Neil Smith and Amy Bjarnason will jointly lead the firm as Co-Founder & CEO Erik Linn continues focus on strategic initiatives
MCLEAN, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--CrossCountry Consulting, a leading business advisory and technology solutions firm, today announced the elevation of its current Co-Presidents, Neil Smith and Amy Bjarnason, to the roles of Co-Chief Executive Officers, effective June 15, 2026. This planned leadership evolution builds on the firm's significant momentum and positions it for the next stage of growth. Co-Founder and CEO Erik Linn will transition to an Executive Chairman role where he will focus on the firm’s strategy, partner recruiting, and M&A activity.
This move formalizes an already effective partnership between Smith and Bjarnason, aligning CrossCountry's leadership structure with its ambitious growth trajectory and increasing client demand. As Co-CEOs, Smith and Bjarnason will jointly drive firm-wide strategy and key decisions, including the continued advancement of CrossCountry’s AI strategy, with Smith focusing on the advisory practice and Bjarnason also overseeing operations.
"Elevating Neil and Amy to Co-CEOs is a natural progression that recognizes their outstanding leadership and collaborative dynamic," said Linn. "This structure allows us to capitalize on their complementary skillsets and diverse perspectives, leading to sharper decision-making."
In his Executive Chairman capacity, Linn will dedicate his efforts to the long-term strategic positioning of the firm. His focus on attracting top-tier partner talent, pursuing strategic acquisitions, and enhancing market presence will ensure CrossCountry remains at the forefront of the industry.
In addition to his expanded scope, Smith is responsible for managing the teams that develop and deliver advisory services and technology solutions to CrossCountry’s clients. With over 25 years of experience assisting clients with optimizing operations, finance, and accounting functions as well as leading organizations through complex change initiatives, Smith continues to serve as an advisor to executive-level clients at Fortune 500 and emerging growth organizations across industries. Prior to joining CrossCountry in 2011, he held consulting roles at several firms, including Arthur Andersen, Capital Advisory Services, and BearingPoint.
With over 30 years of experience in consulting, operations, and finance, Bjarnason oversees all people and business operation functions. Since joining the firm in 2011 as Chief Operating Officer, she has been a driving force behind building the firm’s business platform and fostering a people-first culture. Prior to joining CrossCountry, Bjarnason served in operational leadership positions at Navigant, EY, and Arthur Andersen.
Learn more about CrossCountry Consulting.
CrossCountry Consulting is a leading provider of specialized advisory and technology solutions across finance, accounting, risk, and operations. As a trusted advisor to Fortune 500 companies, emerging growth market leaders, and private equity sponsors, the firm combines expertise and ingenuity with the power of data, AI, and leading technologies to deliver innovative solutions that address complex business challenges, maximize transaction value, and drive human-centered transformation. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., with employees across the United States and in strategic international locations, CrossCountry is committed to delivering a better experience for its clients, people, and communities. For more information, visit www.crosscountry-consulting.com.
Contacts
Media Contact:
Lea Gilliam
lgilliam@CrossCountry-Consulting.com
