SAS Appoints Matt Parson as New Chief Financial Officer Amid Company Growth

SAS Welcomes Matt Parson as Chief Financial Officer

On July 8, 2025, SAS, a prominent player in the realm of data and artificial intelligence, announced the appointment of Matt Parson as its new Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (CFO). This transition comes as SAS gears up for the next phase of its growth strategy, following the retirement of long-serving CFO David Davis, who dedicated nearly 40 years to the organization.

A New Era for SAS

Matt Parson steps into his role during a pivotal moment for SAS, where his experience and insights will be instrumental in shaping the company’s financial strategy. Parson’s responsibilities will encompass crucial areas such as forecasting, strategic planning, capital management, and fostering investor relations. His expertise is expected to not only enhance operational priorities but also to catalyze the company’s scalable growth and reinforce its position in the market.

The Right Fit for SAS

SAS CEO, Jim Goodnight, expressed confidence in Parson’s capacity to lead the financial division effectively. He remarked, "Matt joins us at a pivotal time. From auditing at Big Four firms to steering the finances of global tech companies, Matt brings a blend of technical expertise, strategic insight, and leadership acumen that will benefit SAS as we continue evolving our operations and growth strategy for the future."

Parson is no stranger to the technology sector. Over the last two decades, he has played a key role in steering several high-growth tech companies towards unprecedented success. His 12-year tenure at Red Hat saw the company grow from a modest $200 million to nearly $3 billion in annual revenue. He later took on the role of CFO at CloudBees and Paymentus, successfully navigating the latter through an Initial Public Offering (IPO). Most recently, he served both as CFO and COO at ExtraHop, working through rapid growth phases and contributing significantly to the company’s success.

Educational Background

A graduate of NC State University's Poole College of Management, Parson holds both an undergraduate degree and a master's in accounting. His solid academic foundation coupled with his professional achievements positions him well to contribute to SAS's future trajectory.

Commitment to Innovation

Upon his appointment, Parson expressed enthusiasm for joining SAS at this critical juncture. He stated, "I'm honored to join SAS as it builds momentum for the future. The company's reputation for innovation and customer impact is well-earned, and I look forward to partnering with the leadership team to build on that momentum and support the next phase of growth."

In a competitive landscape, SAS continues to innovate and adapt. The appointment of Matt Parson as CFO is a strategic move for the company, as it prepares to leverage his experience and insights for sustainable growth and operational excellence.

About SAS

SAS is a global leader in data and AI, empowering organizations to transform data into trusted decisions through actionable insights. With a commitment to innovation, SAS provides businesses with the tools they need to navigate the complexities of data-driven decision-making. With the motto "THE POWER TO KNOW®," SAS remains steadfast in its pursuit of helping organizations harness the full potential of their data.

As SAS embarks on this new chapter with Matt Parson at the helm of its financial strategy, the industry watches closely, anticipating how his expertise will guide the company's future endeavors.