Teneo Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

Teneo has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, and financial oversight.

Driven by a vision for integrated advisory, Teneo addresses complex business challenges by combining expertise from multiple disciplines to help organizations achieve long-term strategic objectives and navigate market shifts.

Leadership Roles at Teneo

  • Chief Executive Officer - Paul Keary
  • Chief Financial Officer, Teneo (North America) - Thomas O'Connor
  • Chief Operating Officer - Gabriela Bertinchamps
  • Chief Operating Officer, Strategy & Communications Advisory (US) - Svetlana Vaisman
  • Head Chief Operating Officer, Client Delivery Risk Advisory - Brendan Johannsen
  • Co-President, Political Risk Advisory - Kevin Kajiwara
  • President, Global Political Risk Advisory - Nitin Chadda
  • Chief of Staff - Laura Weisz
  • Managing Director- Head of Public Safety Solutions, Chief of Staff - David Cagno
  • Senior Associate and Chief of Staff - Isabella Santucci
  • Paul Keary - Chief Executive Officer

    Paul Keary, the Chief Executive Officer at Teneo, directs the firm's global strategy and operational execution. Keary architects the integrated advisory model, ensuring seamless collaboration across communications, financial advisory, restructuring, governance, public affairs, and strategic planning disciplines. This leadership role involves guiding Teneo's expansion and reinforcing its position as a premier advisory platform for chief executive officers, boards of directors, and senior executives worldwide. By focusing on coordinated advice, Paul Keary drives the firm's commitment to helping clients address complex business challenges, manage corporate transformations, and respond effectively to rapidly changing market conditions. The Chief Executive Officer's oversight ensures Teneo's continued delivery of impactful business solutions and long-term strategic objectives for its diverse client base.

    Thomas O'Connor - Chief Financial Officer, Teneo (North America)

    Thomas O'Connor, the Chief Financial Officer, Teneo (North America) at Teneo, manages the financial health and strategic fiscal planning for the North American operations. O'Connor oversees all financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and capital allocation processes, ensuring alignment with Teneo's global financial objectives. This critical role involves optimizing financial performance, managing risk, and supporting investment decisions to drive sustainable growth across the region. By providing robust financial insights and controls, Thomas O'Connor enables leadership teams to navigate complex economic landscapes and make informed decisions. The Chief Financial Officer's expertise is essential for maintaining fiscal discipline and supporting the firm's integrated advisory model, ensuring Teneo's continued success in delivering comprehensive business solutions.

    Gabriela Bertinchamps - Chief Operating Officer

    Gabriela Bertinchamps, the Chief Operating Officer at Teneo, oversees the operational efficiency and strategic execution across the firm's global business units. Bertinchamps drives the implementation of best practices in service delivery, resource management, and process optimization, ensuring Teneo's integrated advisory model functions seamlessly. This leadership role involves enhancing internal operations to support client needs effectively, managing cross-functional collaboration, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. By streamlining operations, Gabriela Bertinchamps ensures that Teneo can consistently deliver high-impact solutions to chief executive officers, boards, and senior executives facing complex business challenges. The Chief Operating Officer's focus on operational excellence is fundamental to Teneo's ability to provide coordinated advice and achieve client objectives.
    Gabriela Bertinchamps

    Svetlana Vaisman - Chief Operating Officer, Strategy & Communications Advisory (US)

    Svetlana Vaisman, the Chief Operating Officer, Strategy & Communications Advisory (US) at Teneo, directs the operational framework for the firm's strategy and communications consulting services within the United States. Vaisman focuses on optimizing the delivery of integrated advice, ensuring that clients receive cohesive support across strategic planning, corporate communications, and stakeholder engagement initiatives. This executive position involves enhancing operational workflows, managing cross-functional teams, and implementing strategies that drive efficiency and effectiveness in client engagements. By aligning operational capabilities with strategic goals, Svetlana Vaisman supports leadership teams in navigating complex market dynamics and achieving critical business outcomes. The Chief Operating Officer's oversight is crucial for maintaining Teneo's reputation for delivering exceptional advisory services.

    Brendan Johannsen - Head Chief Operating Officer, Client Delivery Risk Advisory

    Brendan Johannsen, the Head Chief Operating Officer, Client Delivery Risk Advisory at Teneo, leads the operational execution for the firm's risk advisory services, focusing on client delivery excellence. Johannsen manages the processes and resources dedicated to ensuring the effective and efficient provision of risk management solutions to clients. This role involves optimizing service delivery models, enhancing project management capabilities, and ensuring seamless collaboration between advisory teams and clients. By focusing on operational rigor, Brendan Johannsen supports the strategic objectives of clients navigating complex risk landscapes. The Head Chief Operating Officer's dedication to client success underpins Teneo's commitment to providing robust and actionable risk advisory services.

    Kevin Kajiwara - Co-President, Political Risk Advisory

    Kevin Kajiwara, the Co-President, Political Risk Advisory at Teneo, leads the firm's specialized practice focused on geopolitical analysis and strategic counsel. Kajiwara directs teams that provide clients with critical insights into political landscapes, regulatory environments, and global security challenges, enabling proactive risk mitigation and strategic planning. This leadership position involves advising chief executive officers and boards on navigating international complexities and safeguarding business interests in volatile regions. By integrating deep political expertise with Teneo's broader advisory capabilities, Kevin Kajiwara ensures clients receive comprehensive solutions for managing cross-border risks. The Co-President's strategic guidance is instrumental in helping organizations make informed decisions and achieve stability amidst global uncertainty.
    Kevin Kajiwara

    Nitin Chadda - President, Global Political Risk Advisory

    Nitin Chadda, the President, Global Political Risk Advisory at Teneo, spearheads the firm's worldwide efforts in assessing and advising on political and geopolitical risks. Chadda directs the development and deployment of sophisticated analytical frameworks to help clients understand and navigate complex international challenges, including policy shifts, regulatory changes, and geopolitical instability. This executive role involves collaborating closely with global leaders to integrate political risk intelligence into strategic decision-making processes, thereby protecting and enhancing organizational value. By fostering a deep understanding of global dynamics, Nitin Chadda ensures Teneo's clients are equipped to manage uncertainty and capitalize on opportunities across diverse markets. The President's leadership drives the firm's commitment to providing actionable insights for effective global strategy.
    Nitin Chadda

    Laura Weisz - Chief of Staff

    Laura Weisz, the Chief of Staff at Teneo, provides strategic support and operational coordination to senior leadership, facilitating the execution of key initiatives across the firm. Weisz manages critical projects, drives internal communications, and ensures alignment between different departments to enhance overall organizational effectiveness. This role involves acting as a key liaison, streamlining workflows, and supporting the strategic vision of the executive team. By optimizing internal processes and communication channels, Laura Weisz contributes significantly to Teneo's ability to deliver integrated advisory services and respond adeptly to market demands. The Chief of Staff's role is vital in ensuring the smooth functioning of Teneo's global operations and strategic objectives.

    David Cagno - Managing Director- Head of Public Safety Solutions, Chief of Staff

    David Cagno, the Managing Director- Head of Public Safety Solutions, Chief of Staff at Teneo, leads the firm's specialized public safety solutions practice while also serving in a key Chief of Staff capacity. Cagno directs strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing public safety through innovative solutions and advisory services, working closely with government organizations and related entities. In the Chief of Staff function, David Cagno supports executive leadership by driving critical projects, improving operational coordination, and ensuring strategic alignment across relevant business units. This dual role highlights Cagno's ability to manage complex client engagements and contribute to the firm's internal strategic execution, reinforcing Teneo's commitment to delivering impactful solutions.

    Isabella Santucci - Senior Associate and Chief of Staff

    Isabella Santucci, the Senior Associate and Chief of Staff at Teneo, provides comprehensive support to executive leadership, driving key projects and ensuring operational efficiency. Santucci facilitates strategic initiatives, manages internal communications, and coordinates cross-functional efforts to support Teneo's integrated advisory model. This role involves enhancing workflow processes and contributing to the effective implementation of the firm's business strategies. By ensuring seamless internal operations and clear communication, Isabella Santucci plays a crucial part in Teneo's ability to deliver exceptional value to its clients. The Senior Associate and Chief of Staff's contributions are integral to the firm's success in addressing complex business challenges.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Teneo Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Teneo?
    Teneo is led by Paul Keary (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Thomas O'Connor (Chief Financial Officer, Teneo (North America)) and Gabriela Bertinchamps (Chief Operating Officer).
    Who is part of Teneo’s executive team?
    The executive team of Teneo includes leaders such as Paul Keary (Chief Executive Officer), Thomas O'Connor (Chief Financial Officer, Teneo (North America)), Gabriela Bertinchamps (Chief Operating Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Teneo have?
    Teneo has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Teneo’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Teneo includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Teneo (North America), Chief Operating Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Strategy & Communications Advisory (US), Head Chief Operating Officer, Client Delivery Risk Advisory.