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Chris Keller

@chriskeller

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Senior corporate development leader focused on energy, M&A, and strategic investments.

United States

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What I'm looking for

I seek senior roles in corporate development or strategic business development focused on energy/cleantech, where I can lead transactions, shape strategy, and drive integration in collaborative, growth-oriented teams.

I am a senior corporate development professional with deep experience in M&A, strategic investments, and the alternative energy sector, combining transaction execution with financial modeling and integration oversight.

At Applied Materials I led deal teams on domestic and international acquisitions, divestitures, minority investments, joint ventures and structured transactions, developed a solar financing model used for international PPAs, and drove process improvements and robust financial modeling tools.

I began my career in investment banking and corporate finance, delivering valuation, due diligence and transaction support across buyouts, PIPEs and IPOs, and I serve my local community as a Commissioner on the Environmental Commission in Los Altos.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Commissioner, Environmental Commission

Current

City of Los Altos

Jan 2009 - Present (16 years 9 months)

Advised City Council on environmental policy, including alternative energy policies, green building ordinances, and transit programs to advance local sustainability initiatives.

Public Policy Environmental Policy Stakeholder Engagement Green Building Alternative Energy Program Development Public Speaking

Current

Senior Manager, Strategic Business Development

Current

Applied Materials

Jan 2008 - Present (17 years 9 months)

Led strategic business development and M&A in alternative energy and environmental solutions, executing acquisitions and investments (e.g., Semitool $364M, Baccini $331M) and developing solar PPA financing models for China, India, and Italy.

M&A Deal Structuring Financial Modeling Solar PPA Due Diligence Strategic Partnerships

Manager, Corporate Business Development

Applied Materials

Jan 2005 - Jan 2008 (3 years)

Oversaw financial and strategic analysis, negotiations, and integration planning for M&A to enable entry into high-growth solar markets and implemented company-wide deal criteria and pipeline processes.

M&A Financial Analysis Negotiation Mergermarket Recruiting

Summer Associate

Lehman Brothers

Jun 2004 - Aug 2004 (2 months)

Supported leveraged buyout and PIPE financings, assisting in a $1.3B bid for Grey Global Group and a $25M PIPE for EVCI Career Colleges through financial and debt financing analyses.

PIPE Financing Financial Modeling Due Diligence Investment Banking Valuation

Financial Analyst

Bel Air Investment Advisors

Jan 2002 - Jan 2003 (1 year)

Provided investment and tactical asset allocation strategies for high-net-worth clients managing approximately $4.5B in assets, tailoring allocations to risk tolerance and cash flow needs.

Wealth Management Asset Allocation Financial Planning Risk Assessment Investment Research Reporting

Financial Analyst

OmniSky Corporation

Jan 2000 - Jan 2002 (2 years)

Conducted valuation and acquisition analysis, consolidated financial statements including European JV, and supported CFO/VP finance reporting; assisted with bankruptcy filings and shutdown processes.

Financial Reporting FP&A

Associate

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Jan 1999 - Jan 2000 (1 year)

Performed financial statement and business-model analysis, contributed to an S-1 registration and a $115M IPO, and identified risk and efficiency improvements for technology clients.

Audit Financial Analysis IPO Support Risk Assessment & Compliance Corporate Finance

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

UCLA Anderson School of Management

Master of Business Administration, Finance

Grade: GPA: 3.56; GMAT: 710

Activities and societies: Co-founded an options-based hedge fund; teaching assistant for Accounting and Entrepreneurial Finance; attended London Business School spring term 2005.

Completed a Master of Business Administration with a focus in Finance, attended London Business School during the spring term of 2005, and served as a teaching assistant for Accounting and Entrepreneurial Finance.