Populous Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

Populous has 6 executives leading key functions including operations, finance, legal, and human resources.

Driven by a commitment to design excellence, Populous shapes iconic spaces worldwide, fostering innovation and client collaboration to deliver transformative architectural solutions.

Leadership Roles at Populous

  • Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer & Senior Principal - Kevin Hagan
  • Senior Principal. Regional Chief Financial Officer APAC - Steven Carlstrom
  • Senior Principal. Regional Chief Financial Officer. Americas - Shelly Malyarov
  • Global Chief Operating Officer - Gavin Houldin
  • Chief People Officer (Asia Pacific) - Mark O'Sullivan
  • Chief Legal Officer & Senior Principal - Zachary Rudman
  • Kevin Hagan - Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer & Senior Principal

    Kevin Hagan, the Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer & Senior Principal at Populous, manages the company's comprehensive financial operations and fiscal strategy. Overseeing all aspects of financial planning, budgeting, and reporting, Hagan ensures the fiscal health and stability of the global firm. This critical role involves managing treasury functions, investment strategies, and financial risk mitigation to support Populous's ambitious design and construction projects. By providing strategic financial guidance, Kevin Hagan directly impacts the firm's profitability and long-term sustainability. The Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer & Senior Principal's dedication to financial integrity underpins the firm's capacity for innovation and global market leadership, securing resources for future endeavors.

    Steven Carlstrom - Senior Principal. Regional Chief Financial Officer APAC

    Steven Carlstrom, the Senior Principal. Regional Chief Financial Officer APAC at Populous, leads financial operations and strategic planning for the Asia Pacific region. Overseeing all fiscal activities within this key growth market, Carlstrom ensures robust financial management and compliance with regional regulations. This role involves developing tailored financial strategies to support Populous's expanding presence and project portfolio across diverse APAC economies. By guiding financial decision-making, Steven Carlstrom directly enhances the firm's operational capacity and market penetration in the Asia Pacific. The Senior Principal. Regional Chief Financial Officer APAC's expertise is vital for navigating complex financial landscapes and driving sustainable growth in the region.

    Shelly Malyarov - Senior Principal. Regional Chief Financial Officer. Americas

    Shelly Malyarov, the Senior Principal. Regional Chief Financial Officer. Americas at Populous, directs financial strategy and oversight for the Americas region. Managing all financial aspects of operations across North and South America, Malyarov ensures fiscal discipline and strategic resource allocation. This position involves developing and implementing financial plans that align with regional market dynamics and Populous's global objectives. By providing critical financial insights, Shelly Malyarov directly supports the successful execution of major architectural projects throughout the Americas. The Senior Principal. Regional Chief Financial Officer. Americas's leadership is essential for optimizing financial performance and driving profitability in this significant market.

    Gavin Houldin - Global Chief Operating Officer

    Gavin Houldin, the Global Chief Operating Officer at Populous, directs the firm's worldwide operational strategies and execution. Overseeing all day-to-day business activities, Houldin ensures seamless project delivery and efficient resource allocation across global design studios. This leadership role involves optimizing internal processes to support the firm's expansion and maintain high standards of architectural excellence. By driving operational improvements, Gavin Houldin directly contributes to the firm's ability to undertake complex, large-scale international projects. The Global Chief Operating Officer's focus remains on enhancing productivity and fostering a culture of continuous improvement throughout the organization, aligning operational capabilities with Populous's strategic growth objectives and market presence.
    Gavin Houldin

    Mark O'Sullivan - Chief People Officer (Asia Pacific)

    Mark O'Sullivan, the Chief People Officer (Asia Pacific) at Populous, leads human capital strategy and talent management across the Asia Pacific region. Overseeing all aspects of employee relations, recruitment, and professional development, O'Sullivan cultivates a high-performance culture aligned with Populous's global vision. This role focuses on attracting, retaining, and developing top talent to support the firm's design and architectural endeavors in diverse APAC markets. By championing employee growth and engagement, Mark O'Sullivan directly contributes to the firm's innovative capacity and operational strength. The Chief People Officer (Asia Pacific)'s strategic approach to people management is fundamental to Populous's success and expansion within the region.
    Zachary Rudman, the Chief Legal Officer & Senior Principal at Populous, oversees all legal affairs and provides strategic counsel for the firm. Managing corporate governance, contract negotiations, and risk management, Rudman ensures Populous operates within all legal and regulatory frameworks globally. This pivotal role involves safeguarding the company's interests and advising leadership on complex legal matters related to international design and construction projects. By providing expert legal guidance, Zachary Rudman directly mitigates potential liabilities and supports sound business decision-making. The Chief Legal Officer & Senior Principal's commitment to legal integrity is crucial for maintaining Populous's reputation and facilitating its continued global growth.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Populous Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Populous?
    Populous is led by Kevin Hagan (Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer & Senior Principal), along with executives such as Steven Carlstrom (Senior Principal. Regional Chief Financial Officer APAC) and Shelly Malyarov (Senior Principal. Regional Chief Financial Officer. Americas).
    Who is part of Populous’s executive team?
    The executive team of Populous includes leaders such as Kevin Hagan (Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer & Senior Principal), Steven Carlstrom (Senior Principal. Regional Chief Financial Officer APAC), Shelly Malyarov (Senior Principal. Regional Chief Financial Officer. Americas) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Populous have?
    Populous has 6 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Populous’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Populous includes roles such as Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer & Senior Principal, Senior Principal. Regional Chief Financial Officer APAC, Senior Principal. Regional Chief Financial Officer. Americas, Global Chief Operating Officer, Chief People Officer (Asia Pacific).