Global architecture practice HOK has appointed Eli Hoisington and Susan Klumpp Williams as its new co-CEOs, succeeding Bill Hellmuth who passed away on 6 April, shortly after his scheduled retirement.
Hoisington and Klumpp Williams, who have served as interim co-CEOs since Hellmuth went on medical leave in May 2022, bring a fresh yet familiar perspective to HOK’s leadership.
They have previously led two of the firm’s largest offices and are longstanding executive committee members.
Hoisington, the design principal in St. Louis, and Klumpp Williams, the managing principal in Washington, DC, have collaborated closely with Hellmuth in the past. They will work with HOK’s board to steer the firm’s design vision, business strategy and operations.
HOK President Carl Galioto said: 'Combining Eli’s design expertise and Susan’s business acumen in this new co-CEO leadership structure will drive HOK’s evolution as a more diverse, collaborative and international design firm.'
Hellmuth’s legacy spans 32 years with HOK, having served as CEO since 2016 and chairman since 2017.
His tenure saw HOK win hundreds of design awards, strengthen its commitment to sustainable and regenerative design, open three new offices, diversify its leadership, and increase its pro-bono work and charitable giving.
Under Hellmuth’s guidance, HOK earned recognition as one of Time Magazine’s most influential companies and consistently ranked among the world’s largest and greenest architecture/engineering firms.
Hoisington, 46, and Klumpp Williams, now in her 38th year with the firm, break new ground as the youngest and first woman CEOs in HOK’s 68-year history. They bring complementary skill sets and extensive experience to their new roles.
Said Hoisington: 'Design remains our core focus, shaping everything from project opportunities and business organization to innovation, research, education, mentorship and community engagement.
'Above all, we will continue using design to improve lives, heal the planet and contribute to the success of our clients.'
Added Klumpp Williams: 'Having collaborated with Bill in DC for 32 years, I understand how he maintained our founders’ vision for a diverse, design-focused practice. Eli and I will work in a similar manner, with him concentrating on design and me continuing my focus on operations.'
As the first woman CEO in HOK’s history, Klumpp Williams acknowledged the significance of her role: 'This is an opportunity to underscore the power of diverse leadership. It also demonstrates HOK’s dedication to fostering diversity and inclusion across the firm.
'I’m eager to contribute to this ongoing transformation and further HOK’s commitment to ensuring that all our staff have equitable experiences in their career growth.'
Hoisington serves as design principal in St. Louis and is a member of HOK’s executive committee and board of directors. He also leads the firm’s global design board.
Klumpp Williams is the managing principal of HOK’s offices in Washington, DC, Atlanta, Tampa and Miami.
