HKA adds Linda Orton as chief marketing and business development officer

HKA, a London-headquartered risk and disputes consultancy, has hired Linda Orton as its new chief marketing and global business development officer.

In her new role, Orton will be responsible for growing the firm’s global brand, service offerings, client focus, and revenue. The New York-based executive will report to Renny Borhan, CEO of HKA.

Toby Hunt, currently head of the firm’s Europe operations, previously served as chief business development officer. Rival consultancy Secretariat alleges Hunt was part of an online smear campaign against the firm.

Orton brings over 30 years of experience in professional services, with a focus on marketing, business development, client service, and recruitment and retention. She previously spent five years as global chief marketing officer at consulting firm Alvarez & Marsal. Orton oversaw marketing, business development, branding, events, PR, communications, and digital efforts during a high-growth period when revenue doubled.

Before that, Orton founded and for 19 years served as CMO of Intelligent Marketing Solutions, a marketing agency focusing on professional services firms. Earlier in her career, she was director of marketing at law firms Brown & Wood, Baker Botts, and Finers Stephens Innocent.

“Linda is a deeply experienced international marketer with a track record of delivering successful strategic marketing and business development initiatives, as well as managing high-performing teams,” said Borhan.

Orton added, “This is a brilliant time to join HKA. As the world opens again and investment in infrastructure increases, the opportunities for our professionals to help resolve conflicts and improve projects through the smart usage of data, analysis, and strong people skills will increase.”

HKA delivers consulting services in risk mitigation and dispute resolution within capital projects and infrastructure. The firm has particular expertise advising on the economic impact of commercial and investment treaty disputes and forensic accounting.

HKA has more than 1,000 consultants across 40+ offices in 17 countries, including over a dozen offices in the United States.