CLA Acquires Momentum Global, Betting on AI and Operator-Led HR

NEW YORK, NY – January 08, 2026 – In a significant move that signals a strategic shift in the consulting landscape, Contemporary Leadership Advisors (CLA) has announced its acquisition of Momentum Global HR, a boutique advisory firm known for its AI-enabled approach to human capital. The deal integrates two former Chief People Officers into CLA’s senior ranks, betting big on the premise that real-world operational experience is the new currency in high-stakes leadership advisory.

Contemporary Leadership Advisors, a powerhouse in leadership development that recently surpassed the $2 billion revenue mark, has built its reputation on integrating behavioral science with business expertise. The acquisition of Momentum Global, founded by seasoned executives Scott Slipy and Suni Lobo, is a deliberate move to infuse deep, practical HR operational knowledge into its strategic offerings. This fusion aims to bridge the often-persistent gap between high-level strategy and effective on-the-ground execution.

“Our clients increasingly need both leadership insight and operational know-how,” stated Steve Garcia, Managing Partner and Co-Founder of CLA, in the announcement. The acquisition directly addresses this need, positioning CLA to offer a more holistic solution that combines its traditional strengths in leadership assessment and organizational design with the data-driven, execution-focused methodologies of Momentum Global.

The New Gold Standard: From the C-Suite to Consulting

The most striking aspect of the acquisition is the immediate infusion of top-tier executive talent. Scott Slipy, who joins CLA as a Partner, and Suni Lobo, who comes aboard as a Strategic Advisor, are not career consultants. They are proven operators who have navigated the complex human capital challenges inside some of the world’s most dynamic companies.

Slipy’s career includes senior HR leadership roles at giants like Microsoft, Cisco, and UnitedHealth Group, as well as CPO roles at multiple private equity and venture-backed companies. His expertise lies in aligning people practices directly with value creation plans, a critical skill for CLA's private equity clientele. Lobo brings a similarly impressive and global resume, having served as Chief People Officer at high-growth tech firms like Gong and Marqeta, and holding leadership roles at Cisco and SVB Financial Services across eight different countries. She is known for her ability to scale culture alongside rapid business growth and enterprise transformation.

This move reflects a growing demand from boards and CEOs for advisors who have “been there and done that.” Theoretical frameworks are losing ground to practical, battle-tested wisdom. By bringing Slipy and Lobo into the fold, CLA is making a clear statement that it values hands-on executive experience as a core component of its advisory services. Their backgrounds provide instant credibility and a deep understanding of the pressures and priorities facing the very clients they will now advise.

“I've worked with many consulting partners over the years, and CLA stands out for its depth, agility, and modern approach to leadership and performance,” Slipy commented. His endorsement underscores the strategic fit, suggesting a synergy where CLA’s established advisory platform can amplify the impact of Momentum Global’s operator-led model.

Embracing the AI Imperative in Human Resources

Beyond the human talent, the acquisition is a calculated technological play. Momentum Global built its practice on strengthening organizational execution through AI-enabled insights. This is not just a buzzword; it’s a critical capability in a market where data is paramount. The integration gives CLA direct access to Momentum Global’s partnerships in AI, workflow automation, and sophisticated talent and compensation market intelligence.

This comes at a time when the entire HR industry is racing to harness artificial intelligence. Recent industry reports show that AI is a top strategic priority for CHROs, with adoption of generative AI in HR functions expected to triple in the coming year. Major consulting competitors like Deloitte have already launched comprehensive AI solution suites to help clients navigate workforce transformation. CLA's acquisition of Momentum Global is both a defensive and offensive maneuver, ensuring it can compete at the highest level while differentiating its offerings.

CLA itself has already signaled its commitment to this future, having earmarked $500 million for investment in digital technology and AI over the next decade. This acquisition appears to be a key pillar of that strategy, buying proven expertise and tools rather than building them from scratch. The goal is to leverage AI not just for efficiency, but to provide deeper, more predictive insights into an organization's capacity to execute its strategy, assess HR team effectiveness, and align talent with business objectives.

A Calculated Play in a Consolidating Market

While the professional services sector is notorious for its challenging M&A integrations—with failure rates often cited between 70% and 90% due to cultural clashes and talent attrition—CLA's move appears highly targeted. As a firm that achieved the No. 1 position for percentage growth among billion-dollar firms, its strategy has been one of thoughtful expansion. This acquisition is not about simply getting bigger; it's about getting smarter and more capable.

By acquiring a smaller, specialized firm, CLA is surgically adding capabilities that are perfectly aligned with its existing services and future strategy. The challenge will be to seamlessly integrate Momentum Global’s agile, results-focused culture without diluting its potency within CLA's larger structure. Retaining the very expertise and innovative spirit that made Momentum Global an attractive target will be the key metric of success.

For clients, the benefits are clear. The combined entity promises to help them “translate strategic intent into leadership capability and people systems that accelerate performance,” as Slipy described. This means a single partner can help a company assess its leadership team, design a more effective organizational structure, and then use AI-driven tools and operational know-how to build and implement the HR systems needed to make it all work. This integration of strategic advisory and operational prowess positions the newly expanded firm to address the complex human capital challenges facing modern enterprises.