Isabelle Winkles

Isabelle Winkles: A Distinguished Professional in Finance and Executive Leadership

Isabelle Winkles is a distinguished professional with a rich career in finance and executive leadership. Her educational background is impressive, beginning with her undergraduate studies at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) where she earned an S.B. in Chemistry. She further solidified her expertise by obtaining an MBA in Finance from Harvard Business School.

Career Journey

Winkles's career trajectory showcases her depth of experience and significant contributions across various high-profile organizations. Her journey began at Morgan Stanley, where she started as an Analyst and Associate in 2000. During her tenure at Morgan Stanley, she progressed through various roles, including Investment Banking, Equity Research, and Corporate Treasury. By 2016, she had ascended to the position of Managing Director, overseeing complex areas like resolution planning and asset/liability management.

In 2018, Winkles moved to Cognizant as the VP of Finance and CFO Chief of Staff. Here, she played a critical role over the next two years, shaping the financial strategies and operations of the company.

Key Role at Braze

Her most notable position to date has been with Braze, where she has served as the Chief Financial Officer since January 2020. At Braze, a customer engagement platform that has received significant recognition, she was instrumental in driving comprehensive financial and operational enhancements. Her efforts culminated in overseeing a highly successful IPO in November 2021, underscoring her capacity to lead large-scale, complex initiatives.

Board Memberships and Advisory Positions

In addition to her role at Braze, she holds several prominent positions on the boards of other organizations. She has been a Board Member and Audit Chair at WEBTOON since April 2024, and she also joined the CFO Advisory Board at Bain Capital Ventures in May 2024. These roles highlight her broad influence and expertise in financial governance and strategy.

Personal Interests and Volunteering

Winkles also dedicates time to her passion for alpine racing, serving as a part-time coach for the Alpine Race Team at Mohawk Mountain Ski Area in Connecticut since December 2023.

Skill Set

Her extensive skill set includes investment banking, equity research, valuation, financial modeling, and corporate finance, marking her as an accomplished and versatile leader in her field. Proficient in French, Isabelle continues to build on her already impressive career with a blend of strategic insight and operational excellence.