NEW YORK, June 17, 2024 – FGS Global (“FGS” or the “Company”), a leading global strategic advisory and communications firm, today announced the appointment of Mark Harris as Global Chief Financial and Operating Officer, effective September 3, 2024.
“With nearly three decades of experience, Mark’s proven track record of success overseeing global finance operations in numerous industries, including professional service organizations, will be instrumental as we continue to build the leading communications advisory firm for the stakeholder economy,” said Alex Geiser, Global CEO of FGS.
Harris is a seasoned financial and operating executive and board member, with significant accomplishments as a senior finance leader at multiple companies across different industries, including at publicly traded companies and in investment management environments. As Global Chief Financial and Operating Officer at FGS, Harris will report directly to Geiser and will oversee all aspects of the finance function and the Global Technology team and enhance the firm’s operations by leading our global operating committee.
“FGS is a unique consultancy that offers clients a strategic communications and advocacy partner that helps leadership teams navigate complexity, and I am excited and honored to be joining the team at this pivotal time,” said Harris. “I look forward to working closely with the executive team, and board to help accelerate financial and operational growth and expansion for the next chapter of the business.”
Harris succeeds Ajay Junnarkar, the Company’s current Global Chief Financial Officer who has held the role since October 2019.
“On behalf of everyone at FGS, I thank Ajay for his valuable contributions to the company,” said Roland Rudd, a founder and Global Co-Chair of FGS. “Ajay made a positive and lasting impact on our business, helping lead FGS through a period of growth and transformation following the combination of Finsbury, The Glover Park Group, Hering Schuppener and Sard Verbinnen – and through the growth investment by KKR in April 2023.”
About Mark Harris
Harris most recently served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at Heidrick & Struggles (Nasdaq: HSII), a premier provider of global leadership advisory and on-demand talent solutions, where he was also a member of their Executive Committee. While at Heidrick & Struggles, he was responsible for the company’s finance and accounting functions, including accounting, financial reporting, business development and strategy, investor relations, risk management, treasury, real estate & events, financial planning and analysis and Information Technology. The company saw exceptional growth during his tenure.
Before that, Harris served as the Chief Financial Officer and Chief Accounting Officer of Hercules Capital (NYSE: HTGC); Senior Managing Director, Head of Asset Management and Chief Financial Officer of Avenue Capital Group’s Asia Pacific platform; and the Corporate Financial Controller of Hutchison Telecommunication International Limited (previously listed on the NYSE). Harris received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, and holds an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. He is an active Certified Public Accountant in California.
About FGS Global
FGS Global is a leading global strategic communications consultancy, with approximately 1,300 professionals around the world, advising clients in navigating complex situations and reputational challenges. FGS Global was formed from the combination of Finsbury, The Glover Park Group, Hering Schuppener and Sard Verbinnen to offer board-level and c-suite counsel in all aspects of strategic communications — including corporate reputation, crisis management, government affairs and is also the leading force in financial communications worldwide. The firm is backed by WPP Plc and KKR & Co. Inc.
FGS Global offers seamless and integrated support with offices in the following locations: Abu Dhabi, Amsterdam, Beijing, Berlin, Boston, Brussels, Calgary, Chicago, Dubai, Dublin, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Hong Kong, Houston, Kingston, London, Los Angeles, Munich, Paris, Riyadh, San Francisco, Shanghai, Singapore, South Florida, Tokyo, Toronto, Vancouver, Washington, D.C., and Zurich. Its headquarters is in New York.
Contacts
Dorothy Burwell +44 7733 294 930