Kevin F. Watson ’89 Appointed CFO at Barnes & Noble Education

October 3, 2023

New Rochelle, N.Y. — Barnes and Noble Education, Inc. (BNED) appointed Iona University finance alumnus Kevin F. Watson ’89 as executive vice president and chief financial officer.

“Kevin's unique combination of financial, operational and capital markets expertise is a strong complement to the existing executive leadership team at this important time in our transformation. Kevin has a track record of delivering results and transforming companies to drive value creation and will be a tremendous asset to our company,” said Michael P. Huseby, the company’s chief executive officer.
Watson, a New Rochelle native, said that he pursued a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance to understand how the world economy functions and learn the key factors behind money, investments and financial independence.

“Iona provided me with the tools and the foundation necessary to pursue a financial leadership role within an organization,” said Watson. “I strongly feel the lasting impact Iona has provided me from a quality education perspective, will carry on throughout my professional career for which I’m truly grateful.”

As CFO at BNED, Watson will be responsible for the financial management of the company, including leading the accounting, treasury, tax, financial planning, financial operations, internal audit and investor relations teams.

“I am thrilled to join Barnes & Noble Education at an exciting time in the Company’s transformation. I look forward to working with the leadership team and the Board as we continue to execute on our strategic priorities by focusing on achieving sustained growth and profitability and consistent execution, which we expect to deliver significant long-term value for shareholders,” said Watson.

Prior to joining BNED, Watson served as executive vice president and chief financial officer for Paraco Gas Corporation, one of the largest privately held energy distributors and service providers in the United States. While at Paraco, Watson spearheaded strategic and transformative initiatives to pursue growth objectives, increase efficiencies and strengthen the company’s market share.

Before joining Paraco Gas in 2018, Watson successfully led select financing transactions such as a company leveraged buyout by a private-equity consortium, IPOs, spin-offs, mergers and acquisitions, and private and public debt financings on senior executive teams at Cablevision Systems Corporation, PanAmSat Corporation and Entex IT Service.

Watson has fond memories of his time at Iona, citing basketball games and Commencement as highlights. The learning community at Iona taught Watson a valuable lesson.

“Stay the course and follow your dream despite potential challenges you face, whether they are within or outside your control,” Watson said.