In the Media
CFO Evolution Puts Spotlight on Data, Tech Skills
With deep expertise in leadership and business transformation, Russ Silvestri has a distinguished 30-year business career serving the buy and sell sides of Wall Street, and as a director of public and private companies. He has a remarkable track record as a leader – in the role of executive, founder, board member, and Olympian. Clients benefit from his ability to identify and develop high-potential leadership talent and resolve the most complex business challenges.
Professional Focus
- Investment banking expertise, serving the venture and private equity communities, corporations, individuals, and institutions
- Founder and fund manager of public market small cap value fund
- Provides leadership and talent advisory on mission-critical C-suite and board roles in financial services, private equity and venture capital, including portfolio companies
- Proven expertise in capital raising, strategic analysis and planning, M&A, value realization strategies, business transformation, business development, marketing, team-building, leadership assessment and development
- Elite sailing athlete representing the U.S. at the Olympic Games (Sydney 2000); competed in four Olympic Trials and the America’s Cup (1987 and 2000)
Business Expertise
- Independent consultant, investor and board member in multiple private and public firms
- Operating Partner at SKIRITAI Capital: Founder and Portfolio Manager of the Leonidas and L2 Opportunity Funds
- Chief Operating Officer at Focus Capital
- Managing Director, Corporate and Venture Services Groups at investment bank Robertson Stephens; prior roles as Vice President, Corporate Services and Principal, Corporate and Venture Services
- Started career as an Account Executive at Dean Witter
Additional Expertise
- Bachelor’s degree in business from USC Marshall School of Business
Areas of Expertise
Education & Certifications
- United States Olympic Committee Award for Outstanding Male Athlete in Sailing (2000)
- San Francisco Olympic Organizing Committee Leader for sailing events, actively involved in bid for 2024 Olympic Games
- Pan American Games Silver Medal (1999)
Case Studies
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Bridging the Gap: Finance Meets Operations in Agribusiness
How Boyden partnered with one of the world’s largest nut and grape producers to recruit transformative operational-finance leadership.
From Transition to Transformation: CFO Leadership in Premium Wine Operations
How Boyden navigated a high-stakes CFO search for a global wine producer’s U.S. subsidiary.
New CEO Sparks Rejuvenation in a 75-Year-Old Cooperative Retailer
Boyden partners with a regional retail cooperative to recruit transformative leadership and drive profitability.
Thought Leadership
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Blog
Modern Budgeting: Why CFOs Must Balance AI and Human Insight
As the 2026 budgeting cycle begins, CFOs must modernize financial planning by integrating AI with robust data governance that empowers their teams to enhance accuracy, speed, and strategic decision-making without replacing human judgment.
Boyden Report Series
Fintech: The democratising effect of digital money
Financial Services Trends Report: A snapshot of fintech-led innovation, connectivity and transformation in financial services, with expert insights on talent and leadership.
Boyden Report Series
Global Banking and Capital Markets in a New World Order
Financial Services Trends Report: A snapshot of the key orientation points for leadership through multiple complexities in the new world order, with expert insights on talent and leadership.
Articles & Papers
Boyden in Malta: Momentum in the Mediterranean
A look at Malta’s most vibrant industries and economic successes with insights from local Partner Dr. Vassilis Trochalidis of Boyden Greece, Cyprus and Malta.
Media
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News & Events
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In the Media
What made leaders successful in the past no longer guarantees the future
Global Boyden CEO Chad Hesters explains why leadership success in the past no longer guarantees the future, highlighting adaptability, AI fluency, curiosity, and humility as essential traits for today’s executives.
In the Media
Unilever joins Big Food shake-up
Unilever’s potential exit from its Foods division could reshape Big Food, triggering supply‑chain shifts, leadership changes, and major competitive realignment.
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