Jessica Stamelman

Jessica Stamelman is President of Kroll’s Business Services division. With a background in private equity, investment banking, and restructuring, she brings a unique operator–investor lens to leadership. She joined Kroll in 2020 after roles at The Carlyle Group and Houlihan Lokey, and holds a B.S. in Commerce from the University of Virginia.

What makes you a Risky Woman?

I embrace risk as an opportunity to grow businesses, teams, and myself. From pivoting my career from investor to operator, to leading through transformation at Kroll, I thrive on navigating ambiguity with confidence and clarity. I challenge conventions, champion innovation, and empower others to succeed in uncertain environments.

Name your top 3 achievements

1. Leading the transformation and growth of Kroll’s Business Services division, scaling the business into a global market leader.
2. Successfully transitioning from private equity investor to corporate operator, bridging capital markets expertise with operational leadership.
3. Championing diversity and inclusion initiatives, including mentoring women in finance and professional services to expand representation in leadership.

What is the biggest risk you’ve taken in your career?

My biggest risk was leaving a prestigious firm with a defined career path in finance to join a less structured operating role. It meant stepping into ambiguity with no guaranteed outcome, but it unlocked exponential growth. I believe that the best career moves come from embracing unconventional, bespoke opportunities.

What’s something most people don’t know about you?

Outside of the office, I’m passionate about adventure – from trekking mountains to skydiving, I love embracing new challenges.

What is the best quality for successful leaders in Risk?

The best leaders in risk are humble enough to know what they don’t know. By acknowledging limitations, they create space for collaboration, seek diverse perspectives, and empower experts – ensuring stronger, more informed decisions in uncertain environments.