Ryan adds Terry Gaylord as chief people officer

Ryan, a Plano, TX-based tax consulting and software firm, has hired Terry Gaylord as SVP and chief people officer.

Based in Plano, Gaylord will lead the firm’s global people group strategy and operations and oversee talent and culture planning to support long-term business goals.

He brings more than two decades of human resources leadership experience, having led large-scale organizational transformation initiatives across workforce globalization, talent strategy, culture development, and organizational effectiveness and planning.

Gaylord joins Ryan from legal services firm Epiq, where he spent 13 years and served as chief human resources officer since 2016. Before that, he was an HR business partner at JPMorgan Chase and Payless ShoeSource.

Gaylord has a PhD and master’s degree in industrial and organization psychology from Kansas State University and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Illinois Wesleyan University.

“[Terry’s] leadership experience, people-first mindset, and passion for building high-performing organizations make him an outstanding addition to our Executive Leadership team,” said Ginny Kissling, global president and chief operating officer at Ryan. “We are excited to welcome Terry as we continue investing in our people, culture, and future growth.”

Founded in 1991 as a CPA firm focusing on tax audit defense and recovery, Ryan has grown into the largest firm in the world focused exclusively on business taxes. The firm has more than 7,100 people serving clients in 80+ countries.

“[Ryan’s] historical success is built on exceptional leadership, global talent, and a culture grounded in values – a unique combination that is hard to find,” said Gaylord. “I am excited to join a Firm that is sharply focused while remaining committed to values that matter.”

Ryan earlier this year received a significant minority investment from Neuberger Berman.