Esker Taps Tech Veteran Scott McDermott as CFO to Steer Global Growth

LYON, France & MIDDLETON, Wis. – January 14, 2026 – Esker, a prominent provider of AI-powered automation solutions for finance departments, has appointed Scott McDermott as its new Chief Financial Officer. The move signals a strategic reinforcement of its leadership team as the company prepares for its next phase of global expansion in the highly competitive enterprise software market.

McDermott, who will report directly to CEO Jean-Michel Bérard, steps into a critical role at what Bérard describes as a "pivotal moment" for the company. He is tasked with shaping Esker's financial strategy, bolstering operational excellence, and strengthening governance to support ambitious long-term growth and transformation initiatives across its worldwide operations.

A Veteran of Tech Transformation and Value Creation

McDermott brings to Esker over two decades of executive experience, marked by a significant tenure in California's demanding technology sector. His background is not that of a traditional bookkeeper but of a strategic financial leader accustomed to navigating complex corporate milestones, including initial public offerings, spin-offs, and large-scale acquisitions.

Perhaps the most notable entry on his resume is his time as VP of Finance and Corporate Controller at NETGEAR Inc. There, he was a key financial architect behind one of the tech industry's more successful spin-offs in recent memory: the separation and subsequent IPO of the Arlo smart home security division. McDermott helped lead the financial strategy for the complex process, which began in early 2018. The move culminated in Arlo Technologies' successful IPO in August 2018, raising nearly $200 million and valuing the new entity at $1.4 billion, before its full spin-off was completed at the end of that year. This experience demonstrates a proven ability to manage intricate financial restructuring designed to unlock shareholder value and establish a new public entity—a skill set highly prized in rapidly scaling tech firms.

His expertise in managing change extends beyond capital markets. During his tenure in senior leadership at Cornerstone OnDemand, where he served as Interim CFO and Chief Accounting Officer, McDermott was instrumental in driving operational strategy and overseeing major business transformations. He also managed the crucial financial integration of key acquisitions, a critical function for any company pursuing growth through M&A in the fragmented software industry.

Fortifying for a Competitive AI Landscape

Esker operates in the fiercely competitive market of AI Automation for the Office of the CFO. The company's Source-to-Pay and Order-to-Cash solutions place it in direct competition with a host of formidable players, including financial close specialists like BlackLine, enterprise cloud giants like Workday and Oracle NetSuite, and spend management leaders such as Coupa and SAP Concur. Each competitor is racing to integrate more advanced AI and predictive analytics to automate financial processes and deliver deeper strategic insights.

In this environment, operational efficiency and a well-capitalized growth strategy are paramount. McDermott’s appointment is a clear move by Esker to ensure its financial engine is as sophisticated as its technology. His deep experience in the US tech sector provides a valuable “transatlantic perspective” that complements Esker’s dual headquarters in Lyon, France, and Madison, Wisconsin, and its operational footprint across North America, Latin America, Europe, and Asia Pacific.

“Scott joins Esker at a pivotal moment,” said Jean-Michel Bérard, CEO of Esker. “His international experience and strong background leading finance in a private-equity environment make him a valuable addition to our leadership team. His expertise in scaling global operations and driving transformation will be key to supporting our continued worldwide expansion.”

The Private Equity Playbook

The CEO's specific reference to McDermott's experience in a "private-equity environment" is particularly telling. This likely points to his most recent role as CFO at Sogelink, a European leader in Construction Tech. Companies in this sector are often backed by private equity firms that instill a culture of rigorous financial discipline, rapid scaling, and a focus on measurable ROI. Leaders seasoned in this environment are masters of optimizing cash flow, preparing a company for strategic financing rounds or M&A, and driving the operational metrics that attract high-valuation investments.

By bringing in a CFO with this playbook, Esker is signaling its intent to pursue an aggressive growth strategy. McDermott’s skills are perfectly aligned with a company looking to not only grow organically but also potentially engage in strategic acquisitions or other significant corporate maneuvers to solidify its market position. His appointment suggests Esker is preparing for a future that may involve more dynamic capital allocation and a relentless focus on scaling its global presence.

McDermott himself expressed enthusiasm for the challenge ahead. “I’m thrilled to join Esker and help contribute to its ambitious growth trajectory,” he stated. “I look forward to working closely with the teams to strengthen financial performance, enhance operational excellence and support Esker’s ongoing transformation.” His mandate is clear: to leverage his extensive experience in financial strategy and corporate transformation to help Esker navigate the complexities of global expansion and emerge as a dominant force in AI-driven financial automation.