McDermott + Bull Interim Leaders Continues Expansion
March 31, 2026 – Irvine-based McDermott + Bull Interim Leaders (MBIL) has expanded with the addition of Chris Clarke as managing director, based in Chicago. “Chris joins the firm as McDermott + Bull Interim Leaders continues to expand its presence across the Midwest, further strengthening the firm’s ability to support organizations navigating leadership transitions, transformation, and time-sensitive business initiatives,” the firm said. “Chris brings a strong consultative approach and a deep understanding of how organizations leverage interim leadership to solve critical challenges,” said James Hickey, president and managing partner of McDermott + Bull Interim Leaders. “His addition strengthens our presence in the Midwest while enhancing our ability to support private equity sponsors and operating teams with the experienced talent they need to execute on strategic priorities.”
Mr. Clarke brings nearly a decade of experience in executive consulting, interim leadership, and enterprise talent solutions, partnering with senior leadership teams to deliver on-demand executive talent. He has extensive experience working with C-level executives and investors, including private equity sponsors and their portfolio companies, supporting organizations through periods of growth, change, and complex operational initiatives across a wide range of industries.
Prior to joining McDermott + Bull Interim Leaders, Mr. Clarke served as a client service partner at Tatum, a Randstad company, where he advised C-suite leaders and investors on identifying leadership gaps, supporting transaction-related initiatives, and driving operational improvement through interim leadership solutions.
Earlier in his career, Mr. Clarke held senior account leadership roles working with Fortune 500 organizations, where he partnered with enterprise clients to deliver large-scale collaboration and technology solutions. Over the course of his career, he has built a reputation as a trusted advisor to executive teams, helping organizations navigate leadership transitions and execute strategic initiatives with interim leadership solutions.
As managing director, Mr. Clarke will focus on expanding McDermott + Bull Interim Leaders’ presence across the Midwest, partnering with operating teams, private equity sponsors, and portfolio companies to deliver experienced interim executives who can provide immediate impact and support organizations during periods of transition and accelerated growth.
Related: McDermott + Bull Expands in Toronto
“I’m excited to join McDermott + Bull Interim Leaders and work alongside a team that is deeply committed to supporting organizations during critical moments of change,” said Mr. Clarke. “Today’s business environment requires experienced leadership that can step in quickly and drive stability, operational improvement, and long-term growth. I look forward to partnering with executive teams and investors across the Midwest to deliver the expertise organizations need to move forward.”
Recent Appointments
McDermott + Bull Interim Leaders recently appointed Mr. Hickey as managing partner and president, Mark McConnell as managing partner, head of client services, and Tamra Solis as managing partner, talent. This leadership team has been essential to building the foundation that supports where we are today,” said Rod McDermott, co-founder and CEO of McDermott + Bull. “James, Mark, and Tamra bring a strong commitment to our clients, talent, and internal teams, along with a deep alignment to our values. These promotions position us well for continued growth across our existing regions and into new markets, while preserving the culture and standards that define the firm. These promotions further strengthen leadership across the broader McDermott + Bull organization.”
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With Mr. Hickey stepping into the role of managing partner and president of MBIL, the firm’s interim division joins a leadership team that includes Mr. McDermott, Brandon Biegenzahn, president of McDermott + Bull U.S., and Paul Gibbons, managing partner of McDermott + Bull Canada. Together, they provide unified direction as the firm continues to expand its reach and capabilities.
McDermott + Bull provides mission-critical permanent executive placement and interim solutions for a range of domestic and global clients. The firm serves private and public companies, private equity firms and their operating companies across multiple industries, including technology, financial services, biotech and life sciences, and professional services.
These announcements comes at a pivotal time for MBIL, as demand for interim leadership continues to rise across industries. “We’re seeing a fundamental shift in how organizations approach leadership transitions,” said Mr. Hickey. “As we enter new regions, we’re finding that companies everywhere need proven leaders who can step in and drive results immediately.”
Related: McDermott + Bull Expands in Texas
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
