B. Riley Financial Appoints Scott Yessner as New CFO, Transitioning Leadership

B. Riley Financial Welcomes Scott Yessner as New CFO

B. Riley Financial, Inc. (NASDAQ: RILY), a prominent diversified financial services firm, has officially announced the appointment of Scott Yessner as its new Chief Financial Officer, effective June 3, 2025. This change comes as the company transitions leadership, with Scott succeeding Phillip Ahn, who has decided to pursue other opportunities.

Scott Yessner joins B. Riley after serving as a strategic advisor for the past two months, allowing for a smoother transition into this pivotal role. His extensive background as a financial executive in both public and private companies positions him well for elevating B. Riley’s strategic goals. Notably, he has a proven history of managing corporate transformations and enhancing financial performance across the organizations he has been a part of.

Previously, Yessner held the CFO position at California Expanded Metal Products Company (CEMCO), where he played a crucial role in improving EBITDA by $40 million over two years, which ultimately facilitated the company’s sale. Prior to CEMCO, he was the CFO at Universal Technical Institute, where he oversaw significant transformation that resulted in a remarkable 250% increase in stock price. His career also includes substantial roles at major financial service firms, including Wells Fargo Advisors and MUFG Union Bank, where he held divisional CFO responsibilities.

Bryant Riley, the Chairman and Co-CEO of B. Riley Financial, expressed enthusiasm about Scott joining the executive team. “We are excited to welcome Scott as our next CFO and believe B. Riley will benefit from his background as both a finance executive and operator. He brings substantial experience as a public company CFO, having led successful business transformations and managed complex audits,” Riley stated. He further emphasized confidence in Scott’s capabilities to meet the evolving needs of the firm and its shareholders.

In his own words, Yessner remarked on the critical role B. Riley has played over the decades in creating value for clients and shareholders. “Working with the B. Riley team and Phil these past months has been a great experience that should enable a seamless CFO transition. I’m looking forward to partnering with Bryant, Tom, and the B. Riley leadership team to drive value and offer dynamic solutions to our valued clients,” he stated.

Scott’s predecessor, Phillip Ahn, has been an instrumental part of B. Riley’s executive team for over ten years. The company expressed gratitude for his contributions, particularly during a transformative year filled with strategic transactions. “Phil has been an important member of our team, and we wish him the very best as he embarks on his next opportunity,” commented Tom Kelleher, Co-CEO.

In the official filing with the SEC, a Form 8-K will outline the employment agreement with Mr. Yessner, detailing equity awards that include 100,000 shares of restricted stock and stock options for 300,000 shares. These options are structured with staggered exercisability at various price points, which will vest over three years.

Scott Yessner’s diverse executive experience in financial services and industrial sectors underscores his capability to drive transformation and deliver value. He has also advised private equity firms and holds a B.A. in Economics from UCLA, along with a CPA license in California.

B. Riley Financial stands out as a diversified financial services company delivering tailored solutions that address the strategic, operational, and capital needs of its diverse clients. Through its various subsidiaries, B. Riley offers end-to-end services in investment banking, institutional brokerage, wealth management, financial consulting, and more. The company continues to position itself for future growth and enhanced shareholder value. To learn more about B. Riley Financial and their extensive offerings, visit www.brileyfin.com.