Rick Battaglini, Chief Financial Officer of John Paul Mitchell Systems (JPMS) and a 25 year veteran with the hair care company, has won the “CFO of the Year” Award from Los Angeles Business Journal,  a weekly publication that covers the Los Angeles community’s business and economic scene. Nominated by a panel of judges, Battaglini was selected out of a field of 41 finalists.

 Battaglini began his career at JPMS in 1987, which at the time had no computer system, no internal controls, no email, and only a typewriter to create financial statements. Battaglini has risen from Controller to Vice President of Finance, to CFO, Treasurer, and Board Member. During the course of his tenure at JPMS, Battaglini has grown, educated and mentored his finance team, installed systems, and helped drive company growth.

“Rick has been with us since the beginning, and has been involved with almost every facet of the company,” said John Paul DeJoria, JPMS co-founder and CEO. “I want to offer him my sincerest thanks for all he does for the company, and we are thrilled to be celebrating this great honor with him. I am proud to call him my friend.”

 “I am delighted and very proud to have been recognized by the Los Angeles Business Journal with this prestigious award,” said Battaglini. “My journey with John Paul Mitchell Systems began 25 years ago, and it has been a rewarding and inspiring one every step of the way. I look forward to many more years at JPMS with all of my colleagues.”

This is the sixth year that the Los Angeles Business Journal has held the “CFO of the Year” Awards. Each year candidates are nominated for the honor, with judges selecting the winner based on the following criteria: work history; length of service at current organization; size of organization – revenues/ employees; examples of nominee’s work ethic; community involved (civic and non-profit), and mentoring capability.

 www.paulmitchell.com