HelmsBriscoe Executive and Leadership Team

Roger Helms, the Founder & Chief Executive Officer at HelmsBriscoe, directs the overarching strategic vision for the global site selection firm. By cultivating deep industry relationships, Helms establishes the foundational standards for venue research and RFP management that define the company market presence. This leadership role involves constant evaluation of hospitality trends to ensure clients receive optimal value during the event planning process. Roger Helms maintains a focus on long-term growth, guiding the organization through complex international hospitality landscapes. By prioritizing client outcomes, the Founder & Chief Executive Officer ensures that the firm remains the premier partner for organizations seeking efficient venue procurement. Through consistent innovation in service delivery, the executive drives the company mission forward, securing a competitive advantage in the global travel and hospitality sector while maintaining the high standards established since the inception of the business.

Samir Kanuga, the Chief Financial Officer at HelmsBriscoe, manages the fiscal health and economic strategy of the organization. Kanuga oversees all financial reporting, budgeting, and resource allocation to ensure the firm maintains the stability required to support global operations. By analyzing market trends and revenue streams, the Chief Financial Officer provides the data-driven insights necessary for long-term planning and investment in service technology. Samir Kanuga collaborates with executive leadership to align financial goals with the mission of providing cost-effective venue procurement solutions. This leadership role involves rigorous oversight of internal controls and the management of financial risks associated with international hospitality transactions. Through the optimization of fiscal processes, the Chief Financial Officer supports the growth of the company and ensures that resources remain focused on delivering value to clients. Kanuga maintains the financial integrity of the firm while driving initiatives that enhance overall operational efficiency.

Greg Malark, the Chief Operating Officer at HelmsBriscoe, directs the internal infrastructure and operational workflows that enable the firm to manage large-scale venue procurement. Malark oversees the integration of technology and human capital to streamline the research, contact, and evaluation phases of the site selection process. By focusing on the scalability of internal systems, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that the organization can handle increasing volumes of RFPs without compromising service quality. Greg Malark drives the implementation of best practices across all departments to maintain consistency in client interactions and hotel follow-ups. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with other executives to refine the operational model and improve the speed of service delivery. Through the optimization of daily business functions, the Chief Operating Officer supports the company mission of removing the burden of venue research from clients, ultimately driving higher levels of operational productivity and client satisfaction.

Debbie Donze, the Managing Director at HelmsBriscoe, oversees the strategic execution of regional meeting planning initiatives across North American markets. Donze manages the complex coordination between venue partners and client organizations, ensuring that every RFP process adheres to the rigorous quality standards of the firm. By optimizing the site selection workflow, the Managing Director enhances the efficiency of event procurement for diverse corporate clients. Debbie Donze drives operational excellence by mentoring associates and refining the methodologies used to evaluate hotel capabilities. This leadership role requires constant engagement with industry stakeholders to secure favorable terms and availability for large-scale events. Through the application of deep market knowledge, the Managing Director supports the broader organizational goal of streamlining the meeting planning process. Donze ensures that all regional operations align with the global mission of providing seamless, cost-effective venue solutions for every client engagement.

Deanne Vigil, the Managing Director at HelmsBriscoe, directs the expansion and management of international venue partnerships to support global event requirements. Vigil focuses on the optimization of site selection processes for multinational organizations, ensuring that complex logistical needs meet precise hospitality standards. By overseeing the evaluation of diverse global venues, the Managing Director facilitates the connection between client event goals and hotel capabilities. Deanne Vigil drives the implementation of standardized procurement protocols that reduce the time-consuming nature of venue research. This leadership role involves coordinating with internal teams to maintain consistent service quality across various geographic regions. Through the strategic management of industry relationships, the Managing Director secures competitive advantages for clients. Vigil ensures that the firm remains at the forefront of the hospitality industry by continuously refining the approach to international site selection and venue negotiation.