Populous Executive and Leadership Team

June, 2026

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.

Leadership Roles at Populous

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

    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, 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.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Populous Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Populous?
    Populous is led by Steven Carlstrom (Senior Principal. Regional Chief Financial Officer APAC), along with executives such as Kevin Hagan (Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer & Senior Principal) 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 Steven Carlstrom (Senior Principal. Regional Chief Financial Officer APAC), Kevin Hagan (Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer & Senior Principal), 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 Senior Principal. Regional Chief Financial Officer APAC, Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer & Senior Principal, Senior Principal. Regional Chief Financial Officer. Americas, Global Chief Operating Officer, Chief People Officer.