Financial Strategy

Waymo, Alphabet’s autonomous driving unit, has appointed Steve Fieler as its new CFO. This move signals Waymo’s focus on expansion and potential funding opportunities. Fieler’s experience at Google and HP will be crucial as Waymo scales its robotaxi services across multiple markets, including upcoming launches in Miami and Washington, D.C. The company aims to solidify its position amid technological and regulatory challenges, balancing growth with financial sustainability in the competitive autonomous vehicle industry. Waymo’s recent financial reports show significant investment in R&D.

OpenAI CFO Sarah Friar clarified that the company is not seeking a government “backstop” for its infrastructure plans, despite earlier suggestions. Instead, she emphasized a collaborative approach between the private sector and government to build U.S. technological capacity. This comes as OpenAI undertakes $1.4 trillion in infrastructure agreements to meet AI demand. Friar projects $13B+ revenue this year, but spending commitments have raised concerns about financial sustainability, which CEO Sam Altman dismissed. Friar highlighted ongoing collaboration with the U.S. government, underscoring AI’s role as a national strategic asset.

Comcast announced Romy Seals as the new Vice President of Finance for its Florida Region. Seals will lead financial strategy and operations in Florida, a key growth area for Comcast. She’ll oversee customer experience initiatives, business optimization, and project management. Seals joined Comcast in 2012 and has held positions of increasing responsibility, most recently as VP of Business Operations for Comcast Business. Since 2023, she has been a Senior Director of Project Management in Florida.

Global Partners LP plans a private offering of $400 million in senior unsecured notes due 2033 to refinance existing debt. Proceeds will fund a cash tender offer for outstanding 2027 notes, with any remaining notes redeemed around August 1, 2025. The offering is exclusively for qualified institutional buyers and non-U.S. persons. This strategic move aims to optimize Global’s capital structure and manage its debt profile.