Populous Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

Populous has 7 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, finance, people, and legal.

Driven by a commitment to design excellence, Populous shapes iconic venues and communities worldwide, fostering innovation and client collaboration.

Leadership Roles at Populous

  • Chairman & Chief Executive Officer - Bruce Miller
  • Senior Principal. Regional Chief Financial Officer. Americas - Shelly Malyarov
  • Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer & Senior Principal - Kevin Hagan
  • Senior Principal. Regional Chief Financial Officer APAC - Steven Carlstrom
  • Global Chief Operating Officer - Gavin Houldin
  • Chief People Officer - Kristin Gibbar
  • Chief Legal Officer & Senior Principal - Zachary Rudman
  • Bruce Miller - Chairman & Chief Executive Officer

    Bruce Miller, the Chairman & Chief Executive Officer at Populous, directs the firm's overarching strategy and global vision. Miller's leadership guides the company's expansion and market positioning within the architectural and design sector. This executive role involves setting the tone for innovation and client engagement across all international operations. By focusing on long-term growth initiatives, Bruce Miller ensures Populous maintains its status as a premier global design firm. The Chairman & Chief Executive Officer's responsibilities include fostering strong relationships with key stakeholders and driving the company's mission forward. Miller's strategic direction impacts every facet of the organization, from project acquisition to design execution, solidifying the firm's reputation for excellence in creating landmark environments.

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

    Shelly Malyarov, the Senior Principal. Regional Chief Financial Officer. Americas at Populous, manages the financial operations and strategic fiscal planning for the Americas region. Malyarov's expertise ensures robust financial health and supports the firm's growth objectives across North and South America. This critical role involves overseeing budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting to guide regional business decisions. By providing astute financial leadership, Shelly Malyarov strengthens the company's economic foundation in key markets. The Senior Principal. Regional Chief Financial Officer. Americas' responsibilities include identifying financial opportunities and mitigating risks within the region. Malyarov's financial acumen is essential for Populous's sustained success and expansion throughout the Americas.

    Kevin Hagan - Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer & Senior Principal

    Kevin Hagan, the Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer & Senior Principal at Populous, directs the company's global financial strategy and treasury functions. Hagan's oversight ensures the fiscal integrity and financial performance of the entire organization. This executive position involves managing capital, investments, and financial risk across all international operations. By implementing sound financial policies, Kevin Hagan supports Populous's long-term sustainability and strategic investments. The Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer & Senior Principal's duties include reporting to the board and ensuring compliance with all financial regulations. Hagan's comprehensive financial management is vital for Populous's continued global expansion and operational stability.

    Steven Carlstrom - Senior Principal. Regional Chief Financial Officer APAC

    Steven Carlstrom, the Senior Principal. Regional Chief Financial Officer APAC at Populous, leads financial strategy and operations for the Asia-Pacific region. Carlstrom's role is pivotal in driving financial performance and supporting business development across diverse APAC markets. This executive function involves managing regional budgets, financial analysis, and ensuring fiscal discipline to align with global objectives. By providing strategic financial guidance, Steven Carlstrom enhances Populous's market presence and profitability in the Asia-Pacific territory. The Senior Principal. Regional Chief Financial Officer APAC's responsibilities include cultivating strong financial controls and identifying growth opportunities. Carlstrom's financial leadership is instrumental in Populous's success throughout the APAC region.

    Gavin Houldin - Global Chief Operating Officer

    Gavin Houldin, the Global Chief Operating Officer at Populous, oversees the firm's day-to-day operations and operational efficiency worldwide. Houldin's focus centers on optimizing resource allocation and streamlining processes to support the delivery of complex architectural projects. This executive position involves managing global teams and ensuring seamless collaboration across different regions. By driving operational excellence, Gavin Houldin enhances the firm's capacity to execute large-scale design and construction initiatives. The Global Chief Operating Officer's duties include implementing best practices and fostering a culture of continuous improvement throughout the organization. Houldin's strategic management of operations directly contributes to Populous's ability to meet client demands and project timelines effectively, reinforcing the company's global reach and operational integrity.
    Gavin Houldin

    Kristin Gibbar - Chief People Officer

    Kristin Gibbar, the Chief People Officer at Populous, leads the global human resources strategy and talent management initiatives. Gibbar's focus is on cultivating a high-performing culture and attracting, developing, and retaining top talent worldwide. This executive role involves shaping employee engagement, organizational development, and diversity and inclusion programs. By championing people-centric strategies, Kristin Gibbar ensures Populous remains an employer of choice. The Chief People Officer's responsibilities include overseeing compensation, benefits, and workforce planning to support the firm's strategic goals. Gibbar's leadership in human capital management is essential for Populous's continued innovation and global operational success.
    Zachary Rudman, the Chief Legal Officer & Senior Principal at Populous, directs all legal affairs and provides strategic counsel across the global organization. Rudman's expertise ensures Populous operates with robust legal compliance and manages risk effectively in all jurisdictions. This executive position involves overseeing contract negotiations, intellectual property, and corporate governance matters. By providing comprehensive legal oversight, Zachary Rudman safeguards the company's interests and supports its business objectives. The Chief Legal Officer & Senior Principal's responsibilities include advising leadership on legal implications of business decisions and managing external legal resources. Rudman's legal guidance is critical for Populous's sustained growth and operational integrity worldwide.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Populous Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Populous?
    Populous is led by Bruce Miller (Chairman & Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Shelly Malyarov (Senior Principal. Regional Chief Financial Officer. Americas) and Kevin Hagan (Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer & Senior Principal).
    Who is part of Populous’s executive team?
    The executive team of Populous includes leaders such as Bruce Miller (Chairman & Chief Executive Officer), Shelly Malyarov (Senior Principal. Regional Chief Financial Officer. Americas), Kevin Hagan (Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer & Senior Principal) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Populous have?
    Populous has 7 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Populous’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Populous includes roles such as Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, Senior Principal. Regional Chief Financial Officer. Americas, Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer & Senior Principal, Senior Principal. Regional Chief Financial Officer APAC, Global Chief Operating Officer.