Across North Texas, companies are promoting and hiring people to take on leadership positions within their organizations.

Dallas Innovates covers prominent personnel moves in Dallas-Fort Worth businesses and nonprofits—from the newest startups to well-established companies. Here are the people moves tied to innovation and technology in the region.

Don’t miss a move: Get Dallas Innovates Every Day. Have a move? Let us know.

Jacobs brings on new leadership for its People and Places Solutions

Ken Gilmartin

Dallas-based engineering firm Jacobs announced that Ken Gilmartin and Patrick Hill have been given new leadership roles for its People & Places Solutions (P&PS) business.

Per Jacobs, P&PS “delivers client solutions that include facilities delivering life-saving therapies, ensuring clean water, enabling the connection of people through all modes of transportation and access to technology, and integrating a multitude of these solution elements in the “smart” environments of tomorrow.”

Gilmartin and Hill will both be promoted to executive vice president of P&PS, jointly leading the division together.

Patrick Hill

Jacobs said that Gilmartin will be responsible for the Americas, Federal and Environmental Solutions, and global Advanced Facilities businesses, and Hill for Europe, Middle East, Africa, Asia, Australia and New Zealand.

Gilmartin is based in Philadelphia and Hill in London. The move means both will join Jacobs’ executive leadership team.

“P&PS’ strategy of global, market and digital connectivity has been critical to the continued success of the business,” Jacobs President and Chief Operating Officer Bob Pragada said in a statement. “Leveraging our expertise across geographic and market boundaries will continue to be a driver, and together, Patrick and Ken will lead P&PS in driving a seamless line of business strategy to deliver superior results and continued world class industry and market leadership.”

Toyota Motor North America announces two executive moves

Toyota Motor North America says it’s committed to “advancing sustainable, next-generation mobility” through its Toyota and Lexus brands. The two executive moves of Cheryl Hughes and Craig Grucza are expected to help drive the Plano-headquartered company’s vision toward becoming a mobility company.

Hughes was formerly the group vice president and chief HR officer and has now become group vice president, business revolution and transformation. Hughes is expected to reshape Toyota’s business, culture, and workforce by paving the way for new initiatives in the company through this newly created position.

Grucza has become Toyota’s new chief HR officer, after serving as the former group vice president, corporate shared services, HR, according to a statement. Grucza will be in charge of Toyota’s HR function in addition to overseeing corporate shared services. Grucza’s work with Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky has enabled him to lead an array of groups such as team member relations, compensation, staffing and recruiting, and talent development programs.

You can read more about the two executives here.

PLH Group Inc. appoints a new CEO

Peter Sandore

The Board of Directors at Irving-based PLH Group have named Peter J. Sandore as the company’s new chief executive officer, effective immediately.

In his new role, Sandore will lead day-to-day operations of the power line construction and pipeline construction company. He will also join the Board.

Sandore has held several executive and operational leadership positions and strategic roles in advising companies. Previously, he was CEO and later Chairman of the Board at Sabre Industries.

PLH Group said he is a construction services industry veteran and the “right leader” to take the company to the next level.

“As a proven and respected leader with broad industrials sector expertise, Peter has demonstrated a track record of driving operational success and profitability for public and private companies,” Michael Caliel, PLH Group’s chairman of the Board, said in a statement. “Peter’s authentic and results-oriented leadership style matches our organization and we believe this will accelerate business improvements and performance.”

PHP Agency Inc. names a senior field leader to chief distribution officer

Matthew Sapaula

PHP Agency Inc. has appointed Matthew Sapaula to chief distribution officer, representing a “major milestone” in the national financial services organization’s history.

Sapaula is the first senior field leader to transition to an executive role at Addison-based PHP. 

In his role as CDO, Sapaula will be responsible for driving PHP’s future agent and revenue growth, while at the same time developing top field leaders. PHP said his unique perspective and personal industry knowledge will assist its executive team in developing strategies to enhance product distribution and agent experience.

He is also a decorated member of the United States Marine Corps and has two decades of experience in insurance.

“As a Filipino, I know that most multi-cultural people don’t have much of a shot to get ahead without learning about money and business,” Sapaula said in a statement. “Large-scale companies don’t teach that, but we have offices across the country with entrepreneurial opportunities and world-class agents excited to educate and lead the next wave of PHP entrepreneurs.”

Abeo promotes a CFO

Rob Sutton

Dallas-based abeo, a provider of physician-focused billing and practice management solutions, has made Rob Sutton its official executive vice president and chief financial officer.

Sutton was previously serving as interim CFO and VP of Finance and Accounting, in which he led abeo’s COVID-19 business continuity plan. In his new role, he will oversee abeo’s strategic and tactical financial functions, while being a partner for the CEO and leadership team and an ambassador to investors. 

Sutton brings more than three decades of experience in finance, accounting, consulting and leadership to the position. He’s had leadership stints at Anthelio Healthcare Solutions, Sizmek, and Intervoice.

“We are incredibly fortunate to have such a talented financial leader on board and honored to have Rob become a permanent member of our executive leadership team,” CEO Michael O’Boyle said in a statement. “Rob has played a major role in allowing us to manage the ebbs and flows of a tumultuous market over the last few months, and has provided proactive operational expertise. He has been a strong team player and a trustworthy partner, and he will continue to strengthen our business for years to come.”

KPMG’s Dallas office names its first-ever female managing partner

Kim Kesler

Accounting giant KPMG has made Kim Kesler the next managing partner of its Dallas practice, per the Dallas Morning News. She’s the first female to hold that title in KPMG’s 105-year history.

Kesler is taking over for Manny Fernandez, who has held the position since 2009. At 58 years old, Fernandez is nearing KPMG’s mandatory retirement age, according to the DMN.

Kesler began her career at KPMG in 2002. She has previously served as a lead for the firm’s women’s leadership summit, executive leadership institute for women, and executive women’s breakfast at its global energy conference.

“I look forward to working with our tremendous team … to help our clients adapt and thrive in today’s ever-changing environment, whether driven by economic forces, changing customer patterns, disruptive technologies or the rapidly-evolving regulatory environment,” Kesler told the DMN. “My parents raised me to believe that girls can do anything … and not to sell ourselves short.”

Haynes and Boone names its next managing partner

Taylor Wilson

Taylor Wilson, currently a partner and co-chair of Haynes and Boone’s Investment Management Practice Group, has been named the firm’s next managing partner, effective Jan. 1, 2021.

Wilson succeeds Tim Powers and will be the fourth managing partner in Haynes and Boone’s 50-year history. Powers, who faces the firm partnership’s age restrictions, will remain as managing partner through 2020.

Wilson’s entire 30-year legal career has been at Haynes and Boone. He has served in numerous leadership roles: on the Board of Directors, Executive Committee, Chair of the Partner Compensation Committee, the firm’s hiring partner, and founding chair of its Alumni Committee.

Per Haynes and Boone, he also played a major role in building the Investment Management Practice Group and creating the firm’s 2025 Plan, which lays out an ambitious vision for growth into new markets and practice areas.

“I look forward to working closely with Tim to ensure a seamless transition,” Wilson said in a statement. “He has served as a role model for how a managing partner can work collaboratively with our lawyers and clients to unify around a common vision of a firm that values teamwork and client service above individual acclaim. I am also honored to have been selected for this role at such a promising time for Haynes and Boone, which has grown steadily throughout its 50-year history and is poised for continued expansion.” 

Tailwater Capital adds an entrepreneur-in-residence role

Dallas-based private equity firm Tailwater Capital LLC has appointed Paul Lee to the newly created role of entrepreneur-in-residence, effective immediately.

In his new position, Lee will focus on cultivating and evaluating investment opportunities across the operated upstream sector. He brings more than two decades of experience in the upstream energy sector to Tailwater, having most recently served as VP at Rees-Jones Holdings in Dallas. 

He also formerly co-founded and served as CFO at Venado Oil and Gas, as well as VP of Worldwide Business Development at Pioneer Natural Resources.

“We are pleased to welcome Paul to the Tailwater team and are confident that his extensive sector experience and deep industry relationships will be immediately impactful in developing Tailwater’s operated upstream initiatives,” Edward Herring, Tailwater’s co-founder and managing partner, said in a statement. “Having a dedicated firm resource of Paul’s caliber to help evaluate upstream deals is an important step for our Firm, and amid the current market volatility within the upstream sector, Paul’s addition to our team is timely.”   

Authentix welcomes a new CFO

David B. Brown

Addison-based Authentix, an authentication solutions provider, is adding David B. Brown to its executive team as chief financial officer.

In his new role, Brown will be tasked with integrating the company’s business and finance strategy to further expand its global presence. He will also drive growth into key markets.

Brown brings more than three decades of experience in global finance, treasury, accounting, and taxation to Authentix. The company said his skillset will be valuable during a period of rapid growth.

“David brings a strong track record of driving results-oriented strategies and accelerating growth within global businesses and we are proud to welcome him to the Authentix team.” CEO Kevin McKenna said in a statement. “With David’s appointment, we have a strong management team in place to continue the execution of our strategy to drive revenue growth and continued market expansion.”

Borden Dairy establishes a new board and leadership team

Dallas-headquartered Borden Dairy has finalized an approximately $340 million sale of substantial assets to Capitol Peak Partners and KKR. With that move comes a series of executive changes.

“This transaction allows Borden to be appropriately capitalized with the business intact, including all plants, branches, routes and the Borden brand,” the company said in a statement. “The new Borden entity will continue employment for approximately 3,300 Borden employees and service for Borden customers.”

KKR will become a lender and minority equity investor for the new company, and Capitol Peak will assume majority ownership. The two established a new Board and leadership team, including:

• Gregg Engles as the chairman and CEO of the new Borden entity;
• Pat Ford as the chief financial officer; and
• Pete Schenkel as a Board Member.

Metro Aerospace names a VP of Business Development

Tim Watkins

Dallas-based Metro Aerospace has made Tim Watkins, a former naval officer and graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, its vice president of business development.

Metro specializes in tech that improves performance and decreases carbon emissions associated with aerospace travel.

In his new position, Watkins will drive the adoption of Metro’s Microvane technology across the global defense and commercial aerospace sectors. He will also assist in bringing Metro’s additional drag reducing technologies to market.

In addition to his service at the U.S. Navy, Watkins previously was an entreprise sales executive at Gartner. There, he worked closely with senior leaders in the aerospace and defense, airline, and hospitality industries.

“Tactical dependence on fuel critically ties global fleets to investments in new technologies like Microvanes that optimize fuel utilization,” Tricia D’Cruz, managing director of Metro Aerospace, said in a statement. “As an experienced naval aviator, Tim understands the need for fleets to find ways to use less fuel. He has also previously managed multi-million dollar military sales transactions, making him ideally suited to take Microvanes to the audiences worldwide that will reap the cost and fuel savings they enable.”

RealFoundations promotes Tydeman, a CRE veteran

Clive Tydeman

Dallas-based RealFoundations, global professional services firm that focuses on real estate companies, has made Clive Tydeman its new global head of Accounting and Lease services.

Tydeman is a senior practitioner with more than two decades of experience in accounting transformation. He formerly served as Head of Infrastructure and Operations for Cushman & Wakefield’s EMEA portfolio, and was Head of Operations for CBRE’s UK Asset Services division.

At RealFoundations, Tydeman will lead the delivery of ongoing lease administration and property, corporate, and fund accounting services. The company said he is highly skilled in assessing real estate operating platforms and identifying opportunities to reduce enterprise risk, improve operational efficiency, and enhance productivity.

“Clive’s deep operational experience enhances RealFoundations’ ability to perform ongoing accounting and lease functions on behalf of our clients,” CEO and Co-Founder Chris Shaida said in a statement. “We look forward to Clive continuing to drive efficiency improvements in our managed services and increasing the value delivered to our clients.”

UTD’s Center for BrainHealth adds to its Advisory Board

Roger Gault

At the University of Texas at Dallas’ Center for BrainHealth, Roger Gault and David Jacobs are joining the Advisory Board.

Gault will replace Ka Cotter’s role as advisory board chair and Jacobs will take over for Eric Bennett as vice-chair. The 100-plus member board said the two new appointments are well-suited for their jobs.

Gault is currently president of his own commercial real estate company, Gault Company. He has more than 35 years in the industry, having developed, invested in, or owned properties throughout the U.S.

David Jacobs

“I am honored and proud to serve the Center for BrainHealth and support the much-needed research they are doing to help preserve and restore brain health,” Gault said. “As chair of the advisory board, it is my hope that I can help further their mission and bring more awareness to the many programs and services the Center offers to help empower people of all ages to unlock their brain potential.”

Jacobs is one of the founding partners at E2M Partners, and served as the company’s chief financial officer, chief compliance officer, and member of the investment committee before retiring. He is now an investor, consultant, and business advisor.

“My wife Cher and I have been members of the advisory board of the Center for BrainHealth for 10 years. During that time we have witnessed firsthand the Center’s outstanding scientific research and advancements in education related to the brain,” Jacobs said. “With the opening of the Center’s Brain Performance Institute, BrainHealth has had and will continue to have an incredible opportunity to advance its mission of nurturing and ensuring healthy brains for all people everywhere.”

Two team members at BenefitMall elected to the National Association of Health Underwriters 

Misty Baker

Dallas-based BenefitMall, a provider of next-gen broker services, announced that two members of its team were granted compliance leadership roles within the National Association of Health Underwriters (NAHU).

NAHU is a nonprofit that focuses on the mutual business interests of professionals who sell health insurance services.

“BenefitMall has consistently provided key insights and valuable leadership to our organization,” said Janet Trautwein, executive vice president and chief executive officer for NAHU, in a statement. “We appreciate the company’s commitment to working on our shared goals. We are excited to welcome two of BenefitMall’s team members to these prestigious roles and we look forward to accomplishing great things together.”

Dave Mordo

Misty Baker will join NAHU’s legislative council as a member for 2020-2021, then will transition into the vice-chair role for 2021-2022 and the chair role for 2022-2023. Dave Mordo will be the regional vice president for region two of NAHU.

Baker is currently BenefitMall’s director of compliance and government affairs and Mordo is a compliance specialist.

“Misty and Dave both play a significant role in the compliance division of our company, and we are very pleased to see their value recognized in leadership positions with NAHU,” Bob Love, president of the benefits division for BenefitMall, said in a statement. “With Misty’s industry insights she will be able to provide key recommendations as the healthcare industry enters uncharted territory. Simultaneously, Dave’s vast employee benefits knowledge will continue to help provide critical guidance to the organization.”

Trinity Hunt Partners makes a key promotion

John Martin

Dallas-based Trinity Hunt Partners, a growth-oriented middle market private equity firm, has promoted John Martin to the role of senior associate.

Martin joined Trinity in 2018, and has been a valuable resource for its investments since. Prior to that, he worked for Piper Sandler’s Diversified Industrials & Services Group.

In his new role, Martin will oversee Trinity’s deal execution and portfolio company growth initiatives, the firm said.

“John’s strong technical skills, productivity and investment judgment have made him a valuable asset to Trinity Hunt,” Managing Partner Dan Dross said in a statement. “His promotion is well deserved, and we look forward to his continued growth as a key member of our investment team.”

On the Road Garage expands its team

Cathy Bonner

Social entrepreneur Michelle Corson’s latest endeavor, On the Road Garage, recently opened its first location in Irving and received $3 million in seed funding from The Perot Foundation.

The tech-focused collision and repair center builds on the founder’s On the Road Companies, a family of nonprofits and social enterprises started by Corson that revolve around solving societal and transportation challenges. On the Road Garage employs experienced master collision technicians, estimators, and painters. 

The woman-owned garage is also part of an economic mobility and workforce development initiative to address transportation challenges and underemployment among vulnerable populations including the formerly incarcerated, victims of domestic violence, and other marginalized workers.

As On the Road Garage gains momentum, Cathy Bonner, the former CEO of Service King Collision Repair, joins the team as chief strategy officer. In her new role, Bonner will bring her proven expertise for service delivery and expansion.

Read more about On the Road Garage here.

BOK Financial adds new leaders to its treasury management team

Tammy Foy

BOK Financial’s Dallas office has added three new leaders to its treasury management team across an eight-state footprint.

The promotions are: Tammy Foy to national sales director for treasury services for BOK Financial, Mattson Uihlein to treasury sales manager for Dallas-Fort Worth, and Emiel Hill to director of treasury client implementation for the entire treasury services division within BOK Financial.

Foy and Hill will be responsible for the entire footprint of BOK Financial, which is the parent company of Bank of Texas, and Uihlein will lead efforts for the Dallas and Fort Worth markets.

Mattson Uihlein

Foy joined Bank of Texas in 2013 as the treasury sales manager for Dallas-Fort Worth, but was quickly promoted to BOK Financial’s treasury regional sales manager.

Her new role brings responsibilities in strategic sales and onboarding efforts of the treasury payments and liquidity solutions.

Uihlein joined Bank of Texas in 2010 as part of the Accelerated Career Track (ACT).

Emiel Hill

After completing the rotational development training program for college graduates, he spent six years in the corporate banking group as a credit analyst before becoming a relationship manager. Most recently, he was a treasury sales manager.

Hill joined Bank of Texas in 2012, and according to BOK Financial, has consistently been recognized as a top performer.

He earned the Treasury Hero Award in 2014, was named a Top Partner for the 2016 Commercial Club, was elected committee chairman for the Treasury Thought Leadership Council, and served as an active member of the Diversity & Inclusion Council.

ARCO/Murray names a new partner

Eric Fleps

ARCO/Murray Design Build, a design build general contractor based in Dallas, announced that Eric Fleps has been made a partner and company shareholder.

Fleps joined ARCO/Murray in 2016 as a project manager and is currently the VP of Business Development, in which he oversees daily operations and the development of ARCO/Murray’s self storage business. ARCO/Murray said his leadership has allowed the company to become a leading self storage design builder nationwide.

“I am thrilled to welcome Eric as a partner and shareholder. His hard work, leadership, and dedication to the ARCO/Murray team are invaluable assets. We look forward to his continued success,” Jason McLaughlin, a principal, said in a statement.

CIBT Global’s CEO is named to Ryan’s Board of Managers

Lee A. Spirer

Dallas-based Ryan, a global tax services and software provider, announced that Lee A. Spirer, the president and CEO of CIBT Global, has been named to its Board of Managers.

Spirer will bring a strategic perspective to the 10-member board, according to Ryan. He has experience driving change, digitizing businesses, and creating superior return on investment, having worked with a wide range of investors and boards in professional and data/technology-enabled business services. 

“The extensive experience Lee has in professional and technology business services will strengthen our board and add additional expertise in further digitizing our business,” Ryan Chairman and CEO G. Brint Ryan said in a statement. “We look forward to adding Lee to an exceptional group of leaders with a broad range of experience on our Board of Managers. He provides another qualified voice to help drive the successful execution of Ryan’s global growth strategy.”

Get on the list.
Dallas Innovates, every day.

Sign up to keep your eye on what’s new and next in Dallas-Fort Worth, every day.