Travel and expense fintech Navan, in preparation for its next iteration of growth and a potential IPO, named finance veteran Amy Butte as its new CFO to guide the company. In an exclusive interview with CFO last week, Butte explained what brought her back to the role after many years of working primarily as an adviser to other companies.
“As a problem solver — which is really what I like to consider myself — I enjoy understanding each organization’s opportunities and challenges. And I like to think I can help people identify and break down issues for the best results,” Butte told CFO.
Today, Navan announced it has found its new chief accounting officer (CAO), Anne Giviskos, who will be reporting to Butte. Giviskos is a near-30-year finance veteran in her own right, with extensive experience in IPOs, M&A and risk and compliance. Butte and Giviskos’ paths previously intersected while working at NYSE, and are together again at Navan.
CFO reached out to Butte and Giviskos to provide a quick reaction from each to this news.
ANDY BURT: Amy, give me a quick update on your first week officially on the job.
AMY BUTTE: I continue to be "blown away" by the enthusiasm of the people at Navan and our customers.
What makes Anne the ideal fit as CAO for your team?
![Amy Butte, CFO, Navan](https://d12v9rtnomnebu.cloudfront.net/diveimages/amy_butte1.png)
BUTTE: Anne, as our CAO, will help set the bar higher for the finance team and the entire organization. We want to operate at a public company-like level.
Anne and you overlapped when you were both at NYSE. How did you work together?
BUTTE: Anne was hired as the controller when I was CFO at the NYSE. She was a key member of the team that helped take the NYSE through its transition from private to public.
What makes for an optimal CFO-CAO working relationship?
BUTTE: Trust and respect. Having worked together before, I respect her knowledge and trust her judgment.
What is your first order of business you're looking forward to working on with Anne?
BUTTE: We want the organization to view the finance function as a strategic partner.
Anne, what are you most excited about in joining Amy at Navan?
ANNE GIVISKOS: Amy is a motivational leader and I'm excited to be part of the team.
What are you looking forward to bringing to your new role as chief accounting officer?
![Anne Giveskos, Navan chief accounting officer](https://d12v9rtnomnebu.cloudfront.net/diveimages/Anne_Giveskos_framed.jpg)
GIVISKOS: I am looking forward to leveraging my past experiences — sharing my knowledge and learning from the team at the same time.
What is your perspective on how to blend your executive experience into a new leadership team?
GIVISKOS: Taking a company public, or any transition, is a team sport. We have a solid bench of great athletes — I want to use my leadership skills to turn it into a championship team.
What do you think makes for an optimal CFO-CAO working relationship?
GIVISKOS: Trust and respect.