Gusto Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

Gusto has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, design, sales, data, security, insights, technology, and revenue.

Driven by innovation, Gusto is dedicated to empowering small and medium-sized businesses with comprehensive payroll, benefits, and HR management solutions, streamlining workforce administration and ensuring compliance.

Leadership Roles at Gusto

  • Head of Gusto (Chief Executive Officer) and Co-Founder. Building Gusto for the Long Term. - Joshua Reeves
  • Chief Operating Officer - Tj Kingi
  • Design & Core Experiences Chief of Staff - Danielle Barnes
  • Head To of Sales Chief of Staff - Emily Eshman
  • Data Chief of Staff - Emily Thompson
  • Chief Information Security Officer & Chief Information Officer - Michael Wittig
  • Insights, Strategy & Operations Chief of Staff - Anabelle Trujillo
  • Operations Support For Executive & Chief Technology Officer - Ashlie Hinman
  • Chief of Staff To Cofounder - Brandon Lassoff
  • Revenue Chief of Staff - Lexi Griffin
  • Joshua Reeves - Head of Gusto (Chief Executive Officer) and Co-Founder. Building Gusto for the Long Term.

    Joshua Reeves, the Head of Gusto (Chief Executive Officer) and Co-Founder. Building Gusto for the Long Term., architects Gusto's long-term vision and strategic direction. Reeves guides the company's mission to simplify payroll, benefits, and HR for small and medium-sized businesses. This leadership involves fostering a culture of innovation and ensuring the platform's continuous evolution to meet market demands. Reeves directs the executive team, aligning departmental goals with the overarching objective of empowering employers. The focus remains on building a sustainable and impactful business that supports the growth of its clients. Reeves's strategic oversight ensures Gusto remains at the forefront of HR technology solutions, driving efficiency and compliance for businesses nationwide. The commitment to long-term growth is evident in every strategic decision made under Reeves's guidance.
    Joshua Reeves

    Tj Kingi - Chief Operating Officer

    Tj Kingi, the Chief Operating Officer, directs Gusto's day-to-day operational functions and ensures seamless execution of the company's strategic initiatives. Kingi oversees the critical processes that support Gusto's cloud-based payroll, benefits, and HR management platform, focusing on scalability and efficiency. This role involves optimizing internal workflows and resource allocation to enhance service delivery for small and medium-sized businesses. Kingi collaborates closely with other executive leaders to integrate operational strategies with product development and customer support. The objective is to maintain high standards of service reliability and client satisfaction. Kingi's leadership ensures that Gusto's infrastructure can support its expanding user base and evolving service offerings, driving operational excellence across the organization.

    Danielle Barnes - Design & Core Experiences Chief of Staff

    Danielle Barnes, the Design & Core Experiences Chief of Staff, enhances the strategic execution within Gusto's design and core product experience teams. Barnes supports the leadership in translating user needs and business objectives into intuitive and effective platform features. This involves facilitating cross-functional collaboration between design, product, and engineering to ensure cohesive user journeys. Barnes drives initiatives that refine the user interface and overall experience of Gusto's HR management software. The focus is on creating a seamless and efficient environment for small and medium-sized businesses managing their workforce. Barnes's role is crucial in maintaining Gusto's commitment to user-centric design and continuous improvement of its core functionalities.

    Emily Eshman - Head To of Sales Chief of Staff

    Emily Eshman, the Head To of Sales Chief of Staff, optimizes the strategic operations and effectiveness of Gusto's sales organization. Eshman supports the sales leadership in driving revenue growth and expanding market reach for Gusto's comprehensive HR solutions. This involves streamlining sales processes, enhancing team performance, and ensuring alignment with company-wide objectives. Eshman facilitates communication and coordination across sales teams and other departments, such as marketing and customer success. The goal is to create a cohesive go-to-market strategy that resonates with small and medium-sized businesses. Eshman's efforts contribute directly to Gusto's ability to acquire and retain clients by ensuring the sales function operates with maximum efficiency and strategic focus.

    Emily Thompson - Data Chief of Staff

    Emily Thompson, the Data Chief of Staff, elevates Gusto's data strategy and its application across the organization. Thompson supports the leadership in leveraging data analytics to drive informed decision-making and enhance platform capabilities. This role involves coordinating efforts to ensure data integrity, accessibility, and effective utilization for business insights. Thompson works to align data initiatives with Gusto's mission of providing efficient HR solutions to small and medium-sized businesses. The focus is on harnessing the power of data to improve product development, customer experience, and operational efficiency. Thompson's contributions are vital in transforming data into actionable intelligence that supports Gusto's growth and innovation.

    Michael Wittig - Chief Information Security Officer & Chief Information Officer

    Michael Wittig, the Chief Information Security Officer & Chief Information Officer, directs Gusto's comprehensive information technology strategy and robust security posture. Wittig oversees the infrastructure that supports Gusto's cloud-based platform, ensuring its reliability, scalability, and protection against cyber threats. This dual role involves managing all aspects of IT operations, from system architecture to data security protocols, safeguarding sensitive client information. Wittig's leadership ensures compliance with industry regulations and maintains the trust of Gusto's small and medium-sized business clientele. The focus is on implementing cutting-edge technology solutions that enhance operational efficiency while maintaining the highest standards of information security.

    Anabelle Trujillo - Insights, Strategy & Operations Chief of Staff

    Anabelle Trujillo, the Insights, Strategy & Operations Chief of Staff, enhances Gusto's strategic planning and operational execution through data-driven insights. Trujillo supports executive leadership in developing and refining business strategies, ensuring alignment with market opportunities and company objectives. This role involves analyzing performance metrics, identifying key trends, and translating them into actionable operational improvements for the payroll, benefits, and HR platform. Trujillo facilitates cross-departmental collaboration to drive efficiency and innovation. The objective is to optimize Gusto's operations and strategic initiatives, ensuring the company effectively serves its small and medium-sized business customers and maintains a competitive edge in the market.

    Ashlie Hinman - Operations Support For Executive & Chief Technology Officer

    Ashlie Hinman, the Operations Support For Executive & Chief Technology Officer, provides critical operational support and strategic alignment for Gusto's technology initiatives. Hinman facilitates the execution of the Chief Technology Officer's vision, ensuring that technology development and deployment align with Gusto's broader business goals. This involves streamlining project management, enhancing communication channels between technical teams and executive leadership, and optimizing resource allocation for technology projects. Hinman's role is essential in ensuring that Gusto's software platform remains innovative, secure, and efficient for its small and medium-sized business clients. Hinman contributes to the smooth operation and advancement of Gusto's technological infrastructure.

    Brandon Lassoff - Chief of Staff To Cofounder

    Brandon Lassoff, the Chief of Staff To Cofounder, provides strategic support and operational coordination to Gusto's co-founder, driving key initiatives forward. Lassoff facilitates the co-founder's strategic priorities, ensuring effective execution across various business functions. This involves managing special projects, enhancing communication flows, and aligning departmental efforts with the company's long-term vision. Lassoff plays a crucial role in translating strategic objectives into tangible actions that support Gusto's mission of simplifying HR for small and medium-sized businesses. The focus is on optimizing the co-founder's impact and ensuring seamless progress on critical company-wide endeavors.

    Lexi Griffin - Revenue Chief of Staff

    Lexi Griffin, the Revenue Chief of Staff, drives strategic initiatives and operational efficiency within Gusto's revenue-generating departments. Griffin supports the executive team in maximizing revenue growth and optimizing sales and marketing performance. This role involves analyzing revenue streams, identifying opportunities for expansion, and implementing strategies to enhance customer acquisition and retention. Griffin facilitates cross-functional collaboration to ensure a cohesive approach to revenue generation. The objective is to align all revenue-related activities with Gusto's overall business strategy, ensuring sustainable growth and market leadership in providing payroll, benefits, and HR solutions to small and medium-sized businesses.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Gusto Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Gusto?
    Gusto is led by Joshua Reeves (Head of Gusto (Chief Executive Officer) and Co-Founder. Building Gusto for the Long Term.), along with executives such as Tj Kingi (Chief Operating Officer) and Danielle Barnes (Design & Core Experiences Chief of Staff).
    Who is part of Gusto’s executive team?
    The executive team of Gusto includes leaders such as Joshua Reeves (Head of Gusto (Chief Executive Officer) and Co-Founder. Building Gusto for the Long Term.), Tj Kingi (Chief Operating Officer), Danielle Barnes (Design & Core Experiences Chief of Staff) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Gusto have?
    Gusto has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Gusto’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Gusto includes roles such as Head of Gusto (Chief Executive Officer) and Co-Founder. Building Gusto for the Long Term., Chief Operating Officer, Design & Core Experiences Chief of Staff, Head To of Sales Chief of Staff, Data Chief of Staff.