Consumer >> CEO Interviews >> March 3, 2002

Robert Recchia – Valassis Communications Inc (vci)

ROBERT L. RECCHIA is Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at Valassis Communications, Inc. In this position, Mr. Recchia is responsible for all aspects of finance, accounting and information systems. Mr. Recchia is also a member of Valassis' Executive Committee and Board of Directors. Since joining the company in 1982, he has held a number of key positions, including Treasurer and Vice President of Operations, and has contributed greatly to the company's financial and operational development. His responsibilities in the areas of accounting and finance include the oversight of all acquisitions and joint ventures. Key events in this segment span the sale of the company in 1986 from entrepreneur-owner George Valassis to Australian media baron Kerry Packer, Valassis's 1992 initial public offering, the largest IPO of that year, and a 1997 oversubscribed, highly successful secondary public offering. Over the years, he has been responsible for creating the company's tax strategies and improving its debt structure during both private and public ownership. Under Mr. Recchia's direction, Valassis's information systems have transitioned from mainframe to server-based, and this division is known in the industry for its extensive PC training programs, producing 'power users' throughout the company. Additionally, Valassis uses an innovative MIS liaison program, integrating information systems and computer knowledge directly with the business function and its personnel. During his tenure as Vice President of Operations, Mr. Recchia reorganized the company's operations, purchasing, traffic and inventory areas to create better efficiencies and a stronger framework for growth. This built a solid operational foundation, which remains in place today. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Accounting in 1979 from Wayne State University, and earned his CPA in 1981, while working as an Auditor for Touche Ross & Co. Profile
TWST: Could we begin with a brief historical sketch of the company and

an overview of what the company is doing at the present time?

Mr. Recchia: We are a marketing services company that