Executive Management Team
Our executive team leads by example. Passionate and experienced, they spent years at MC Group and ICON respectively before merging in 2019. Learn more about our leadership team below.
Tim Eippert
Chief Executive Officer
Tim Eippert purchased MC Group in 1994. Over the next 25 years, he built MC Group into one of the leading brand implementation companies in the United States. Post-merger, Tim serves as the CEO of Stratus, providing strategic guidance as we expand our operations and continue serving our customers around the world. He is a graduate of Kent State University in Kent, Ohio.
Kurt Ripkey
Chief Commercial Officer
Kurt Ripkey joined ICON in 1991. Kurt’s work throughout departments such as project management, product development, and national sales led to him joining the executive leadership team in 1998. As a growth focused pioneer, Kurt was responsible for implementing customer behavior and product strategies leading to major account success. In 2007 he was appointed Chief Executive Officer to provide direction for the company’s continued advancement. After the 2019 merger, Kurt took on the role of President and Chief Revenue Officer of Stratus and now Chief Commercial Officer in 2022. He is a graduate of Loyola University in Chicago, Illinois.
Bob Ray
Chief Financial Officer
Bob Ray joined MC Group in 2009. Throughout his tenure Bob served as the Vice President of Finance, Controller, Administration, and Manufacturing Operations. He brings 30 years of financial management experience to the organization. Prior to his current role, Bob held several senior financial leadership positions with both public and private companies operating in a variety of industries. Today he serves as the Chief Financial Officer of Stratus. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Kent State University and an active CPA license in the state of Ohio.
Mike Loftus
Chief Brand Environments Officer
Mike Loftus joined Stratus in 2021. Mike founded MLE in 2002 and for 19 years grew the company to over 130 employees in the Chicago area. When MLE was acquired by Stratus in September 2021, Mike took on the role of Chief Brand Environments Officer. In this position, Mike concentrates on the continued growth of permanent and semi-permanent interior branding and temporary exterior branding. Mike attended Winona State University in Minnesota.
Ryan Goldberg
Executive Vice President of Growth
Ryan has been with Stratus since 2009. Instrumental in the creation of Stratus’ Energy Division, Ryan has had significant experience in operations, business development, and sales. Ryan has built his career around growing the organization through process, systems, and a passion for the customer’s experience. Ryan has an undergraduate degree in Finance and English from the University of Rochester as well as an MBA in Marketing and Sustainability from Case Western Reserve University. In April of 2019, Ryan was promoted to EVP of Sales for Stratus and in 2022, Executive Vice President of Growth.
Tom Hunt
Executive Vice President of Supply Chain Management
Since 1991, Tom Hunt has risen through the ranks of Stratus touching every aspect of its operations. As an executive team member, Tom has an intimate knowledge of all facets of the business. He has overseen manufacturing, program management, operations, and construction services. Tom’s tireless commitment to measurement and continuous improvement led him to take on the role of Executive Vice President of Supply Chain Management in 2022. This position will allow Tom to continue to bring value to our customers. Tom is a graduate of Florida State University.
Christine Palazzo
Senior Vice President of Integration, Optimization, and Strategy
Christine Palazzo joined Stratus in 2021. She brings over a decade of experience in Strategy, Business Development & Innovation, and Human Resources. Christine has an extensive and diverse background having worked in a multitude of industries including retail, Special Operations Forces Support, content services, and nonprofit organizations. Today she serves as the Senior Vice President of Integration, Optimization, and Strategy at Stratus where her efforts are focused on business transformation. She is a graduate of Purdue University and holds Bachelor’s of Science Degrees in Management and Accounting.
Tim Walter
Executive Vice President of Marketing and Business Services
Tim Walter joined MC Group in April 2019 as our first Senior Vice President of Marketing after spending over 20 years in other Marketing and Executive leadership roles. After the acquisition of ICON in 2019, Tim and the Marketing team led our brand transformation project which ultimately led to Stratus being announced to the world in 2020. In January 2022, Tim was promoted to Executive Vice President of Marketing and Business Services where he also assumed leadership of our Information Technology and Human Resources teams. Tim is a graduate of Bowling Green State University and holds an MBA from the Weatherhead School of Management at Case Western Reserve University.
