Huron Consulting Group, a global professional services firm, announced that Gordon J. Mountford will step down as leader of the healthcare practice, and John D. Kelly has been promoted to Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer.

In connection with the change in practice leadership, C. Mark Hussey, Huron’s Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, has been named interim leader of the healthcare practice, effective immediately, while the company initiates a search for a new leader. Hussey will also retain his responsibilities as COO.

“Gordon has made significant contributions to Huron, including building Huron’s healthcare business from its infancy to the market leader it is today. With our proven ability to deliver measurable results, the practice has become the transformation partner for our clients as we address their most pressing strategic, organizational and operational challenges,” said James H. Roth, chief executive officer and president, Huron. “We thank Gordon for his tremendous service to the firm and wish him the best in the future.”

“Mark is a trusted leader within Huron with a deep understanding of our business and is well respected by our people, making him the ideal candidate to lead the healthcare practice during this transition,” added Roth. “We are aggressively recruiting and remain fully committed to advancing the strategic priorities that will return the healthcare practice to growth.”

In addition, the company announced the promotion of John D. Kelly to Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, reporting to Roth, effective immediately. Kelly, a 10-year veteran of the company, previously served as Corporate Vice President, Chief Accounting Officer and Treasurer. In his new role, Kelly will assume global responsibility for corporate finance, accounting, treasury, and capital and financing strategies. He will retain his position as Treasurer.

“John is a talented executive and has built a strong reputation within the company and within our investor community,” said Roth. “The Huron board and I are confident that John’s experience and deep knowledge of our business will be instrumental as we execute our financial strategy to further position the company for growth.”

Kelly has held a variety of roles at Huron since he joined the firm in 2006. He served as Treasurer and Chief Accounting Officer of Huron since his appointments in 2016 and 2015, respectively. Prior to his role as Chief Accounting Officer, Kelly served as Controller and Assistant Controller. Prior to joining the Corporate team, he was a Director in Huron’s Disputes and Investigations practice. Kelly joined Huron from Deloitte & Touche, where he held several positions on the Assurance and Advisory Services team.