J.S. Held Announces CEO Transition as Jon Held Steps Down in 2025
Transition in Leadership at J.S. Held
J.S. Held, a prominent global consulting firm, is making significant changes in its leadership. Jonathon (Jon) Held, who has served as the CEO since 1985, has announced his intention to step down. Lee Spirer, currently the President and Chief Operating Officer (COO), will succeed him as President and CEO. This transition is part of a well-planned succession strategy and is set to take effect at the beginning of the second quarter of 2025.
In his new role as Chairman of the Board, Jon Held will continue to provide strategic guidance and will assist in advisory roles, particularly in dispute resolution consulting within the insurance sector. Under his leadership, J.S. Held has transformed from a small regional firm into a recognized global consulting powerhouse with over 1,500 professionals operating on six continents.
Steve Dutton from Kelso & Company, J.S. Held’s private equity partner, expressed confidence in the transition, noting the collaborative effort with Jon and the executive team in bringing Lee Spirer on board. He stated, “Lee Spirer's extensive experience and proven ability to drive a strategy focused on financial results and operational excellence makes him the ideal leader to guide our team through this next phase of growth.”
Jon Held expressed enthusiasm about the leadership change, saying, “As we enter our sixth decade of service to our clients, I am excited for this new growth period for J.S. Held. I look forward to working with Lee and further developing our mission and vision to support our stakeholders, including our team members, clients, and investors.”
Lee Spirer is anticipated to bring transformational leadership to J.S. Held, focusing on creating value for investors and developing innovative, impactful services for clients. His 30-year career has been marked by a strategic acumen that enhances the execution of plans, team development, innovation, and technology utilization. Spirer has successfully balanced organic and acquisition-driven growth strategies while enhancing operational performance.
Throughout its 50 years, J.S. Held has strived to serve as a trusted advisor for organizations worldwide and to support the ongoing professional growth of its people. Jon Held reiterated this commitment, emphasizing the significance of the leadership change for the firm’s dedication to clients and its 1,500 scientific, technical, financial, and risk experts globally.
In reflecting on his new role, Lee Spirer stated, “Jon has led this company into an enviable position within its core markets. I feel lucky to build upon this foundation and further develop J.S. Held for the future, backed by a talented team.”
About J.S. Held
J.S. Held is a global consulting firm combining technical, scientific, financial, and strategic expertise to advise clients seeking to realize value and mitigate risks. The firm acts as a trusted advisor for organizations grappling with high-stakes matters requiring urgent attention, unwavering integrity, proven expertise, and insightful analyses. With over 1,500 professionals servicing top organizations on six continents, J.S. Held remains dedicated to guiding its clients through complex and often catastrophic situations, providing a comprehensive suite of services, products, and data.
As a non-certified public accounting firm, J.S. Held does not offer audit, attest, or other public accounting services, nor does it provide legal counsel. Their offerings are delivered through PM Securities, LLC and Ocean Tomo Investment Group, LLC, both members of FINRA/SIPC. All rights reserved.