Rick Sorrells is a transformational COO and proven value creator with a career defined by scaling high-growth, people-intensive companies across the service and automotive sectors. Known for his “Structured Flexibility” leadership style, Rick combines entrepreneurial vision with operational discipline to drive sustainable growth, leading organizations through complex turnarounds, digital transformations, and multi-million dollar acquisitions. From growing Xcite Automotive’s revenue tenfold to leading Towne Park through its most significant expansion, Rick has consistently delivered results by aligning cross-functional teams, optimizing performance, and developing future leaders. With deep expertise across operations, HR, IT, finance, and strategy, he brings a holistic and people-first approach to every challenge.

Ashish Bhagat is a seasoned executive leader with over 25 years of expertise in financial strategy, corporate transformation, and global operations. As the Chief Operating Officer at Hitachi Vantara, he drives business performance, operational excellence, and large-scale financial initiatives that support growth and scalability. With a strong background in strategic planning, pricing optimization, and market expansion, Ashish has successfully led high-impact transformations across multinational organizations. His extensive international experience in Japan, India, China, Australia, and Europe enables him to navigate complex global markets and drive culturally attuned business strategies. A results-driven leader known for his collaborative approach and data-driven decision-making, Ashish is passionate about mentoring teams, fostering innovation, and delivering long-term business value. Now seeking board opportunities, he aims to leverage his financial acumen and strategic insight to help companies optimize growth and achieve sustainable success.

The role of the Chief Operating Officer (COO) has evolved significantly, particularly in asset management, where the rapid advancement of technology and shifting client expectations have redefined operational priorities. Once focused primarily on trade reconciliation and reporting, today’s COOs must leverage data analytics, cybersecurity, and automation to enhance efficiency and maintain a competitive edge. They play a crucial role in translating strategic vision into action, optimizing processes, and fostering a culture of accountability and innovation. As businesses increasingly rely on data-driven decision-making, COOs must ensure seamless integration of new technologies while managing risk, regulatory compliance, and financial oversight. This dynamic role demands adaptability, strategic thinking, and strong leadership to drive operational excellence and long-term growth.