Greg Esslinger

Executive Vice President | Global Investigations Practice Lead J.S. Held LLC

  • Alpharetta

Cross-Border Investigations Expert | Former FBI Special Agent | Regulatory & Compliance Expert | Leading Business Intelligence Advisor

Contact

J.S. Held LLC

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Media

Biography

A former practicing lawyer and former special agent for the FBI in the International Counterterrorism Division, Greg Esslinger is an experienced investigations and business intelligence expert with an extensive background in regulatory risk, compliance, cross-border investigations, and crisis management.

With nearly two decades of experience and work across more than 30 countries, Greg Esslinger brings a diverse skill set spanning multiple sectors, including healthcare, pharma, architecture, engineering, energy, finance, and nonprofits. Among other credits, he created the Anti-corruption, Compliance, and Ethics practice at a large multinational consulting firm. Other notable achievements include the development of a technology-based solution for third-party risk management and launching of the first-ever anti-corruption conference in Lagos, Nigeria.

Mr. Esslinger's illustrious track record also includes building the first compliance program for one of the largest companies in the world and leading one of the largest corporate bribery investigations in China. Notably, he was appointed by the SEC as a federal compliance monitor for a prominent multinational pharmaceutical company.

Greg Esslinger is a recognized thought leader who actively participates in industry events, has appeared before regulators, and shares expertise and insights with clients, peers, and other stakeholders. He contributes to news coverage on stories related to fraud, compliance, and risk, having participated in more than 75 live interviews. He enjoys exploring critical industry topics, helping to foster a deeper understanding of regulatory challenges and their impact on businesses and individuals.

Industry Expertise

Defense
Financial Services
Business Services

Areas of Expertise

Business Intelligence
Internal Investigations
Anti-Bribery & Anti-Corruption
Regulatory Risk Management
Compliance & Governance
Monitorships
Fraud & Forensic Analysis

Affiliations

  • Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE)
  • Georgia Bar Association
  • American Bar Association
  • Private Directors Association

Social

Languages

  • English

Education

Georgia State University College of Law

J.D.

The University of the South

B.A.

English Literature

Licenses and Certifications

Private Equity Company Governance

Private Directors Association®
Issued Mar 2023

Corporate Governance: Maximize Your Effectiveness in the Boardroom

Wharton Executive Education
Credential ID 61040610
Issued Oct 2022

Attorney

State Bar of Georgia

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Spotlight

1 min

Insights on Global Business Risks & Opportunities in 2025

The 2025 J.S. Held Global Risk Report provides insight into cutting-edge and high-stakes issues facing businesses this year. In the video below, Executive Vice President Greg Esslinger shares more about the risks and opportunities covered in the report to help clients anticipate, adapt, and advance in 2025. To view the report, visit: 2025 J.S. Held Global Risk Report Looking to know more or connect with Greg Esslinger about the 2025 J.S. Held Global Risk Report? Simply click on his icon now to arrange an interview today.

Greg Esslinger

3 min

J.S. Held Releases 2025 Global Risk Report Addressing Critical Risks Amid Uncertainty

On the first day of the new presidential administration in the United States, global consulting firm J.S. Held unveils its annual report focused on critical areas impacting industries and economies worldwide. Explore the 2025 J.S. Held Global Risk Report here: In an increasingly uncertain and volatile global landscape, businesses, governments, and investors face a growing array of challenges that demand immediate attention and innovative solutions. The 2025 J.S. Held Global Risk Report explores five interconnected topics that organizations must consider in managing risk and opportunity in the year ahead. These include: 1. Sustainability Investments & Headwinds: With various ESG regulations across jurisdictions and increasing scrutiny over corporate environmental and social practices, experts explore how organizations can align with evolving frameworks while driving innovation. 2. Global Supply Chain Challenges: From geopolitical conflicts to climate disruptions, the report analyzes how companies can build more resilient and sustainable supply chains. 3. Crypto & Digital Asset Intensification: As the crypto landscape transitions through regulatory shifts and technological advancements, the report highlights both the risks and opportunities for businesses and investors. 4. Artificial Intelligence, Data & Digital Regulatory Response: With Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems reshaping industries, experts examine the regulatory, ethical, and operational challenges, as well as the competitive advantages for organizations that harness this transformative technology responsibly. 5. Cybersecurity Complexities: From AI-powered cyberattacks to evolving data protection laws, the report provides insights into how organizations can safeguard operations and maintain customer trust in a rapidly shifting digital environment. The 2025 J.S. Held Global Risk Report includes an analysis of these categories of risk and actionable opportunities for companies to gain a competitive edge while addressing critical vulnerabilities. “The 25 technical, scientific, financial, and strategic advisory experts who contributed to the J.S. Held Global Risk Report have collaboratively parsed not only each risk independently but also at their unique points of intersection to create a framework to support business decision-making,” noted Greg Esslinger, Executive Vice President and Global Investigations Practice Leader. “Our experts’ deep understanding of the external factors related to the topics that keep CEOs, CFOs, COOs, CLOs, and Boards of Directors up at night drives the curated insights shared in the report and helps clients navigate risks and capitalize on emerging opportunities in the year ahead,” adds John Peiserich, Esq., Executive Vice President and Environmental, Health, & Safety Practice Leader. The depth and breadth of J.S. Held’s work in the insurance market provides a strong foundation in risk assessment, data analysis, global awareness, regulatory compliance, technological adaptability, and risk mitigation. Collectively, these skills better equip the firm’s experts to assess business risk across diverse geographies, geopolitical landscapes, compliance frameworks, and digital advancements. "In a world where uncertainty is the only constant, there is a need for something solid you can hold onto," observes J.S. Held Chief Executive Officer Jonathon Held. "Our name is our promise," he adds. "Our role as strategic advisor is emblematic of this promise, even in the face of the most daunting risks, clients have the expertise and guidance to act with confidence" "Agile, collaborative, and creative client-centric teams provide solution-forward advisory to our clients across the globe, no matter the scope or complexity of a project; the J.S. Held Global Risk Report is reflective of the trusted advisor role we have earned over the last 50 years," noted J.S. Held President and Chief Operating Officer Lee Spirer. J.S. Held's expertise in strategic advisory is built upon five decades of experience in the most rigorous venues – state, federal, and international courts – and spans more than 150 different industry segments. If you have any questions or would like to further discuss the risks and opportunities outlined in the report, please email GlobalRiskReport@jsheld.com. To connect with Greg Esslinger or John Peiserich simply click on either expert's icon now. For any other media inquiries simply contact : Kristi L. Stathis, J.S. Held +1 786 833 4864 Kristi.Stathis@JSHeld.com

Greg EsslingerJohn Peiserich, Esq.