Trility Consulting to Name New CEO in January 2027
The firm will shift leadership as founder Matthew Edwards moves on from the CEO role to avoid organizational dependency.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in People
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Trility Consulting CEO Matthew Edwards will step down on January 18, 2027, as part of a leadership succession plan involving current Chief Strategy Officer Brody Deren. The transition marks a shift for the West Des Moines-based consultancy, which has completed nearly 300 projects since its 2017 founding.
Why it matters
The change reflects a deliberate strategy by the founder to prevent organizational dependency on a single leader, a common challenge for small-business operators looking to ensure longevity. By formalizing a succession roadmap, the firm aims to maintain stability across its 57 clients and 14 industries served.
Trility Consulting has delivered nearly 300 projects for 57 clients across 14 industries over its 10-year history. The firm, which received the IT Service Provider Technology Company of the Year award in 2024, is now shifting to new leadership.
The players
Matthew Edwards
Founder of Trility Consulting who is vacating his CEO position to rotate leadership roles.
Brody Deren
Current Chief Strategy Officer who will succeed the founder as CEO.
Brenton Rothchild
Incoming chief operating officer of Trility Consulting.
Trility Consulting
West Des Moines-based IT service provider and consulting firm serving 14 industries.
The details
The succession, which has been in the works for more than a year, moves current Chief Strategy Officer Brody Deren into the top role. Brenton Rothchild is also set to step into the position of chief operating officer. The move aligns with the philosophy of founder Matthew Edwards, who maintains that leaders should serve only for a limited season to preserve the health of the organization.
Timeline
2017: Trility Consulting was founded.
2024: Trility Consulting won the Prometheus Award for IT Service Provider Technology Company of the Year.
January 18, 2027: Matthew Edwards will officially transition out of the CEO role.
Market Landscape
The leadership change occurs following the company's recognition at the 2024 Prometheus Awards as a leading IT service provider. This transition mirrors a broader trend in professional services where firms move from founder-led operations to professional management structures.
Owners should view this as a signal to review their own succession planning for key executive roles. Establish a formal roadmap now to avoid operational disruption if your organization relies heavily on a single founder's day-to-day decision-making.
The takeaway
The firm emphasizes that successful organizations should prioritize sustainability over individual leaders. Evaluate your current operational dependence on specific individuals and consider if formalizing a multi-year transition plan would better support your long-term growth.
What happens next
Matthew Edwards will step down as CEO on January 18, 2027, at which point Brody Deren will assume the CEO role and Brenton Rothchild will take over as chief operating officer.
Further reading
For more on local leadership changes, visit People.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Business Record.
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