As a proven commercial and people leader, Jeff works as President of The Walters Group under the direction of its Founder and Chairman Bill Walters. In this role he is responsible for planning, operations, and execution across a wide range of holdings and activities including real estate, golf course ownership, auto dealerships, philanthropy, and a mix of public and private investments. His 25+ year executive experience spans company sizes ranging from $5 million in revenues up to $1.3 billion, and across a variety of ownership structures from start-up, to publicly traded, to private equity-owned, to family office. On a daily basis Jeff applies his unique mix of analytical background and recognized people skills through lenses of pragmatism and action-orientation.
It was at a catch-up lunch in early 2021 with 20+ year friend and mentor – Bill Walters – where the opportunity to join The Walters Group as replacement for the retiring previous President presented itself. Making the conversion from the consumer products markets to asset management challenges him every day – and he loves it. Never short on activity, transactions, or new endeavors, The Walters Group is always on the move and constantly evolving in its make-up and portfolio of holdings and activities.
Prior to joining The Walters Group, Jeff served back-to-back stints as the CEO of two different consumer products companies, leading them each through restructuring, revitalization, and successful exits on behalf of their private equity owners. He began his career at Callaway Golf, working his way up from the role of Research Analyst within the R&D & Testing function to eventually becoming a senior executive as SVP Global Brand & Product 18 years later.
Jeff holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics from Harvey Mudd College and has completed executive education programs at both the Stanford Graduate School of Business and The Kellogg School of Management. He and his wife of 26 years – Debbi – currently live as “empty-nesters” in North Carolina, where they’re lucky enough to watch 2 of their 3 daughters play college soccer, while doting after their 2 rescue dogs – Levi and Stella.
