HKA hires Mohammad Reza Jafari and Guler Wiefling
HKA, a risk and disputes consulting firm, has hired Mohammad Reza Jafari, PhD, as a principal in its forensic engineering practice and Guler Wiefling as a partner in its forensic accounting and investigations practices.
Based in Los Angeles, Jafari is as geotechnical and tunnel engineering expert with more than 36 years of experience investigating infrastructure failures, construction defects, and geotechnical anomalies.
He has led infrastructure projects across the globe and investigations in tunnel collapses, ground movement, foundation failures, and construction delays – identifying root causes and evaluating liability in high-stakes disputes.
Jafari was previously a VP at Mott MacDonald and principal tunnel engineer at CDM Smith.
He has a PhD in geotechnical engineering form the University of New South Wales in Australia.
“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Jafari to HKA. His depth of technical knowledge, leadership in tunnel and geotechnical engineering, and global project experience will significantly enhance our forensic capabilities and client offerings,” said Michael Griffin, partner, head of forensic technical services, Americas, HKA.
Based in Houston, Wiefling brings more than two decades of experience focusing on forensic investigations in financial statement fraud, misappropriation of funds and assets, white-collar crime, bribery and corruption, internal control failures, and ethics violations.
She has extensive experience evaluating third-party contracts and compliance, conducting royalty and license audits, identifying accounting and financial misreporting, and developing corporate compliance programs.
Wiefling was previously a managing director at CBIZ, a partner at Weaver, a VP at Charles River Associates, and a director at Grant Thornton.
She has an MBA from the University of St. Thomas and is a certified fraud examiner.
“We are thrilled to welcome Guler to our team. Her deep background in forensic accounting, fraud investigations, and compliance strengthens our ability to deliver high-impact solutions to clients navigating complex challenges,” said Paul Donato, partner, HKA.
