Exponent Elevates Leadership Team with New President and CFO

John Pye promoted to President, Eric Anderson named CFO, and Rich Schlenker to join Board of Directors

Apr. 6, 2026 at 8:58pm

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A minimalist studio still life featuring a stack of engineering blueprints, a sleek metal ruler, and a pair of safety goggles, symbolizing Exponent's commitment to scientific rigor and real-world problem solving.Exponent's leadership transitions signal the firm's focus on technical innovation and multidisciplinary expertise to address complex client challenges.Menlo Park Today

Exponent, Inc., a leading engineering and scientific consulting firm, announced several key leadership changes, including the promotion of John Pye to President and Eric Anderson to Chief Financial Officer, both reporting to CEO Catherine Corrigan. The company also nominated Richard Schlenker, the current Executive VP and CFO, to stand for election to the Board of Directors, and appointed Karen Richardson as the new Board Chairman upon the retirement of Paul Johnston.

Why it matters

These leadership changes at Exponent reflect the company's focus on innovation, technical excellence, and long-term growth strategy. The new President, John Pye, is known for his visionary leadership and ability to anticipate industry changes, while the new CFO, Eric Anderson, brings deep financial expertise and operational insights. The addition of Rich Schlenker to the Board will provide valuable institutional knowledge and strategic perspective.

The details

John Pye, who joined Exponent in 1999, has held roles of increasing responsibility, including Director of the Test and Engineering Center, Director of the Technology Development Practice, and Group Vice President for the Transportation Group. Eric Anderson has been with the firm since 2003, serving as Vice President of Finance and Accounting since 2024. Richard Schlenker, the current CFO and Executive VP, will continue in his role as Executive VP but will no longer serve as CFO.

  • John Pye and Eric Anderson's new roles will be effective May 1, 2026.
  • Paul Johnston, the current Chairman of the Board, will retire effective June 4, 2026.
  • Karen Richardson will assume the role of Board Chairman on June 4, 2026.
  • Richard Schlenker will stand for election to the Board of Directors on June 4, 2026.

The players

John Pye

Promoted to President of Exponent, Inc. Pye has held various leadership roles at the firm since joining in 1999, and is known for his visionary thinking and ability to anticipate industry changes.

Eric Anderson

Appointed as the new Chief Financial Officer of Exponent, Inc. Anderson has been with the firm since 2003, serving as Vice President of Finance and Accounting since 2024.

Catherine Corrigan

Chief Executive Officer of Exponent, Inc.

Richard Schlenker

Current Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Exponent, Inc., who will be nominated to stand for election to the Board of Directors.

Karen Richardson

Appointed as the new Chairman of the Board of Exponent, Inc., effective June 4, 2026.

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What they’re saying

“John is a visionary leader with deep technical credibility and a keen ability to see around corners—anticipating how accelerating technological change, evolving risk, and heightened scrutiny of safety and performance will create opportunities for growth.”

— Catherine Corrigan, Chief Executive Officer

“Exponent is uniquely situated at the intersection of science, engineering, and real-world impact, and my vision is to build from this position of strength to accelerate the growth of a firm that leads through periods of rapid change.”

— John Pye, President

“Eric's appointment reflects both his exceptional technical capabilities and the high level of trust he has earned across Exponent.”

— Catherine Corrigan, Chief Executive Officer

“I am fully supportive of these leadership appointments and deeply confident in the direction they set for Exponent.”

— Paul Johnston, Outgoing Chairman of the Board

What’s next

The leadership changes, including the new President, CFO, and Board member, will take effect on May 1, 2026 and June 4, 2026 at the company's Annual Meeting of Stockholders.

The takeaway

Exponent's leadership transitions reflect the firm's commitment to innovation, technical excellence, and long-term growth, as it positions itself to navigate industry changes and better serve its clients through a strengthened executive team and Board of Directors.