IFS Welcomes Ryan Courson as New Chief Financial Officer to Drive Growth

IFS Appoints Ryan Courson as Chief Financial Officer

IFS, a leading name in Industrial AI software, has made a significant move with the appointment of Ryan Courson as its new Chief Financial Officer (CFO). This comes in a time of substantial growth for IFS as the demand for their capabilities rapidly expands across various industries and regions.

The company is witnessing remarkable momentum, evident from its Q1 2026 financial results, which reflect a remarkable 25% growth in Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR) and a Net Retention Rate (NRR) of 114%. This performance reinforces IFS's position as the sole Industrial AI company that operates on a substantial global scale while maintaining impressive growth metrics.

Courson's experience is particularly noteworthy; he combines a strong background in finance with a history as a technology investor in fast-paced AI environments. Prior to joining IFS, Courson held CFO roles at various thriving AI-driven tech firms, in addition to his tenure at Atlas Corp. (NYSE ATCO), a global asset manager with diverse interests in maritime, energy, and infrastructure sectors. His career commenced with investment roles at noted firms such as Alpha Wave Global and Berkshire Hathaway.

Mark Moffat, CEO of IFS, expressed enthusiasm about Courson’s appointment, stating, "IFS is executing at a level that few software companies can match. Continual achievement as we expand necessitates top-tier financial leadership, and Ryan brings precisely that experience to the table. His dual expertise as a sophisticated investor and operator in publicly-listed companies presents a formidable advantage as we advance our growth journey."

Courson himself has stated his excitement about joining IFS. He recognizes the company's unique position at the forefront of Industrial AI evolution and said, "IFS represents a confluence of leadership and durable performance. What's impressive is not solely the pace of growth but the robust quality and scalability of our services. As Industrial AI becomes crucial for enterprises worldwide, IFS is spearheading this transformation. I plan to fortify our next growth phase through improved financial discipline, capital allocation, and operational precision."

Previously, Courson served as the COO and CFO at Kaseya, in addition to holding financial leadership roles at companies such as Cornerstone OnDemand and EagleView. Apart from his corporate pursuits, he is also an Adjunct Professor at Washington University in St. Louis, where he teaches courses on investing.

Courson will succeed Matthias Heiden, whose departure from IFS is set for Q2 of this year. Moffat acknowledged Heiden’s contributions over the last three years, emphasizing how vital his focus and leadership have been in promoting IFS’s growth trajectory, wishing him well in future endeavors.

As IFS moves forward under Courson's financial guidance, the firm appears poised to continue its systematic expansion and dedication to shaping the future of Industrial AI on a global scale.