At Protiviti, leadership is more than a title, it’s a mindset rooted in collaboration, innovation, and purpose. We’re proud to spotlight four accomplished executives who recently joined our firm at the Director and Managing Director levels. With deep expertise across Technology Consulting, Digital, and Business Performance Improvement, these leaders are already making a meaningful impact on our clients and teams.
As they’ve settled into their roles, we asked each leader to reflect on what drew them to Protiviti, what has impressed them most since joining, how collaboration works at the senior level, and what advice they’d offer to other executives considering a career here.
Why Protiviti Stands Out as a Place to Lead
When asked what made Protiviti stand out as a place to lead, Greg Hunter, a Director within the Digital Marketing Agency practice, emphasized the people and culture that make Protiviti truly unique. He shared, “The people and the culture, without a doubt, set Protiviti apart. Having worked at numerous global companies and agencies that pride themselves on their culture, none have truly compared to what I’ve experienced here. During the interview process, I was genuinely impressed by the caliber of individuals I met—their passion for the business, the importance they place on company values, the absence of egos, and the sincere kindness and openness they extended to me. Initially, I questioned whether the culture was as authentic as described, or if it was merely lip service. However, everything I’ve encountered since joining has not only validated those claims but surpassed my expectations. Protiviti is indeed a very special place.”
Anurag Sharma, a Managing Director within our Business Performance Improvement Finance practice, highlighted Protiviti’s commitment to work-life balance and innovation, particularly in Financial Services. He said, “Protiviti stood out to me as a place to lead in Financial Services, especially in New York, because of its strong commitment to work-life balance and a collaborative culture that empowers high-impact leadership. The firm’s openness to innovation particularly in AI, regulatory transformation, and data orchestration creates a unique platform to drive meaningful change for clients navigating complex financial landscapes.”
First Impressions: What Has Surprised or Impressed You Most?
Joining a new organization often brings unexpected surprises, and for these leaders, Protiviti’s culture and innovative approach exceeded their expectations. Innovation stood out to Melissa Desjardins, a Director within the Technology Consulting Risk & Resilience practice. She remarked, “I have been most impressed with the innovation and forward-thinking of the executive team. Since I have joined, I have seen the implementation of several creative tools and programs, including the rollout of ProGPT (our internal AI tool) as well as the C-Suite Solution program through which we deliver exceptional solutions and services to C-Suite executives. A great part about the Protiviti executive team is that they are always willing to listen to new ideas and think of ways to incorporate them into our business.”
Matt Richards, a Managing Director within the Technology Consulting, Business Platform Transformation practice, shared his thoughts on how collaboration happens naturally at Protiviti. “What has surprised me the most since joining is how much opportunity generation happens organically. I’ve been incredibly impressed by the way each leader actively shares leads and potential client opportunities. There’s a remarkable culture of collaboration, with a lot of sharing across accounts, deals, and opportunities.”
Anurag Sharma echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the inclusivity and accessibility of Protiviti’s leadership. He added, “What truly surprised/impressed me is the flat hierarchy and humility embedded in the culture: we don’t use titles on visiting cards, and everyone from the CEO to junior staff is accessible and engaged. This openness fosters a uniquely inclusive, high-performing environment.”
Senior-Level Collaboration at Protiviti
Collaboration is a cornerstone of Protiviti, and our leaders highlighted how this value is reflected at the executive level. Matt Richards elaborated on the supportive and people-focused environment, saying, “Protiviti functions like a family, where leaders genuinely care about their teams and prioritize understanding the individual and what matters to them. This focus on who people are, rather than just what they can do, fosters strong bonds, stability, and a supportive culture.”
Advice for Executives Considering Protiviti
Greg Hunter encouraged prospective candidates to embrace the opportunity to make a lasting impact, saying, “Working at Protiviti offers a unique opportunity to make a significant and lasting impact. You’ll collaborate with intelligent, passionate, and kind colleagues who genuinely care about our clients and are dedicated to delivering exceptional results and a world-class client experience. This supportive and inspiring environment is why so many choose to stay, and I only wish I had discovered Protiviti earlier in my career.”
Melissa Desjardins emphasized the diverse opportunities Protiviti offers beyond traditional roles, sharing, “At Protiviti, you’ll have an opportunity to apply your experience and knowledge while also getting involved in new areas and opportunities that will invigorate you! As an example, here at Protiviti, I have had opportunities to participate in our industry thought leadership initiatives – from speaking at conferences to participating in podcasts. These have been new and exciting ways for me to get involved with our clients, above and beyond the areas that I had anticipated when I first joined the company.”
A Destination for Leadership
These leaders have joined Protiviti during a pivotal time of growth and transformation, and their experiences reflect what makes our culture truly distinctive. From authentic collaboration and inclusive leadership to a spirit of innovation and curiosity, Protiviti offers a place where executives can thrive not just as professionals, but as people. Their stories serve as a powerful reminder that leadership here is about more than delivering results; it’s about shaping the future together. We’re excited to see the impact these leaders will continue to make—and we welcome others who are ready to lead with purpose to explore what Protiviti has to offer.
