Avionté Announces the Sad Passing of CEO Rishabh Mehrotra; Mike Metzger Takes Over as Interim Leader

Avionté's Leadership Transition After Tragic Loss

Avionté, a prominent figure in the staffing and recruitment software industry, has recently announced the unexpected passing of its Chief Executive Officer, Rishabh Mehrotra. This unfortunate event occurred over the weekend and was met with widespread shock and sadness within the organization and the industry at large. With a commitment to upholding the strong foundation laid by the late CEO, the Board of Directors has swiftly appointed Mike Metzger as the Interim CEO to navigate the company through this challenging period.

In a somber statement, Kevin Frick, Chairman of Avionté's Board, expressed heartfelt condolences to Mehrotra's family and highlighted the magnitude of the loss. He stated, "We are devastated by the unexpected loss of our CEO, Rishabh Mehrotra, who was not only an exceptional business leader but also a cherished friend and colleague." The Board acknowledges the significant contributions Mehrotra made during his time at the helm, particularly since he took over the role in 2020.

Mehrotra, who was 55 at the time of his passing, played a pivotal role in guiding Avionté through a remarkable phase of growth and technological advancement. Under his leadership, the company expanded its offerings and became known for its innovative staffing software that successfully combined both front and back-office functions. His bold decisions, such as the strategic acquisition of WorkN—an industry-leading mobile platform, and SimpleVMS—a top-tier contingent workforce solution—further solidified Avionté's position in the competitive market.

Mike Metzger, now at the helm as Interim CEO, reflected on Mehrotra's impact, noting that he was a transformative figure who infused energy and strategic vision into the company. Metzger emphasized the importance of ensuring continuity for customers and highlighted the strength of Avionté’s experienced leadership team as the company seeks to maintain its momentum. "Our priority during this difficult time is to ensure continuity for our customers, partners, and employees," he stated, reassuring stakeholders of the company’s commitment to its mission.

The company is set to honor Rishabh Mehrotra's legacy during its annual CONNECT user conference from August 4-6, 2025, in Minneapolis. This conference, which has become a hallmark event in the staffing technology sector, will include tributes celebrating Mehrotra's various contributions to both Avionté and the staffing industry overall. John Long, the company's Founder and Co-Chairman, remarked on Mehrotra's pivotal role in establishing CONNECT as a platform for learning, collaboration, and innovation within the community.

In light of these events, the Board of Directors has already launched a comprehensive search for a permanent CEO, ensuring that Avionté continues to uphold its strategic initiatives and vision. Although the future leadership is in a state of transition, the Board remains confident in the capabilities of its current executive team to steer the company through this time of mourning and reflection.

Avionté assures its clients that operations remain uninterrupted, and the company has instituted support resources for employees as they navigate these challenging times. For media inquiries related to this transition, Avionté requests that inquiries be directed to Michelle Meek.

Founded in 2005 and based in Bloomington, Minnesota, Avionté is a leader in enterprise staffing and recruiting software solutions, offering robust technology to a vast array of clients across North America. The focus on technological innovation continues uninterrupted, helping staffing agencies optimize their processes while boosting productivity and profitability. The company remains committed to fulfilling the mission driven by Rishabh Mehrotra's vision for the future of staffing technology, ensuring his legacy endures within the fabric of Avionté's operations.