From Trading to CFO: A Financial Journey

Fresh out of a hedge fund analyst role, Erik Rothschild walked into an interview at a Chicago-based trading firm and did something unexpected—he pitched actual trade ideas to the portfolio manager across the table. That bold move earned him a spot on the team, and eventually, a portfolio of his own. “That whole experience taught me how to assess decisions through the lens of an investment,” Rothschild tells us. It’s a mindset that has quietly shaped every leadership decision he’s made since.

Rothschild’s early career was forged in the high-stakes world of investment finance during the 2008 financial crisis. He later transitioned into corporate finance, helping build out the FP&A function at Sovereign. When the CFO unexpectedly departed, Rothschild found himself reporting directly to the CEO—presenting financial results to the board and leading a complex equity raise. “It was both exciting and stressful,” he recalls, “but I knew I had a window to gain experience that would last a lifetime.”

What sets Rothschild apart is the investor’s mindset he brings to the CFO role at Cin7. He encourages his team to think in bets—evaluating risks, testing hypotheses, and acting decisively. He’s also a champion of simplicity and automation, challenging his team to reduce low-ROI cycles and focus on what matters most.