J.S. Held Appoints Jessica Larson to Spearhead Global Digital Transformation and AI Strategy

In an era where digital agility defines the success of global consulting, J.S. Held is making a definitive move to sharpen its technological edge. The firm has officially announced the appointment of Jessica Larson as its new Senior Vice President of Digital Transformation. This newly created enterprise-wide role is designed to unify and accelerate the firm’s digital initiatives, ensuring that advanced tools aren't just present but are deeply integrated into how the firm delivers insight and clarity to its global clientele.

Jessica Larson will report directly to Chief Executive Officer Lee Spirer, acting as a strategic partner across J.S. Held's various practice areas. Her mission is clear: to scale high-impact use cases that allow clients to benefit from consistent, efficient digital solutions. This isn't just about adopting new gadgets; it’s about establishing a firm-wide governance framework that ensures technology is deployed responsibly, securely, and in a way that is ready for the demands of a global enterprise.

Amplifying Human Expertise Through AI

CEO Lee Spirer views this appointment as a way to enhance, rather than replace, the human element of the firm. According to Spirer, embedding advanced technology is primarily about amplifying the expertise of J.S. Held's professionals. Larson’s leadership is expected to systematically integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI) capabilities—specifically machine learning, natural language processing (NLP), and intelligent automation—across the firm’s practices.

By scaling these capabilities with disciplined oversight, the firm aims to accelerate the generation of insights and drive sustainable growth. Spirer emphasized that while innovation is the goal, maintaining the trust, security, and quality that define J.S. Held remains the top priority. This balanced approach ensures that as the firm moves faster, it doesn't lose the precision its clients rely on.

A Commitment to Security and Intellectual Property

In the world of high-stakes consulting, data is the most valuable currency. James E. Malackowski, Chief Intellectual Property Officer at J.S. Held, highlighted that Larson’s role is critical for safeguarding trade secrets and maintaining rigorous data security. As the firm expands its digital footprint, Larson will be tasked with ensuring that technological advancement is matched by strict governance and respect for the intellectual property under the firm’s care.

Jessica Larson herself expressed her enthusiasm for the new role, noting the forward-thinking culture already present at J.S. Held. She pointed out that by further integrating technology into day-to-day operations, the firm can free its experts from routine tasks, allowing them to focus on high-value activities that deliver superior results for clients. Her goal is to drive innovation that upholds the highest standards of confidentiality.

Decades of Experience in Regulated Innovation

Larson is no stranger to complex digital environments. She brings nearly 20 years of experience leading enterprise transformation in highly regulated industries. Before joining J.S. Held, she served as Senior Vice President of Digital & Data Transformation at TRC Companies. Her background also includes a stint as a management consultant at a Big Four accounting firm, providing her with a unique perspective on both the technical and business sides of transformation.

At TRC, Larson was instrumental in designing enterprise-wide frameworks to boost cross-functional collaboration and operational efficiency. She famously led the firm’s AI strategy and governance council, launched a cloud-based AI platform, and managed company-wide innovation challenges. This track record makes her uniquely qualified to handle the diverse needs of J.S. Held’s global practice.

Serving the World’s Most Influential Organizations

As J.S. Held continues to serve insurance and legal clients with deep technical and financial expertise, Lee Spirer noted that staying ahead of evolving client expectations is essential. The firm’s massive scale—serving 84% of the Global 200 law firms, 75% of the Forbes Top 20 insurance companies, and 71% of the Fortune 100—demands a sophisticated digital infrastructure.

J.S. Held operates across six continents with over 1,500 professionals. While the firm provides a comprehensive suite of technical, scientific, and strategic services, it is important to note that J.S. Held is not a CPA firm and does not provide audit or legal advice. Instead, it serves as a trusted advisor for high-stakes matters, helping organizations navigate complex and often catastrophic situations with data-driven clarity.