Molly Hiller named CEO as Growth Operators expands its advisory scope

Hiller assumes the top role following two years of overseeing the firm’s daily operations. Her co-founder, Rick Nordvold, will shift his focus to his position as Chairman and Managing Partner of North Partners, the private investment firm the pair launched in 2026. Nordvold retains a close connection to the consultancy as Executive Chairman, maintaining the firm's long-term ownership structure alongside employee partners.

The leadership transition coincides with a period of rapid scaling for the consultancy, which recently earned its sixth consecutive spot on the Inc. 5000 list with 51% revenue growth over three years. To sustain this momentum, the company has integrated new service lines including strategy execution, talent intelligence, and decision intelligence driven by artificial intelligence. These additions are designed to pair cross-functional teams with interim executives to address specific leadership gaps within client organizations.

Before launching Growth Operators in 2010, Hiller held roles at Arthur Andersen and Target, and operated her own entrepreneurial venture. Her appointment marks a milestone as the firm’s first female CEO, positioning the consultancy to leverage its recent accolades—including the 2026 Minnesota Top Workplace award—to further its reach in the middle-market sector.