‘We don’t want an all-star who’s a jackass’, says Kroll risk chief

Kroll’s risk advisory president, Brent Tomlinson, says the firm prioritises cross-border teamwork over relying on star partners who bring in business but may undermine its culture. The approach is intended to make client work smoother and faster, and comes as the traditional “rainmaker” model faces scrutiny after the collapse of law firm Weil.

Kroll says its leaders are rewarded for collaboration, regardless of which team or office receives the revenue, and Tomlinson argues that winning work helps build trust between colleagues. London is the firm’s largest office, and about half of its undisclosed revenue comes from outside the US. Kroll operates in 30 countries and more than 70 offices, but plans to focus growth on building fuller capabilities in major financial hubs rather than maintaining smaller outposts.