Leadership Overview
Populous has 6 executives leading key functions including operations, finance, people, and legal.
Driven by a commitment to design excellence, Populous shapes iconic venues and communities worldwide, fostering innovation and client success through strategic leadership.
Driven by a commitment to design excellence, Populous shapes iconic venues and communities worldwide, fostering innovation and client success through strategic leadership.
Leadership Roles at Populous
Steven Carlstrom - Senior Principal. Regional Chief Financial Officer APAC
Steven Carlstrom, the Senior Principal. Regional Chief Financial Officer APAC at Populous, manages all financial operations and strategic fiscal planning for the Asia-Pacific region. This critical role involves overseeing financial performance, managing investments, and ensuring robust financial controls across APAC markets. Carlstrom's expertise guides financial decision-making, supporting the firm's expansion and project development in diverse international landscapes. By implementing sound financial strategies, Steven Carlstrom contributes directly to the sustained profitability and financial health of Populous's operations throughout Asia and the Pacific. The Senior Principal. Regional Chief Financial Officer APAC ensures fiscal integrity and drives financial growth within this key global territory.
Kevin Hagan - Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer & Senior Principal
Kevin Hagan, the Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer & Senior Principal at Populous, directs the company's overall financial strategy, treasury functions, and fiscal management. This comprehensive role encompasses financial planning, budgeting, risk management, and capital allocation to support Populous's global initiatives. Hagan's leadership ensures the financial stability and economic health of the firm, enabling strategic investments and operational expansion. By meticulously managing financial resources and reporting, Kevin Hagan provides critical insights that inform executive decision-making and drive sustainable growth. The Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer & Senior Principal safeguards the company's assets and optimizes financial performance across all business units.
Shelly Malyarov - Senior Principal. Regional Chief Financial Officer. Americas
Shelly Malyarov, the Senior Principal. Regional Chief Financial Officer. Americas at Populous, leads financial strategy and oversight for the Americas region. This position involves managing all financial aspects, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting, to support regional growth and project execution. Malyarov's financial acumen guides strategic investments and ensures fiscal discipline across North and South American operations. By optimizing financial processes and controls, Shelly Malyarov directly contributes to the profitability and operational success of Populous within the Americas. The Senior Principal. Regional Chief Financial Officer. Americas plays a pivotal role in maintaining financial health and driving economic performance in this vital 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 aspects of day-to-day business functions, Houldin ensures seamless project delivery and operational efficiency across global markets. This leadership role involves optimizing resource allocation and driving process improvements to support the firm's ambitious growth objectives. By aligning operational frameworks with strategic goals, Gavin Houldin enhances the firm's capacity to undertake complex, large-scale architectural and design projects. The Global Chief Operating Officer's focus remains on strengthening the firm's global presence and operational resilience, ensuring consistent quality and service delivery across all regions.

Kristin Gibbar - Chief People Officer
Kristin Gibbar, the Chief People Officer at Populous, spearheads the company's human capital strategy and talent management initiatives. This role focuses on cultivating a high-performance culture, driving employee engagement, and developing robust talent acquisition and retention programs. Gibbar's leadership ensures that Populous attracts, develops, and retains top-tier talent essential for its global design and architectural endeavors. By championing employee well-being and professional growth, Kristin Gibbar fosters an environment where innovation thrives. The Chief People Officer is instrumental in aligning people strategies with the firm's overarching business objectives, supporting its mission to create inspiring places worldwide.
Zachary Rudman - Chief Legal Officer & Senior Principal
Zachary Rudman, the Chief Legal Officer & Senior Principal at Populous, oversees all legal affairs and provides strategic counsel across the organization. This position involves managing corporate governance, compliance, risk mitigation, and contractual matters for Populous's global operations. Rudman's legal expertise ensures that the firm operates within all regulatory frameworks and protects its interests in complex international projects. By providing critical legal guidance, Zachary Rudman supports the firm's strategic decision-making and safeguards its reputation. The Chief Legal Officer & Senior Principal plays a vital role in navigating legal challenges and ensuring the integrity of Populous's business practices worldwide.
Explore Leadership Teams in Architecture, Engineering & Design
MiTek Inc. is an engineering, software, and hardware solutions provider for the construction industry. The company provides specialized technical solutions, serving customers in architecture, drafting, engineering design, estimating, and other technical services for the construction industry globally. MiTek was founded in 1955 and is based in Chesterfield, Missouri.
Company Leadership MT


Interior Architects is an architecture firm. It provides strategic planning, interior architecture, and design services for corporations, businesses, and institutions. The company was formed in 1984 and is headquartered in San Francisco, California.
Company Leadership DB
MO

KR
AFRY is a leading European engineering, design, and advisory company that provides comprehensive solutions across infrastructure, industry, energy, and digitalization sectors. The company delivers a wide range of services including engineering consulting, technical design, project management, digital transformation, and strategic advisory to clients in both the private and public sectors. AFRY operates across multiple industries such as energy and power generation, transportation infrastructure, manufacturing, process industries, real estate, water and environment, and telecommunications. With a strong presence throughout Europe and select international markets, the company combines deep technical expertise with sustainability focus to help clients navigate complex challenges and achieve their business objectives. AFRY's multidisciplinary teams work on projects ranging from renewable energy installations and industrial facility design to urban planning and digital solutions, emphasizing innovation and sustainable development. The company is committed to accelerating the transition toward a more sustainable society, integrating environmental considerations and circular economy principles into its consulting and engineering services. Headquartered in Sweden, AFRY was formed through the merger of ÅF and Pöyry, bringing together extensive Nordic engineering heritage and international expertise to serve clients across various sectors with integrated solutions that span the entire project lifecycle from concept and feasibility studies through design, implementation, and operational support.
Company Leadership JB
MC
LA
Founded in 1976 and headquartered in Houston, TX, Lichliter/James & Associates is an employee-owned consulting engineering firm with locations throughout the United States.
Company Leadership
RH
CH