Guerrilla RF Announces John Berg’s Retirement, Appoints Mike John-Williams as CFO
Guerrilla RF, a leader in the development of advanced RF and microwave semiconductor solutions, has announced a significant leadership change. Effective January 8, 2025, John Berg, the company’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO), will retire, and Mike John-Williams will step into the role as his successor. This transition marks a new chapter for Guerrilla RF, as it continues to advance its growth strategy within the highly competitive RF and microwave semiconductor sector.
Mike John-Williams comes to Guerrilla RF with an impressive background in corporate finance and strategy. Most recently, he served as the Head of Finance and Strategy at Valmis Robotics, Inc., a fast-growing startup based in Bethesda, Maryland. In this capacity, Mr. John-Williams was responsible for key financial and strategic decision-making, including overseeing investment decisions, financial
forecasting, and developing strategic plans that supported the company’s rapid growth and expansion. His experience in navigating the complexities of startup businesses and driving financial success aligns well with Guerrilla RF’s vision for future growth and profitability.
Before his tenure at Valmis Robotics, Mr. John-Williams held the position of Vice President and CFO of Pandora Jewelry’s North American Business Unit. In this role, he was responsible for managing the financial health of the $1.4 billion revenue division. His work involved overseeing various critical financial functions, including financial reporting, pricing strategy, and mergers and acquisitions (M&A). His extensive experience within both large, publicly traded companies and high-growth startups equips him with the skills necessary to guide Guerrilla RF through its next stage of growth.
Ryan Pratt, the Founder and CEO of Guerrilla RF, expressed his confidence in Mr. John-Williams’ ability to lead the company through this pivotal transition. “I am pleased to announce Mr. John-Williams as our new CFO. His leadership experience spans Fortune 500 companies, international publicly traded corporations, and startups.
I look forward to working closely with Mike as we continue to execute on our strategic plan, drive sales growth, work toward profitability, and position the company for uplisting to a national securities exchange,” said Pratt.
Mr. John-Williams shared his enthusiasm about joining Guerrilla RF at such an important juncture for the company. “I am excited to join Guerrilla RF at this pivotal time. The company’s reputation for innovation and excellence in RF and microwave solutions, combined with a talented leadership team, offers an incredible opportunity for me to contribute to its continued success. I am committed to helping the company achieve its future growth potential and delivering value to all of our stakeholders.”
The announcement of Mr. John-Williams’ appointment comes with mixed emotions, as Guerrilla RF bids farewell to John Berg, who has been with the company since 2016. “I am saddened to see John retire, but I’m happy for him as he plans to spend more time with his wife, who has also recently retired,” said Ryan Pratt. “John’s contributions to Guerrilla RF have been invaluable.
He started with us as a fractional CFO, and as our business grew and became more complex, he took on the role of our first full-time CFO. Under John’s leadership, we grew revenue 20-fold, from $750,000 per year to over $15 million. His guidance and expertise were instrumental as we navigated the challenges of taking the company public, and we are deeply grateful for his role in our success.”
Throughout his tenure, John Berg played a crucial role in shaping Guerrilla RF’s financial strategy, helping the company scale its operations and build a strong financial foundation. His leadership during the company’s public listing process was a defining moment, and his strategic input has been essential in guiding the company through periods of significant expansion.
As John Berg steps into retirement, Mike John-Williams is looking forward to relocating to Greensboro, North Carolina, with his wife and three sons. He is eager to embrace the outdoor lifestyle that the region has to offer and is particularly excited about exploring the state’s hiking and recreational activities. In addition to his professional accomplishments.
Mr. John-Williams is an avid enthusiast of soccer, football, and backpacking, and he is committed to giving back to the community. He has spent several years serving as a youth soccer coach, demonstrating his dedication to youth development and fostering a positive impact on future generations.
Mr. John-Williams brings with him a strong educational background, holding an MBA in Finance from the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business. He also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Finance and Economics from Western Michigan University’s Haworth College of Business. His educational qualifications, combined with his extensive professional experience, position him well to lead Guerrilla RF’s financial strategy and support the company’s next phase of growth.
Looking ahead, Guerrilla RF is well-positioned for continued success in the RF and microwave semiconductor market. With a focus on innovation and a strategic growth agenda, the company is poised to leverage its leadership team’s expertise to navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. As Guerrilla RF continues to expand its product portfolio and strengthen its market presence, Mr. John-Williams’ leadership will play a key role in ensuring the company’s continued growth and long-term success.
As part of its broader strategy, Guerrilla RF has made significant strides in enhancing its operational capabilities and expanding its customer base. The company’s cutting-edge RF and microwave solutions have positioned it as a key player in industries ranging from telecommunications to aerospace and defense. By continuing to focus on innovation, operational efficiency, and customer satisfaction, Guerrilla RF aims to remain at the forefront of the semiconductor industry and build lasting partnerships with its clients.
The appointment of Mike John-Williams as CFO marks a significant milestone in Guerrilla RF’s journey. As the company moves forward, it remains committed to its mission of providing high-quality, innovative semiconductor solutions to its customers while driving shareholder value and expanding its presence in the global market. With a new CFO at the helm and a strong leadership team in place, Guerrilla RF is poised for a bright future, with plans to accelerate its growth and achieve its strategic goals in the coming years.
In conclusion, while Guerrilla RF bids farewell to a key figure in its leadership with the retirement of John Berg, it also welcomes a new era under the guidance of Mike John-Williams. With his extensive experience in both corporate finance and strategic leadership, Mr.
John-Williams is well-equipped to guide the company through the next phase of its growth. As Guerrilla RF continues to innovate and expand its market presence, its future looks promising, and stakeholders can look forward to the continued success of the company in the years to come.
