Cybersecurity Expert Jason Smolanoff Joins FTI Consulting as a Senior Managing Director

Rhea-AI Summary

FTI Consulting (NYSE: FCN) announced on January 13, 2026 that Jason Smolanoff joined as a Senior Managing Director in the Cybersecurity practice within Forensic and Litigation Consulting. Mr. Smolanoff has more than 25 years in information security, previously leading Kroll’s Cyber Risk practice and serving as a Senior Advisor at Kroll. He will support expansion of the firm’s cybersecurity capabilities across program assessments, incident response, digital forensics, technical testing, managed services and complex investigations.

His background includes founding CISO Advisory & Investigations and earlier service as a Supervisory Special Agent at the FBI overseeing cyber national security and electronic crimes squads.

Positive

• 25+ years of information security experience
• Led expansion of Kroll’s Cyber Risk practice
• FBI supervisory experience overseeing cyber national security squads

Negative

• No financial guidance or quantified near-term revenue impact disclosed

News Market Reaction

-0.65%

1 alert

-0.65% News Effect

On the day this news was published, FCN declined 0.65%, reflecting a mild negative market reaction.

Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.

Key Figures

Industry experience: More than 25 years

1 metrics

Industry experience More than 25 years Jason Smolanoff’s information security experience

Market Reality Check

Price: $175.30 Vol: Volume 151,842 is below 2...

low vol

$175.30 Last Close

Volume Volume 151,842 is below 20-day average 290,670 (relative volume 0.52x) low

Technical Price 177.84 is trading above 200-day MA at 165.13, indicating a pre-existing uptrend

Peers on Argus

FCN gained 0.73% while key peers were mixed: HURN +1.16%, CRAI +3.22%, ICFI +0.3...

FCN gained 0.73% while key peers were mixed: HURN +1.16%, CRAI +3.22%, ICFI +0.38%, BAH +0.02%, and DGNX -21.94%, pointing to company-specific rather than sector-driven influences.

Historical Context

5 past events · Latest: Jan 08 (Positive)

Pattern 5 events

Date	Event	Sentiment	Move	Catalyst
Jan 08	Senior hire	Positive	+0.0%	Added Senior Managing Director in Strategic Communications segment.
Jan 04	Senior hire	Positive	+5.2%	Forensic accounting and investigations expert added in Asia.
Dec 17	AI expert affiliation	Positive	+3.4%	Renowned AI and machine learning expert affiliated with Compass Lexecon.
Dec 17	AI partnership	Positive	+3.4%	Penguin Ai collaboration to enhance healthcare revenue cycle services.
Dec 17	AI partnership correction	Positive	+3.4%	Correction release reiterating details of Penguin Ai collaboration.

Pattern Detected

Recent senior talent additions and AI-related collaborations have generally coincided with modestly positive price reactions, suggesting the market often views such strategic hires and partnerships constructively.

Recent Company History

Over the past months, FTI Consulting has repeatedly emphasized talent and capability expansion. Senior Managing Director hires on Jan 5, 2026 and Jan 8, 2026 strengthened forensic accounting and strategic communications, with one drawing a 5.16% next-day move. On Dec 17, 2025, AI-focused announcements involving Compass Lexecon and Penguin Ai aligned FTI with advanced analytics and healthcare revenue cycle optimization, each coinciding with a 3.41% reaction. Today’s cybersecurity leadership hire follows this pattern of investing in specialized, high-demand advisory areas.

Market Pulse Summary

This announcement highlights FTI Consulting’s continued investment in specialized expertise by addin...

Analysis

This announcement highlights FTI Consulting’s continued investment in specialized expertise by adding a Senior Managing Director with more than 25 years of information security experience to its Cybersecurity practice. Recent history shows a similar focus on senior hires and AI-enabled service offerings across segments. Investors may track how this appointment contributes to broader growth in forensic, litigation, and cyber risk advisory work, alongside existing initiatives in AI-driven analytics and revenue cycle transformation.

Key Terms

information security, incident response, digital forensics, managed services, +2 more

6 terms

information security technical

"has more than 25 years of experience in information security, with a focus"

Information security is the practice of protecting digital data and the systems that store, process, or transmit it from theft, damage, or unauthorized access. For investors it matters because breaches can lead to financial loss, legal penalties, operational disruption and damage to reputation—similar to a physical store losing inventory or customer trust—so stronger protections reduce risk and help preserve a company’s value.

incident response technical

"needs, ranging from program assessments and incident response to complex"

Incident response is the organized process a company uses to detect, investigate, contain and recover from a security breach, data loss, operational outage or other urgent problem. For investors, it shows how quickly a firm can limit financial and reputational damage, restore normal operations and meet legal or disclosure duties — like an emergency crew that protects a building’s value and occupants when a fire breaks out.

digital forensics technical

"services to clients, including incident response, digital forensics, strategy"

Digital forensics is the process of collecting, preserving and analyzing electronic evidence from computers, phones or networks to understand what happened during a breach, fraud or other cyber incident. Think of it as a detective examining a crime scene but for digital devices; it helps pinpoint the cause, scope and timeline of an event. Investors care because findings affect a company’s legal exposure, repair costs, regulatory penalties and public trust, all of which can change the value of an investment.

managed services technical

"technical testing, managed services and litigation support."

Managed services are when a business hires an outside provider to run and maintain a specific ongoing function—commonly IT, cybersecurity, networks, or back-office tasks—under a contract that includes monitoring, updates and problem resolution. For investors this matters because it creates predictable costs and recurring revenue for the provider while reducing operational risk and capital spending for the client, much like hiring a building superintendent to keep systems running so management can focus on growth.

counterintelligence technical

"investigations related to counterintelligence and counter-terrorism matters,"

Counterintelligence is the set of actions a company or organization uses to detect, prevent and respond to efforts by competitors, hackers, or foreign actors to steal secrets, manipulate information, or sabotage operations. For investors it matters because effective counterintelligence protects a firm’s competitive edge, intellectual property and customer trust—similar to a home security system that preserves the value of your belongings and reduces the chance of costly losses or legal trouble.

organized crime technical

"as well as complex cyber organized crime matters."

A network of individuals or groups that carry out coordinated illegal activities—such as fraud, money laundering, extortion, or smuggling—to generate profit and influence businesses or markets. It matters to investors because these hidden activities can create legal penalties, sudden financial losses, supply-chain disruptions, and reputational damage for companies, much like a concealed leak in a ship that can sink value and investor confidence if left unchecked.

AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.

WASHINGTON, Jan. 13, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- FTI Consulting, Inc. (NYSE: FCN) today announced the appointment of Jason Smolanoff as a Senior Managing Director in the Cybersecurity practice within the firm’s Forensic and Litigation Consulting segment.

Mr. Smolanoff, who previously led the Cyber Risk practice at Kroll, has more than 25 years of experience in information security, with a focus on strategic risk advisory. In his role at FTI Consulting, he will provide foundational planning and support to expand the breadth and depth of capabilities across the firm’s Cybersecurity practice, helping clients throughout the full spectrum of cyber risk management needs, ranging from program assessments and incident response to complex investigations.

“As the cybersecurity threat landscape grows in sophistication and scale, we’re seeing an increasing demand from clients for adaptable, tailored risk management and investigative expertise,” said Anthony J. Ferrante, Global Head of the Cybersecurity practice at FTI Consulting. “Jason brings deep knowledge and proven experience that further strengthens our ability to deliver innovative technical solutions to our clients’ most complex cybersecurity challenges.”

Prior to joining FTI Consulting, Mr. Smolanoff was a Senior Advisor at Kroll. Before moving into that role, he was the President of Kroll’s Cyber Risk practice. Under his leadership, the practice expanded its critical services to clients, including incident response, digital forensics, strategy and risk consulting, technical testing, managed services and litigation support.

Mr. Smolanoff also served as the Chief Executive Officer and founder of CISO Advisory & Investigations, a firm providing information security services to public and private companies. Earlier in his career, he served as Supervisory Special Agent for the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”) overseeing a Cyber National Security Squad and an embedded FBI squad on the United States Secret Service’s Electronic Crimes Task Force. In this role, he managed complex cyber national security investigations related to counterintelligence and counter-terrorism matters, as well as complex cyber organized crime matters.

Commenting on his appointment, Mr. Smolanoff said, “FTI Consulting is well known in the cybersecurity industry for its expert-driven approach to the evolving digital and physical threats organizations face every day. I look forward to joining this team of incredible professionals as we continue to build on our client offerings.”

About FTI Consulting 
FTI Consulting, Inc. is a leading global expert firm for organizations facing crisis and transformation, with more than 8,100 employees located in 32 countries and territories as of September 30, 2025. In certain jurisdictions, FTI Consulting’s services are provided through distinct legal entities that are separately capitalized and independently managed. The Company generated $3.70 billion in revenues during fiscal year 2024. More information can be found at www.fticonsulting.com.

FTI Consulting, Inc.  
555 12^th Street NW  
Washington, DC 20004  
+1.202.312.9100 

Investor Contact:  
Mollie Hawkes 
+1.617.747.1791 
mollie.hawkes@fticonsulting.com 

Media Contact:  
Sam Ford 
+1.617.480.7402
samantha.ford@fticonsulting.com

FAQ

Who is Jason Smolanoff and what role did he take at FTI Consulting (FCN) on January 13, 2026?

Jason Smolanoff was appointed Senior Managing Director in FTI Consulting’s Cybersecurity practice on January 13, 2026.

What relevant experience does Jason Smolanoff bring to FTI Consulting (FCN)?

He has 25+ years in information security, led Kroll’s Cyber Risk practice, founded CISO Advisory & Investigations, and served as an FBI Supervisory Special Agent.

How will Jason Smolanoff’s appointment affect FTI Consulting’s (FCN) cybersecurity services?

He is expected to help expand capabilities across program assessments, incident response, digital forensics, technical testing, managed services and investigations.

Does the FTI Consulting (FCN) announcement include financial or revenue guidance tied to the hire?

No; the announcement does not provide financial guidance or quantify near-term revenue impact from the appointment.

When did FTI Consulting (FCN) announce the hire of Jason Smolanoff?

The appointment was announced on January 13, 2026.