Toptal Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Toptal has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, technology, finance, operations, and human resources.

By connecting elite freelance talent with global organizations, Toptal revolutionizes the modern workforce through a high-performance marketplace. This leadership team maintains rigorous standards to ensure seamless integration between top-tier developers, designers, and enterprise clients worldwide.

Leadership Roles at Toptal

  • Chief Executive Officer - James May
  • Chief Executive Officer & Co-Founder - Zenel Rrushi
  • Chief Financial Officer - Carlos Aguirre
  • Chief Financial Officer, Fractional - Robyn Taylor
  • Fractional For Toptal Clients Chief Operating Officer & Chief Financial Officer - Andon Baltakov
  • Chief Operating Officer - Jeffrey Benesch
  • Chief Technology Officer - Lisa Williams
  • Chief Technology Officer, Technology Services - Paul Cioni
  • Chief Technology Officer, Cantervr - Khaled Elfakharany
  • Chief People Officer - Michelle Labbe
  • James May - Chief Executive Officer

    James May, the Chief Executive Officer at Toptal, directs the overarching strategic vision for the global freelance marketplace. Overseeing the expansion of the talent network, the Chief Executive Officer ensures that the platform maintains its reputation for connecting elite software developers and designers with high-growth organizations. This leadership role involves constant refinement of the vetting process to guarantee quality across all service categories. By prioritizing scalable growth, James May drives the company toward long-term market dominance in the outsourcing sector. The Chief Executive Officer collaborates with the board to align operational goals with the evolving needs of the digital economy. Through consistent focus on innovation, May secures the competitive advantage of the platform while fostering a culture of excellence that permeates every department within the organization.

    Zenel Rrushi - Chief Executive Officer & Co-Founder

    Zenel Rrushi, the Chief Executive Officer & Co-Founder at Toptal, architects the foundational principles that define the company's marketplace model. Managing the strategic direction of the organization, the Chief Executive Officer & Co-Founder ensures that the core mission of connecting businesses with top-tier talent remains the primary focus. This leadership role involves navigating complex market dynamics to maintain the platform's position as a leader in the freelance outsourcing industry. By fostering deep relationships with enterprise clients, Zenel Rrushi drives sustainable revenue growth and operational efficiency. The Chief Executive Officer & Co-Founder oversees the long-term vision, ensuring that the company adapts to shifting technological landscapes. Through persistent dedication to quality, Rrushi strengthens the brand identity and ensures that the marketplace continues to deliver exceptional value to both clients and the global talent pool.

    Carlos Aguirre - Chief Financial Officer

    Carlos Aguirre, the Chief Financial Officer at Toptal, manages the fiscal health and strategic financial planning for the entire organization. Overseeing global financial operations, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that capital allocation aligns with the company's growth objectives in the freelance marketplace. This leadership role involves rigorous analysis of revenue streams and cost structures to maximize profitability. By implementing robust financial controls, Carlos Aguirre drives transparency and accountability across all departments. The Chief Financial Officer collaborates with the executive team to evaluate investment opportunities and manage risks associated with international expansion. Through precise financial forecasting, Aguirre supports the long-term sustainability of the business model. This role remains critical in maintaining the financial stability required to support the company's mission of connecting elite talent with organizations across the globe.
    Carlos Aguirre

    Robyn Taylor - Chief Financial Officer, Fractional

    Robyn Taylor, the Chief Financial Officer, Fractional at Toptal, directs the financial strategy for the fractional talent services division. Overseeing the economic modeling of flexible staffing solutions, the Chief Financial Officer, Fractional ensures that the pricing and service structures remain competitive and profitable. This leadership role involves analyzing market trends to provide clients with cost-effective access to high-level financial expertise. By managing the financial performance of the fractional services unit, Robyn Taylor drives growth and ensures that the division meets its revenue targets. The Chief Financial Officer, Fractional collaborates with the broader finance team to maintain consistency in reporting and fiscal policy. Through strategic financial oversight, Taylor supports the expansion of the fractional model, enabling organizations to leverage top-tier talent on a flexible basis while maintaining strict budgetary control.

    Andon Baltakov - Fractional For Toptal Clients Chief Operating Officer & Chief Financial Officer

    Andon Baltakov, the Fractional For Toptal Clients Chief Operating Officer & Chief Financial Officer at Toptal, directs the operational and financial integration for clients utilizing fractional leadership services. Overseeing the deployment of high-level executives into client organizations, the Fractional For Toptal Clients Chief Operating Officer & Chief Financial Officer ensures that these placements deliver immediate strategic value. This leadership role involves aligning the operational needs of the client with the financial objectives of the engagement. By providing expert guidance on resource management, Andon Baltakov drives the success of fractional leadership initiatives. The Fractional For Toptal Clients Chief Operating Officer & Chief Financial Officer collaborates with client stakeholders to optimize performance and ensure long-term impact. Through meticulous oversight of these engagements, Baltakov ensures that the fractional model provides a seamless and effective solution for organizations requiring high-level expertise.
    Andon Baltakov

    Jeffrey Benesch - Chief Operating Officer

    Jeffrey Benesch, the Chief Operating Officer at Toptal, directs the day-to-day operational workflows that sustain the freelance marketplace. Overseeing internal processes, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that the organization functions with maximum efficiency while scaling to meet market demand. This leadership role involves streamlining the talent acquisition and client onboarding pipelines to reduce friction in the service delivery model. By optimizing cross-departmental communication, Jeffrey Benesch drives operational excellence and ensures that the company meets its performance targets. The Chief Operating Officer collaborates with other leaders to implement strategies that improve service quality and client satisfaction. Through constant monitoring of operational metrics, Benesch identifies areas for improvement and executes initiatives that enhance the overall productivity of the workforce. This role is essential for maintaining the high standards expected by clients utilizing the platform.

    Lisa Williams - Chief Technology Officer

    Lisa Williams, the Chief Technology Officer at Toptal, directs the development and maintenance of the proprietary platform that powers the freelance marketplace. Overseeing the engineering teams, the Chief Technology Officer ensures that the infrastructure supports seamless connections between businesses and elite software developers. This leadership role involves implementing advanced algorithms to optimize talent matching and platform performance. By prioritizing security and scalability, Lisa Williams drives the technical evolution of the company to meet the demands of a global client base. The Chief Technology Officer collaborates with other executives to integrate new features that enhance user experience and operational efficiency. Through rigorous oversight of the software development lifecycle, Williams maintains the technical integrity of the marketplace, ensuring that the platform remains a reliable tool for organizations seeking top-tier technical expertise.

    Paul Cioni - Chief Technology Officer, Technology Services

    Paul Cioni, the Chief Technology Officer, Technology Services at Toptal, directs the specialized technical services division that supports complex client projects. Overseeing the delivery of high-end software solutions, the Chief Technology Officer, Technology Services ensures that the technical output meets the rigorous requirements of enterprise partners. This leadership role involves managing the integration of advanced technologies into the service offerings provided by the marketplace. By aligning technical capabilities with client needs, Paul Cioni drives the success of high-stakes development engagements. The Chief Technology Officer, Technology Services collaborates with the broader engineering team to ensure that the services provided remain at the cutting edge of industry standards. Through strategic oversight of technical service delivery, Cioni enhances the value proposition for clients seeking specialized expertise, ensuring that every project achieves its intended business outcomes.
    Paul Cioni

    Khaled Elfakharany - Chief Technology Officer, Cantervr

    Khaled Elfakharany, the Chief Technology Officer, Cantervr at Toptal, directs the technical innovation and product development for the Cantervr initiative. Overseeing the research and implementation of emerging technologies, the Chief Technology Officer, Cantervr ensures that the company remains at the forefront of digital transformation. This leadership role involves exploring new frontiers in software development to expand the capabilities of the existing marketplace. By fostering a culture of experimentation, Khaled Elfakharany drives the creation of novel tools that enhance the talent matching process. The Chief Technology Officer, Cantervr collaborates with cross-functional teams to integrate these innovations into the core platform. Through focused technical leadership, Elfakharany ensures that the company continues to provide unique solutions that address the evolving needs of clients, thereby maintaining a competitive edge in the rapidly changing technology landscape.

    Michelle Labbe - Chief People Officer

    Michelle Labbe, the Chief People Officer at Toptal, directs the human resources strategy and talent management initiatives for the organization. Overseeing the recruitment, retention, and development of the internal workforce, the Chief People Officer ensures that the company maintains a high-performance culture. This leadership role involves designing programs that foster professional growth and employee engagement across the global team. By implementing policies that support diversity and inclusion, Michelle Labbe drives the organizational health necessary to sustain the company's rapid growth. The Chief People Officer collaborates with the executive team to align human capital strategies with the overall business mission. Through proactive management of the employee experience, Labbe ensures that the organization attracts and retains the best talent, which is essential for supporting the company's commitment to excellence in the freelance marketplace.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Toptal Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Toptal?
    Toptal is led by James May (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Zenel Rrushi (Chief Executive Officer & Co-Founder) and Carlos Aguirre (Chief Financial Officer).
    Who is part of Toptal’s executive team?
    The executive team of Toptal includes leaders such as James May (Chief Executive Officer), Zenel Rrushi (Chief Executive Officer & Co-Founder), Carlos Aguirre (Chief Financial Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Toptal have?
    Toptal has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Toptal’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Toptal includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Executive Officer & Co-Founder, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Fractional, Fractional For Toptal Clients Chief Operating Officer & Chief Financial Officer.