Protiviti names Cory Gunderson as next CEO in planned leadership transition

Protiviti, the global consulting subsidiary of Robert Half, has announced a planned leadership transition that will see current Chief Operating Officer Cory Gunderson become president and CEO from January 1, 2027.

As part of the succession plan, current President and CEO Joe Tarantino will step into the role of senior managing director, where he will continue working with the firm’s global leadership team on executive client engagement, leadership development and strategic relationship management.

Gunderson will also become an executive officer of Robert Half when he takes over as Protiviti CEO.

“Since Protiviti's founding, Joe has helped build an exceptional global consulting firm distinguished by its client service, culture and talented people,” said M. Keith Waddell, president and chief executive officer of Robert Half.

“His leadership has been instrumental in expanding Protiviti's capabilities, growing its global presence and strengthening its position in the marketplace. On behalf of our Board of Directors and the entire enterprise, I want to thank Joe for his extraordinary leadership, his many contributions, and his unwavering commitment to our clients, employees and values. I am grateful that we will continue to benefit from his experience and counsel in his new role.”

Tarantino joined Protiviti when the firm was founded and has spent 24 years with the organisation, including nearly 20 years as president and CEO. During his tenure, Protiviti expanded its service portfolio and geographical reach while strengthening its collaboration with Robert Half, including joint go-to-market initiatives with Talent Solutions.

He also played a role in developing the company’s culture and mentoring its leadership and professional workforce.

“Leading Protiviti has been one of the greatest privileges of my career,” said Tarantino. “I am incredibly proud of what our people have accomplished together and deeply grateful to our clients, colleagues and partners for their trust and support. I look forward to continuing to serve the firm in my new role and supporting a successful transition.”

Gunderson has also been with Protiviti since its inception and currently serves as chief operating officer. He has held multiple leadership positions across the organisation, contributing to its strategy, operations, innovation and transformation programmes.

“I'm grateful for the opportunity to lead Protiviti and excited to work closely with our leaders across the globe to grow the firm, increase opportunities for our employees and help our clients solve increasingly complex business problems. Having worked closely with Joe for many years, I have had the privilege of learning from his extraordinary leadership and am deeply appreciative of his contributions to building Protiviti,” said Gunderson.

Waddell said Gunderson’s experience within the company positioned him to lead the next phase of Protiviti’s growth.

“Cory is an outstanding leader with deep knowledge of our business, our clients and our culture,” Waddell said. “He has played an instrumental role in Protiviti's success and is exceptionally well prepared to lead the firm into its next chapter. I have every confidence that under his leadership, Protiviti will continue to innovate, grow and deliver exceptional value to clients around the world.”

Tarantino and Gunderson will work together through the remainder of 2026 to support the transition before Gunderson formally assumes the CEO role in January.