Stoneridge, Inc. announced on March 23, 2026 that the Board of Directors elected Robert J. Hartman, Jr. as interim Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer. The appointment, which became effective on March 31, 2026, follows the resignation of former CFO Matt Horvath, who stepped down to pursue an opportunity in a different industry sector.
Hartman brings more than 27 years of experience at Stoneridge, having held senior roles in accounting, finance and internal audit. In recognition of his long‑term service and the critical nature of the transition, the company has awarded him a $50,000 recognition bonus, a $118,646 retention bonus contingent on employment through January 30, 2027, and 30,000 share units that vest over three years.
The CFO change occurs amid a broader leadership shift: President and CEO Jim Zizelman is retiring, and Natalia Noblet will assume the CEO role on April 1, 2026. The company has also recently divested its Control Devices segment, positioning Stoneridge to focus on its core MirrorEye® technology and other high‑growth areas. Hartman’s appointment is intended to provide continuity and stability as the organization navigates these strategic transitions.
Stoneridge’s fourth‑quarter 2025 results underscored the need for steady financial stewardship. The company reported earnings per share of –$0.53 versus a consensus forecast of $0.02, and revenue of $205.2 million against an expected $211.7 million. The miss reflected weaker demand and higher costs, amplifying the importance of experienced leadership to guide the company through a challenging period.
"On behalf of Stoneridge, I want to thank Matt for his significant contributions over the past nine years. During his tenure, Matt played a key role in shaping our company's transformation and strategic direction, including advancing our portfolio strategy, helping manage strategic partnerships, and leading the execution of multiple critical divestitures, including the recently announced sale of our Control Devices segment. He also helped strengthen the company's financial foundation through disciplined capital allocation and a continued focus on margin improvement and cash generation," said Jim Zizelman. "The finance team under Bob's strong leadership will ensure continued momentum and position Stoneridge for long-term success." Bill Lasky, chairman of the Board, added, "Succession planning is a key priority for our Board, and this transition reflects our commitment to leadership continuity and long-term value creation during an important period of transformation for the Company following the sale of our Control Devices segment."
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