Cotton Bay Team
We’re a team of teams. Our Cotton Bay team partners with the leadership of each company we guide. When they lead their own teams well, amazing things happen. I credit so much of our success to our own leadership team. You should meet them:
We’re a team of teams. Our Cotton Bay team partners with the leadership of each company we guide. When they lead their own teams well, amazing things happen. I credit so much of our success to our own leadership team. You should meet them:We’re a team of teams. Our Cotton Bay team partners with the leadership of each company we guide. When they lead their own teams well, amazing things happen. I credit so much of our success to our own leadership team. You should meet them:
Andrew Olsen
CEO, Cotton Bay Corp.
Strategic focused executive with a career specializing in business transformation within the manufacturing and distribution sectors. He has excelled in diverse roles spanning finance, operations, and business development across capital structures, including heavily leveraged private equity-backed enterprises and Fortune 50 companies. Andrew’s career highlights include successfully steering a $500 million aerospace firm through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic as CFO. He also led the transformation of a decentralized global industrial equipment company, achieving a remarkable growth from $160 million in revenue with 9% EBITDA to $310 million with 16.9% EBITDA. Additionally, as CFO/COO, Andrew successfully executed the roll-up and integration of two private equity-backed food businesses valued at $14 million and $28 million. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Management and Marketing from Canisius College, an Executive MBA from the University at Buffalo, and is in the midst of a Master’s in Change Management from Oxford University and HEC Paris.
Peter Banat
CFO, Cotton Bay Corp.
Peter is a seasoned Chief Financial Officer with extensive expertise in finance, operations, and strategic planning. His career spans leadership roles in global manufacturing, consumer products, and private equity-backed companies, including Bay State Milling, Evenflo, and Euro-Pro Operating LLC. Peter specializes in acquisitions, financial restructuring, ERP implementations, and improving profitability through strategic initiatives. A results-driven leader, he has successfully navigated complex challenges, such as debt restructuring and turnarounds, while fostering growth. Peter holds an MBA in Finance and International Business from the University of Michigan and a BA in Economics from the University of Pennsylvania.
Joanna Pedroza
VP People & Culture, Cotton Bay Corp.
Joanna is an accomplished HR leader with extensive experience in employee experience, organizational development, and strategic HR initiatives across industries. She has held senior roles at organizations such as The Museum of Modern Art, Ralph Lauren, and Bloomingdale’s, where she excelled in performance development, diversity and inclusion initiatives, and crisis management. Joanna has successfully implemented comprehensive HR programs, led large teams, and managed complex workforce strategies, showcasing expertise in talent management, employee engagement, and policy development. She holds a double major in Human Resources and Management from Rider University and is currently advancing her knowledge through the Chief Human Resources Program at The Wharton School.
Ashley Moreira
General Manager, Candlelight Cabinetry.
Focuses on customer experience, productivity, and efficiency. Holds an MBA and Lean Six Sigma Black Belt. Experienced in industrial automation, food, and apparel industries with a strong emphasis on team building and process improvement.
Gabriele Balduzzi
General Manager, Valen Europe.
Grew company revenue significantly while modernizing operations. Background in economics and finance, with experience in IT and roles ranging from Quality Manager to General Manager.
Chris Lefeber
VP Product, Building Products, Cotton Bay Corp.
Innovator in panel processing and woodworking, with a focus on design and process efficiency. Drives growth in the kitchen, bath, and closet industry through innovation.
Mike Welch
General Manager, Valen USA.
Mike has 25+ years experience in cabinet and wood component manufacturing. Recognized as an industry pioneer in wood powder coating. Excels in operational excellence, strategic planning, and team building.
Jeff Stone
General Manager, Stone Marketing Consultants.
Business development executive with 30+ years in sales management for the kitchen and bath industry. Expertise in dealer-cabinet manufacturer relationships and sales team training. Former VP of Sales at RD Henry and president of a consulting agency.
Thomas Day
VP Strategy Building Products, Cotton Bay Corp.
Experienced in cabinetry and decorative products. A consultative leader passionate about connecting consumer needs with product solutions. Skilled in sales, marketing, and building strategic partnerships, with a focus on integrity and service.
Our Communities
Our legacies are always tied to a place–and the people who live there. We believe those bonds shouldn't be broken. Instead, we invest in those communities. That means new and remodeled buildings and up-to-date equipment. It also means celebrating with the local community through fairs, festivals, and fireworks. The pull of these revitalized communities is so strong, we've heard stories of grandparents moving back to places they left just to be closer to their grandkids. That's a legacy we're proud of.
Do you have questions for us?
-
Strategic focused executive with a career specializing in business transformation within the manufacturing and distribution sectors. He has excelled in diverse roles spanning finance, operations, and business development across capital structures, including heavily leveraged private equity-backed enterprises and Fortune 50 companies. Andrew’s career highlights include successfully steering a $500 million aerospace firm through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic as CFO. He also led the transformation of a decentralized global industrial equipment company, achieving a remarkable growth from $160 million in revenue with 9% EBITDA to $310 million with 16.9% EBITDA. Additionally, as CFO/COO, Andrew successfully executed the roll-up and integration of two private equity-backed food businesses valued at $14 million and $28 million. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Management and Marketing from Canisius College, an Executive MBA from the University at Buffalo, and is in the midst of a Master’s in Change Management from Oxford University and HEC Paris.
-
Mike has 25+ years experience in cabinet and wood component manufacturing. Recognized as an industry pioneer in wood powder coating. Excels in operational excellence, strategic planning, and team building.
-
Lieutenant General Erik Peterson retired from the US Army in early 2024 following 37+ years of active service. General Peterson's commands included a myriad of Special Operations aviation units through, and including, Division level leadership of 5000+ troops. His most recent staff position within the Pentagon as Deputy Chief of Staff G-8 required General Peterson to develop and advise the Secretary of the Army, the Army Chief of Staff and the President on $900B+ of Army programs and how best to prioritize the same.
-
Joanna is an accomplished HR leader with extensive experience in employee experience, organizational development, and strategic HR initiatives across industries. She has held senior roles at organizations such as The Museum of Modern Art, Ralph Lauren, and Bloomingdale’s, where she excelled in performance development, diversity and inclusion initiatives, and crisis management. Joanna has successfully implemented comprehensive HR programs, led large teams, and managed complex workforce strategies, showcasing expertise in talent management, employee engagement, and policy development. She holds a double major in Human Resources and Management from Rider University and is currently advancing her knowledge through the Chief Human Resources Program at The Wharton School.
-
Experienced in cabinetry and decorative products. A consultative leader passionate about connecting consumer needs with product solutions. Skilled in sales, marketing, and building strategic partnerships, with a focus on integrity and service.
-
From humble beginnings as an apprentice cabinet maker at 16, Gareth Atkin has built a distinguished career in the furniture components industry, marked by hands-on expertise, commercial leadership, and a passion for growth. A natural leader and team builder, Gareth combines practical know-how with commercial insight, making him a respected figure in the KBB and furniture components industry across Europe.
-
Focuses on customer experience, productivity, and efficiency. Holds an MBA and Lean Six Sigma Black Belt. Experienced in industrial automation, food, and apparel industries with a strong emphasis on team building and process improvement
-
Mack retired from the US Marine Corps in 2005 following 20+ years of service in a variety of ground combat commands as well as weapons system development and theater level war planning. Upon retirement from The Corps, Mack went into corporate life becoming CEO of a company managing one of the largest Dept of Defense armored vehicle programs focused upon the Middle East from 2006-2013 and subsequently taking on the CEO position of a composite plastics company from 2013-2020 that focused upon utilizing recycled plastics in a number of commercial applications.