Quick Read
- YA Group, a Nashville-based consulting and forensic engineering firm, appoints four new executives to its leadership team.
- Kristin Winford is named Chief Operating Officer, Greg Rumsey as Chief Financial Officer, Justin Petzold as General Counsel, and Ravi Mehta as Head of Corporate Development and M&A.
- The appointments follow YA Group’s acquisition by THL Partners in 2024.
- The new executives bring extensive experience in operations, finance, legal affairs, and M&A from major firms.
- YA Group aims to leverage these hires for accelerated growth and cross-functional collaboration.
YA Group Expands Executive Team Amidst Growth and Strategic Ambitions
In the ever-evolving world of consulting and forensic engineering, leadership isn’t just a matter of steering the ship—it’s about charting new courses. YA Group, a Nashville-based firm with nearly three decades of industry presence, has signaled its intent to accelerate growth and innovation by welcoming four new executives into its top ranks. The move comes on the heels of its acquisition by private equity powerhouse THL Partners in 2024, marking a pivotal moment in the company’s trajectory.
Meet the New Faces: Deep Expertise Driving YA’s Future
Kristin Winford, stepping in as the company’s first Chief Operating Officer, brings more than twenty years of experience in professional services and strategic transformation. Based in Austin, Winford’s mission is clear: strengthen YA’s organizational operations and guide its scaling process, supporting both organic development and acquisitions. Her background at Accordion and BDO USA offers a blend of operational rigor and adaptability—qualities essential for a firm navigating the complexities of growth in the consulting sector.
Greg Rumsey, the newly appointed Chief Financial Officer, operates out of Philadelphia. With over two decades in finance, thirteen of which have been spent within professional services, Rumsey’s expertise spans financial planning, risk management, and compliance. His tenure at sustainability consultancy ERM and earlier roles at Bridgeforce and the International Literacy Association have equipped him to manage YA’s financial health during a period of expansion and increased regulatory demands.
Legal stewardship at YA Group now falls to Justin Petzold, General Counsel based in Los Angeles. With fifteen years of legal experience—most notably in private equity mergers and acquisitions—Petzold’s portfolio includes high-stakes roles at InvestCloud, Newmark Grubb Knight Frank, and the prestigious law firm Kirkland & Ellis. His expertise will be pivotal as YA Group continues to pursue strategic deals and navigates complex corporate transactions.
Ravi Mehta, Head of Corporate Development and M&A, rounds out the new leadership team from New York. Mehta’s twenty-plus years of experience in growth strategy and M&A, particularly within insurance broking and HR consulting, positions him to spearhead YA’s acquisition and expansion efforts. His track record at Gallagher, Buck, and Marsh McLennan signals a leader well-versed in the art of negotiating and executing strategic deals.
Growth Underpinned by Strategic Leadership
YA Group’s expansion of its executive team is more than a reshuffling—it’s a statement. The company, founded in 1997 and now boasting a staff of around 600 professionals, serves a wide spectrum of clients in insurance, public, and private sectors. Its practice areas range from construction consulting and forensic engineering to accident reconstruction, environmental services, and forensic animation. As CEO Wade Bushman puts it, “The expansion of our executive leadership team marks an important milestone in YA’s growth journey. Kristin, Greg, Justin, and Ravi bring deep expertise and leadership experience that will strengthen our foundation and accelerate our progress. It is an exciting time for YA as we look to a strong future driven by continued acquisitions, organic growth, and cross-functional collaboration.”
Such targeted appointments reflect a broader industry trend: consulting firms are increasingly seeking leaders who can bridge operational efficiency with strategic vision, especially as private equity involvement brings fresh pressures and opportunities. The combined backgrounds of Winford, Rumsey, Petzold, and Mehta underscore YA’s commitment to not just keeping pace with change, but shaping it.
Private Equity Backing Fuels Ambition
YA Group’s acquisition by THL Partners in 2024 set the stage for this latest leadership overhaul. Private equity ownership often brings both capital and expectations of rapid growth, demanding agile, experienced executives who can deliver results. For YA, the infusion of new leadership is designed to capitalize on this momentum, positioning the firm to expand its footprint through both organic initiatives and strategic mergers and acquisitions.
Each leader’s career trajectory—spanning financial consulting, operational excellence, legal oversight, and corporate development—mirrors the multifaceted challenges facing modern consulting firms. In an environment where regulatory scrutiny, technological innovation, and cross-sector demands are the norm, YA Group’s investment in leadership may prove decisive in maintaining its competitive edge.
What’s Next for YA Group?
The appointments of Winford, Rumsey, Petzold, and Mehta signal a new chapter for YA Group, one defined by ambition and adaptability. As the firm continues to serve clients in construction, insurance, and the public sector, its expanded executive team will be tasked with translating vision into action. With a legacy of forensic expertise and consulting acumen, YA Group now faces the challenge—and opportunity—of scaling its operations while maintaining the high standards that have defined its brand.
For industry observers, the moves at YA Group offer a snapshot of the shifting landscape in consulting and engineering, where leadership is increasingly recognized as the key lever for sustainable growth. As the firm sets its sights on further acquisitions and internal development, the success of its new executive team will be watched closely—not just by clients and investors, but by competitors looking to replicate its strategy.
YA Group’s strategic expansion of its executive team—backed by private equity investment and grounded in deep industry expertise—represents a deliberate push to harness growth opportunities while reinforcing operational strength. In a sector marked by rapid change and rising expectations, this leadership overhaul may well define YA Group’s trajectory in the years ahead.