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Growth Operators® Announces Molly Hiller as New CEO

In a pivotal development for the middle-market advisory landscape, Growth Operators® has named its Co-Founder Molly Hiller as Chief Executive Officer (CEO). This announcement reflects not only a strategic leadership transition but also a broader vision for the firm that she co-founded in 2010 alongside former CEO Rick Nordvold. Under Hiller’s leadership, Growth Operators is poised to enter an exciting new chapter, expanding its services and reinforcing its commitment to clients amid evolving market needs.

During her tenure, Molly Hiller has been a cornerstone of Growth Operators, contributing over 16 years of dedicated service that has seen her take on various pivotal roles, including President, CFO, and COO. Her elevation to CEO is a formal acknowledgment of her contributions, especially in the last two years, during which she has shaped the operational strategy of the firm. As Executive Chairman, Nordvold will support Hiller while focusing on his role with North Partners™, a private investment partnership he co-founded with Hiller.

In today's fast-paced business environment, Growth Operators is actively broadening its service capabilities. Recently, the firm has invested in enhancing its offerings across Strategy Execution, Talent Intelligence, and Decision Intelligence within AI. These initiatives are focused on delivering a robust value creation agenda that aligns structure and talent with growth strategies, modernizing performance platforms, and facilitating quicker, data-driven decision-making.

Hiller expressed her enthusiasm about her new role, stating, "From the start, we have cultivated Growth Operators with an incredibly talented team. I am proud of our collective achievements and look forward to the opportunities that lie ahead. We will build on our strong foundation to expand our capabilities and continue to support our clients’ evolving needs."

Molly Hiller is also making history as Growth Operators’ first female CEO. This milestone is particularly significant as the firm marks its sixth consecutive year on the Inc. 5000 list of the fastest-growing private firms in the U.S., a testament to the company’s substantial growth achievements, which showcased a 51% increase in revenue over three years.

Moreover, the firm has garnered recognition with its third consecutive Minnesota Top Workplace honor from the Minnesota Star Tribune, complemented by a 2026 Top Workplaces Culture Excellence Award. These accolades reflect the positive workplace environment that Hiller and Nordvold have fostered and are indicative of the firm's growth trajectory.

Before her pivotal role at Growth Operators, Molly Hiller began her career at Arthur Andersen, held significant financial management positions at Target, and even ventured into entrepreneurship by successfully founding and leading her own business. She holds an undergraduate degree in accounting from the Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota, showcasing her foundational expertise in finance and management.

As Growth Operators embraces this new leadership structure, there is an emphasis on scaling operations, minimizing risks, and adapting to market complexities. Hiller's vision includes continued partnerships with private equity firms and enhancing operational capacities through a team known as Growth Pros—experienced executives committed to providing hands-on solutions tailored to complex business challenges.

With insights from Rick Nordvold, who commended Hiller’s leadership, it is clear that Growth Operators is set for long-term success. "Molly is a natural leader; I have witnessed her impact since our inception. Her commitment to our team and clients has been central to our achievements," Nordvold remarked.

As the firm forges ahead, it continues to explore innovative strategies and work alongside clients in navigating an increasingly dynamic operational landscape. The combination of Hiller’s leadership and the ongoing dedication to service excellence positions Growth Operators for a thriving future, reinforcing its role as a trusted partner in the advisory space.

For more information on this exciting transition and Growth Operators’ evolving capabilities, please visit growthoperators.com.