FORTÉ, a Minneapolis-based provider of audiovisual, communications, and workplace collaboration technology, has appointed Christopher Mounts as Global Chief Executive Officer, effective October 1, 2026. Mounts, who currently serves as the company’s Chief Financial Officer, will succeed Jeff Stoebner, who is transitioning to Executive Chairman after serving as CEO since 2009. The company also announced that Matt Winger, currently Executive Vice President of Finance, will become Global Chief Financial Officer.
The leadership changes come as FORTÉ continues expanding its global operations and integrating businesses acquired during its international growth.
Mounts joined FORTÉ in 2015 as Controller and was promoted to Chief Financial Officer in 2019.
During his tenure, he has supported the company’s financial operations, internal systems, and business transformation initiatives.
His responsibilities have included strengthening financial management and operational processes as FORTÉ expanded its international footprint.
Mounts brings nearly 30 years of professional experience, including 18 years in leadership positions, to his new role.
In 2024, he was named CFO of the Year by the Kansas City Business Journal.
He holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in accounting from Missouri State University.
As Global CEO, Mounts will focus on integrating acquired businesses, strengthening FORTÉ’s global operating infrastructure, and improving coordination across its international operations.
The company intends to maintain its emphasis on corporate culture and customer service while investing in the technology, personnel, and internal systems necessary to support additional growth.
FORTÉ has expanded substantially under Stoebner, who joined the business full-time in 1993 and became CEO in 2009.
During his leadership, the company broadened its domestic and international operations, establishing a presence across 22 countries and more than 70 markets worldwide.
Stoebner also oversaw the company’s rebranding from AVI Systems to FORTÉ, reflecting its evolution into a global provider of workplace collaboration and audiovisual technology.
In his new role as Executive Chairman, he will continue supporting Mounts and the company’s strategic development.
The transition preserves continuity within FORTÉ’s leadership while giving Mounts responsibility for managing its global operations.
The company has also promoted Matt Winger to Global CFO, succeeding Mounts in the position.
Winger brings nearly 18 years of financial experience to the role and currently serves as FORTÉ’s Executive Vice President of Finance.
His responsibilities will include supporting the company’s financial strategy, maintaining operational discipline, and strengthening the financial systems needed to support international expansion.
Winger holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting and finance and a master’s degree in accountancy from Kansas State University.
FORTÉ provides audiovisual, communications, and collaboration technologies to corporate, educational, and government customers.
Its services include the development, deployment, and support of technology designed to create connected workplaces and improve collaboration among employees.
The company’s offerings encompass audiovisual systems, workplace technology, and collaboration infrastructure, supporting organizations operating across North America, Europe, and Asia.
FORTÉ’s broader expansion has included acquisitions intended to extend its geographic reach and strengthen its international service capabilities.
Among its recent transactions is the acquisition of Vega Global, an audiovisual and collaboration systems integrator operating in the Asia-Pacific region.
Integrating newly acquired businesses into a unified global organization will be a priority for Mounts as he assumes leadership.
FORTÉ’s latest leadership appointments are intended to support that integration while maintaining continuity in its financial management and customer operations.
The company reported approximately $576 million in revenue for 2025 and has around 1,400 employees, according to the company information accompanying its announcement.
KEY QUOTES:
“Chris has been a trusted leader and strategic partner throughout one of the most transformative periods in our company’s 52-year history. He understands our business, our culture and the responsibility we have to our employees and customers. His financial discipline, operational perspective and steady leadership make him the right person to guide FORTÉ into its next chapter. I look forward to supporting him and the business in my role as Executive Chairman.”
Jeff Stoebner, Outgoing CEO and Incoming Executive Chairman of FORTÉ
“FORTÉ has built a remarkable legacy by staying focused on people, customers and the belief that the right technology can create better outcomes. I’m honored to step into this role at such an important time in our company’s history. My priority is to build on our existing foundation by helping FORTÉ teams around the world operate as one company while continuing to invest in the tools, talent and infrastructure our employees need to deliver greater value for customers.”
Christopher Mounts, Incoming Global CEO of FORTÉ
