SOUTHLAKE, TX — TrailRunner International has promoted managing director and executive committee chairman Jim Hughes to CEO.

Founder Jim Wilkinson, the firm’s previous CEO, will continue to serve as executive chairman. In that role, he will focus on implementing the firm’s global growth strategy while continuing to counsel strategic clients.

Hughes is a founding member of TrailRunner, which he helped launch in 2016 as managing director. Since 2020, he has chaired the firm’s executive committee. Earlier in his career, Hughes led media relations for Citizens Financial Group.

“Our goal has always been to establish TrailRunner as a valued partner to leading organizations around the world, with a strong culture 100% focused on teamwork, service, diversity and inclusion, and helping clients win,” Wilkinson said. “Jim has played an integral role in shaping and leading that culture while driving our growth as an advisor to clients facing major inflection points like IPOs, M&A events, litigation, and other significant reputational issues.

“I am excited to hand the reins over to Jim as TrailRunner’s next CEO, and I look forward to working closely with him and the rest of the team as we head into our next phase of international growth,” he said.