IRVINE, CA – (FEBRUARY 3, 2026) – McDermott + Bull Interim Leaders (MBIL), a trusted partner for time-sensitive interim leadership needs, is pleased to announce the promotion of three senior leaders whose contributions have been instrumental in the firm’s continued growth and geographic expansion. James Hickey has been promoted to Managing Partner and President, Mark McConnell to Managing Partner, Head of Client Services, and Tamra Solis to Managing Partner, Talent.
“This leadership team has been essential to building the foundation that supports where we are today,” said Rod McDermott, CEO + Co-Founder of McDermott + Bull. “James, Mark, and Tamra bring a strong commitment to our clients, talent, and internal teams, along with a deep alignment to our values. These promotions position us well for continued growth across our existing regions and into new markets, while preserving the culture and standards that define the firm.”
These promotions further strengthen leadership across the broader McDermott + Bull organization. With James Hickey stepping into the role of Managing Partner and President of MBIL, the firm’s interim division joins a leadership team that includes Rod McDermott, CEO + Co-Founder, Brandon Biegenzahn, President of McDermott + Bull U.S., and Paul Gibbons, Managing Partner of McDermott + Bull Canada. Together, they provide unified direction as the firm continues to expand its reach and capabilities.
The announcement comes at a pivotal time for MBIL, as demand for interim leadership continues to rise across industries. “We’re seeing a fundamental shift in how organizations approach leadership transitions,” said James Hickey. “As we enter new regions, we’re finding that companies everywhere need proven leaders who can step in and drive results immediately.”
In recent years, the firm has taken on an increasing number of complex interim placements, driven by organizations seeking proven leaders who can deliver impact during periods of change, transformation, and transition. Mark McConnell noted that client needs have evolved considerably. “The complexity of what our clients are navigating has increased dramatically. They’re not just looking for gap coverage; they need strategic operators who can lead through transformation, and we’re building the infrastructure to serve them across all our markets.”
Across their respective roles, James, Mark, and Tamra have strengthened MBIL’s platform by enhancing client delivery, expanding the interim talent network, and sharpening the firm’s ability to respond to time-sensitive leadership needs. “Building the right talent network is everything, especially as we grow geographically,” said Tamra Solis. “We’re constantly broadening our reach to ensure we have exceptional leaders ready to deploy across all regions when clients need them most.”
Looking ahead, these promotions reflect MBIL’s continued investment in depth, continuity, and long-term organizational strength. With this expanded leadership team in place, MBIL is well positioned to capitalize on growing market opportunities while maintaining the client-focused approach and operational excellence that have defined the firm’s success.
About McDermott + Bull
McDermott + Bull Interim Leaders is a unique, personalized, and urgent service that places performance-focused senior-level executives into consultative roles to manage business challenges and opportunities during a time of transformation. The interim leader talent pool consists of senior-level professionals across a diverse functional spectrum who meet the rigorous qualifications to work on time-sensitive engagements. The firm specializes in placing operations, finance and accounting, technology, human resources, and executive-level functions.
McDermott + Bull Executive Search is leading the way in transforming executive search services worldwide, one relationship at a time. With experienced Principals in the United States, Europe, and Canada, McDermott + Bull has become the trusted search advisor for empowering change on behalf of private and public companies, private equity firms, and their operating companies. Known for being thorough and balancing the need for urgency, McDermott + Bull provides personalized solutions to those who value contribution over pedigree. Leveraging deep vertical experience, innovative thinking, and proven time-saving methodologies, the company challenges the norm and thrives in the recruitment of difficult-to-find, culture-critical VP to C-Suite executive talent.