Stefan Karnavas

Serving as EAG’s Chief Financial Officer 2015-2018, Stefan played a key role in the company’s recent growth trajectory and its recapitalization under Eurofins Scientific ownership. On January 1, 2019, he assumed the role of President of Eurofins EAG and is responsible for leading the company’s Materials Science and Engineering Science businesses.

Prior to joining EAG, Stefan served as CFO of SKLZ, a consumer-branded, sports training equipment manufacturer where he was responsible for Finance, Accounting, IT and Corporate Development. Stefan was engaged by SKLZ’ board of directors to develop, align and execute a multi-year operating plan, corporate goals and a financing strategy which led to the successful completion of a $40 million round of private equity at an attractive valuation. During Stefan’s four-year tenure at SKLZ, revenues doubled and the valuation of the company quadrupled.

Stefan spent 10 years at Leap Wireless International/Cricket Wireless, a publicly traded mobile communications company that grew from a start up to over 5 million customers and $5 billion in revenue and in 2014 was acquired by AT&T. Stefan initially served as the CFO of Cricket during the start-up phase and subsequently served the parent company in roles of increasing responsibility including VP Finance – FP&A, VP Finance – Network Operations, IT and Real Estate, and VP Finance & Treasurer. During his tenure, Stefan raised over $5.0 billion of gross debt and equity capital. He led a team that renegotiated vendor contracts during Leap’s corporate restructure that reduced annual operating costs by $140 million or 20% of Leap cost structure.

Stefan Karnavas served as CFO of Cobblestone Golf Group, a private equity sponsored consolidator of private and public golf clubs which tripled in size during his tenure. Cobblestone grew to 45 properties, $150 million in revenue, $42 million in EBITDA and 3,400 employees. While at Cobblestone, Stefan successfully re-capitalized the company with a $100 million public high yield debt offering, integrated 30 acquisitions and reduced G&A expenses by $1 million through accounting organization synergies. The company exited at a valuation of over $400 million.

Stefan served as Treasurer and Director of Corporate Development for Horizon Cellular Group, where he assisted in raising over $100 million in private equity and acquired cellular franchises valued at $65 million. Stefan began his professional career at Fidelity Bank and served as an Investment Officer for the venture capital subsidiary of the bank, where he made investments in leveraged buyouts and emerging growth companies.

Stefan graduated from the University of Denver with a BSBA in Finance and from UCLA’s Anderson School of Management with an MBA.