Spaulding Ridge today announced a leadership transition that marks the next phase of the firm’s growth. Chris Smith, a seasoned professional services leader with decades of experience building and scaling high-growth organizations, has been appointed Chief Executive Officer. Jay Laabs, who founded Spaulding Ridge in 2018 and has led the firm since, will remain actively involved in the business as Executive Chair. This transition ensures continuity for Spaulding Ridge’s clients and partner organizations while positioning the organization for further growth and innovation under Chris’s leadership.
This announcement comes at a moment of dramatic change and excitement for the professional services industry. As AI reshapes traditional value chains and macroeconomic volatility puts pressure on margins, the human insights that Spaulding Ridge delivers become even more important. Clients need a partner who can pair proven, experience-based insight with AI and data-oriented thinking to address emerging challenges. With the recent selection of Eric Kirkhoffer to CFO, and now Chris Smith to CEO and Jay Laabs to Executive Chair, Spaulding Ridge is meeting that demand head-on, strengthening its role as a trusted partner for the modern enterprise.
To this moment, Chris Smith brings a track record that reflects both rigor and a forward-looking perspective. From founding and scaling the firm Arryve through its successful acquisition by Grant Thornton to advising startups, Fortune 50 enterprises, and private equity firms, he has consistently helped organizations drive measurable growth and transformation. At the same time, his work as a board director and recognized voice on digital transformation, AI, and high-performance culture underscores his ability to apply emerging ideas in practical, high-impact ways. At a time when clients require both experience-based insight and innovative thinking, Spaulding Ridge will be ready.
“I couldn’t be more excited to join Spaulding Ridge,” said Chris. “This is a firm that’s already achieved incredible heights in eight short years because of its unmatched culture and focus on clients. If we continue to nurture this naturally evolving culture, keep a client-centric approach, and face challenges with creativity and operational discipline as we always have, I truly believe we can achieve anything.”
Jay Laabs will continue to play a central role in guiding Spaulding Ridge’s future as Executive Chair, leading the Board of Directors, supporting customer success, and providing strategic oversight grounded in decades of experience. His deep relationships across clients and the technology ecosystem will remain a cornerstone of the firm’s success, ensuring continuity and trust as the business evolves. Jay’s finance-focused perspective has shaped Spaulding Ridge’s approach from the beginning, and he will continue to bring this lens into the firm’s next chapter.
“To all the coworkers, clients, and alliance partners who have made Spaulding Ridge what it is, I’m so grateful for you,” said Jay. “This company has always been built on collaboration, and I’m thrilled that with Chris leading this new chapter, we’ll be positioned for even better growth and innovation. I look forward to seeing where his leadership takes us, and for him to be spending more time with our clients and alliance partners as we move forward.”
Together, this leadership shift reflects a deliberate balance of continuity and evolution. Spaulding Ridge is better prepared than ever to navigate a dynamic market while delivering meaningful outcomes for clients. As organizations look to lead in this next era, Spaulding Ridge remains committed to being a trusted partner. To learn more about this vision, or to start a conversation about working together, connect with us.
