Global architecture practice HOK has appointed Eli Hoisington and Susan Klumpp Williams as the firm’s new co-chief executive officers.
The duo, who succeed Bill Hellmuth who passed away on April 6 shortly after his scheduled retirement, are respectively the youngest and first female CEOs in HOK’s 68-year history.
Hoisington and Klumpp Williams have served as interim co-CEOs of the firm since Hellmuth went on medical leave in May 2022 and will work with the board to steer HOK’s design vision, business strategy and operations.
HOK president Carl Galioto said: “Combining Eli’s design expertise and Susan’s business acumen in this new co-CEO leadership structure will drive HOK’s evolution as a more diverse, collaborative and international design firm.”
Hoisington added: “Design remains our core focus, shaping everything from project opportunities and business organisation to innovation, research, education, mentorship and community engagement. Above all, we will continue using design to improve lives, heal the planet and contribute to the success of our clients.”
Klumpp Williams said: “Having collaborated with Bill in DC for 32 years, I understand how he maintained our founders’ vision for a diverse, design-focused practice. Eli and I will work in a similar manner, with him concentrating on design and me continuing my focus on operations.
“This is an opportunity to underscore the power of diverse leadership. It also demonstrates HOK’s dedication to fostering diversity and inclusion across the firm. I’m eager to contribute to this ongoing transformation and further HOK’s commitment to ensuring that all our staff have equitable experiences in their career growth.”
