SEI Named New Managing Director for Seattle Office
Consulting firm leaders should monitor executive shifts as SEI adjusts its regional management structure.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in People
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SEI has appointed Joel Beherndt as managing director of its Seattle office. The leadership transition follows the firm's 2023 entry into the Puget Sound market.
Why it matters
Management appointments often signal shifts in regional growth strategy or operational focus for professional services firms. The transition affects how SEI coordinates its local client engagements as the company scales.
SEI operates 13 offices in the United States with over 700 employees. Incoming managing director Joel Beherndt brings 15 years of consulting experience to the role, including 14 years at Point B.
The players
Joel Beherndt
Managing director of the Seattle office with 15 years of consulting experience.
Bonnie Cote
Principal consultant who previously launched and managed the Seattle market for SEI.
SEI
A consulting firm founded in 1992 that operates 13 offices across the United States.
Point B
A consulting firm where the current SEI managing director spent 14 years of his career.
The details
Joel Beherndt moves into the managing director position after previously leading market development and strategy at SEI. Former Seattle market head Bonnie Cote will remain with the firm as a principal consultant following her return from maternity leave. This reshuffle allows the firm to maintain continuity in local operations while managing the evolution of its regional leadership team.
Timeline
1992: SEI was founded.
2023: SEI launched the Seattle market.
July 2025: Joel Beherndt joined SEI.
September 22, 2026: Announcement of Joel Beherndt appointment.
Market Landscape
This leadership shift follows the 2023 expansion of SEI into the Seattle market, marking a transition from startup phase to established local management. It mirrors the firm's broader strategy of scaling its national footprint of 13 offices through experienced consulting hires.
Operators in the professional services sector should track how incoming leadership at a regional office influences local service capacity and business development. Monitor whether this change results in shifts to the firm's local vendor or partnership procurement process.
The takeaway
Leadership transitions in regional consulting offices can create opportunities for local partners to re-establish relationship cadences. Operators should schedule a meeting with new regional leads to confirm current service terms and strategic alignment.
Further reading
For more on executive changes and regional leadership transitions, see People.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Consulting.
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