Alston & Bird Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Alston & Bird has 4 executives leading key functions including operations, marketing, information technology, and human resources.

Committed to excellence in legal practice, Alston & Bird delivers comprehensive solutions across corporate finance, litigation, and intellectual property while maintaining a global standard for client advocacy and professional integrity.

Leadership Roles at Alston & Bird

  • Chief Operating Officer - Brian MacDonald
  • Chief Marketing Officer - Barbara Bryant
  • Chief Information Officer - Robert Marburger
  • Chief Human Resources Officer - Cathy Benton
  • Brian MacDonald - Chief Operating Officer

    Brian MacDonald, the Chief Operating Officer at Alston & Bird, directs the firm's internal business infrastructure and operational efficiency. Managing the daily administrative functions, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that legal teams possess the necessary resources to support complex corporate and finance litigation matters. This leadership role involves streamlining cross-departmental workflows to enhance productivity across North American offices. By optimizing resource allocation, Brian MacDonald directly impacts the firm's ability to scale operations effectively. MacDonald maintains rigorous standards for operational excellence, ensuring that the firm's administrative framework supports the high-stakes requirements of the legal industry. Through strategic oversight of internal processes, the Chief Operating Officer facilitates seamless collaboration between practice groups, ultimately driving the firm's long-term growth and operational stability in a competitive legal landscape.

    Barbara Bryant - Chief Marketing Officer

    Barbara Bryant, the Chief Marketing Officer at Alston & Bird, architects the firm's brand strategy and market positioning across global legal sectors. Overseeing business development initiatives, the Chief Marketing Officer drives client acquisition efforts by highlighting expertise in intellectual property and regulatory law. This leadership role involves managing high-level communications and digital outreach to strengthen the firm's reputation among international corporate clients. By aligning marketing campaigns with the firm's core practice areas, Barbara Bryant directly impacts market visibility and revenue growth. Bryant cultivates strong relationships with practice group leaders to ensure consistent messaging across all service lines. Through data-driven analysis of market trends, the Chief Marketing Officer secures a competitive advantage for the firm, ensuring that the brand remains synonymous with excellence and innovation in the legal services industry.

    Robert Marburger - Chief Information Officer

    Robert Marburger, the Chief Information Officer at Alston & Bird, directs the firm's technological infrastructure and cybersecurity initiatives. Overseeing the digital transformation of legal workflows, the Chief Information Officer ensures that all data management systems remain secure and compliant with international regulatory standards. This leadership role involves implementing advanced software solutions to support complex litigation and tax practice requirements. By modernizing the firm's technical capabilities, Robert Marburger directly impacts the efficiency of legal research and document management processes. Marburger collaborates with the executive team to integrate innovative tools that enhance client service delivery. Through the continuous improvement of information systems, the Chief Information Officer protects the firm's intellectual property assets while maintaining a robust, scalable environment that supports the firm's expansive legal operations across diverse geographic markets.
    Robert Marburger

    Cathy Benton - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Cathy Benton, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Alston & Bird, directs the firm's talent acquisition, professional development, and organizational culture initiatives. Overseeing the recruitment of top-tier legal talent, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that the firm maintains a workforce capable of handling sophisticated corporate and finance matters. This leadership role involves designing comprehensive training programs that foster excellence in intellectual property and regulatory practice areas. By prioritizing employee engagement and retention, Cathy Benton directly impacts the firm's ability to deliver high-quality legal services. Benton works closely with the Board to align human capital strategies with the firm's long-term growth objectives. Through the implementation of inclusive workplace policies, the Chief Human Resources Officer secures a high-performing environment that attracts and retains the best legal minds, ensuring the firm remains a leader in the legal industry.
    Cathy Benton

    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Alston & Bird Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Alston & Bird?
    Alston & Bird is led by Brian MacDonald (Chief Operating Officer), along with executives such as Barbara Bryant (Chief Marketing Officer) and Robert Marburger (Chief Information Officer).
    Who is part of Alston & Bird’s executive team?
    The executive team of Alston & Bird includes leaders such as Brian MacDonald (Chief Operating Officer), Barbara Bryant (Chief Marketing Officer), Robert Marburger (Chief Information Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Alston & Bird have?
    Alston & Bird has 4 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Alston & Bird’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Alston & Bird includes roles such as Chief Operating Officer, Chief Marketing Officer, Chief Information Officer, Chief Human Resources Officer.