J.S. Held Announces Leadership Transition with New CEO Appointment

Transition of Leadership at J.S. Held

On March 18, 2025, J.S. Held, a global consulting powerhouse, made headlines by announcing a significant shift within its leadership. Jonathon (Jon) Held, who has been at the helm of the company as CEO since 1985, is set to retire from his position as Chief Executive Officer. This is a notable event considering Jon's instrumental role in steering the company from a small regional entity into a renowned international consulting firm, boasting a workforce of over 1,500 professionals across six continents.

In light of this planned succession, Lee Spirer, who is currently serving as the President and Chief Operating Officer (COO), will take over as the new CEO of the company. Jon Held, upon stepping down, will transition to the role of Executive Chairman of the Board, indicating his continued involvement with the firm’s strategic direction.

Lee Spirer is not new to leadership; he is recognized for his transformative leadership style and has a proven track record of creating value through innovative service development. Over the course of his 30-year career, he has distinguished himself with a strategic vision that aligns closely with executing plans while enhancing team performance and utilizing technology effectively. Jon Held believes that Spirer’s vast experience and results-driven mindset make him the ideal candidate to lead J.S. Held into its next chapter of growth.

The formal transition is set to take place at the start of the second quarter of 2025, marking a new era for J.S. Held as it approaches its sixth decade of serving clients. Jon Held expressed his commitment to continue providing strategic guidance and client engagement, particularly in the insurance sector, ensuring that the company maintains its reputation as a trusted advisor.

Jon’s retirement plan comes after decades of steering J.S. Held towards success, and his new role will allow him to focus on strategic initiatives and bolster client relationships further. In his comments on the transition, Lee Spirer acknowledged Jon Held's pivotal role in establishing a strong market presence and conveyed his eagerness to build upon the firm’s foundation.

J.S. Held is well-known for providing expert consulting services that combine technical, scientific, financial, and strategic expertise for organizations facing significant challenges. The firm's approach is rooted in creating value and minimizing risks for its clients, which include 81% of the top 200 law firms globally and a significant proportion of Fortune 100 companies.

As Lee Spirer prepares to take the reins, he is poised to lead J.S. Held towards innovation and operational excellence, maintaining the company's commitment to quality and client service. Under his leadership, the firm is expected to explore new avenues for growth and capitalize on emerging opportunities to benefit clients and investors alike.

In summary, this leadership transition at J.S. Held exemplifies a strategic move to ensure continued growth and excellence in meeting client needs. The company looks forward to expanding its legacy of service-driven consulting, driven by talented professionals dedicated to navigating complex, high-stakes situations.

With Jon Held poised to offer strategic oversight as Executive Chairman, and Lee Spirer stepping into the role of CEO, the future appears bright for J.S. Held as it embarks on its next phase of evolution within the consulting landscape. The commitment to serving clients and fostering professional growth among its team remains at the core of the company’s mission.