriented finance leader, Steve has a passion for creating value and developing exceptional teams. I love the insight, energy, creativity, and expertise he brings to our executive team."
"Berlin is a company that has invested in a smart strategy and has achieved industry-leading growth and outcomes, and I see significant ongoing potential," noted Spiegel. "There is tremendous 'white space' for continued organic and acquisitive growth, both domestically and internationally. I'm excited at the prospect of helping Berlin seize its many opportunities for expanded success."
In his new role at Berlin Packaging, Spiegel is responsible for leading all financial activities including credit, accounting, controls, financial reporting, capital budgeting, and forecasting. He reports directly to the Chairman and CEO.
A native of New York, Spiegel has an MBA in Finance from Columbia University and a BS in Accounting from the State University of New York at Binghamton.
