George Afremow assumed the position of VP/CFO at SEMA in January 2012.
George brings to SEMA a cross functional (Operational, Accounting/Finance & Technology) background to provide the experience, structure and methodology to manage complex business initiatives and support the association's strategic business objectives. In his role as VP/CFO, Afremow is responsible for overseeing day-to-day accounting, HR and administrative activities for the association.
Prior to joining SEMA, George was the Southern California practice leader of Business Performance Improvement initiatives for Grant Thornton LLP, the 5th largest public accounting and consulting firm. George's areas of expertise include finance function transformation, operational efficiency enhancement, streamlining and automating accounting, finance and operational processes.
Prior to joining Grant Thornton, Afremow held several industry leadership and consulting positions. He's served as a part-time graduate school professor of Project Management with the University of Southern California, as a Site Leader with PerkinElmer Life Sciences, a global technology leader in the life and analytical sciences, and Board member and President of the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) Beach Cities Chapter.
George received his BA in Business Economics from the University of California, Santa Barbara and an MBA from the University of Southern California, where he graduated as a member of the international honor society Beta Gamma Sigma.