Dallas lawyer Chad Pinson has joined data investigations, data advisory, and e-discovery provider HaystackID as its chief executive.
Pinson succeeds CEO Hal Brooks, who will serve as executive chairman with the leadership transition.
“This is a really strong company doing really interesting work,” said Pinson, who noted HaystackID was the independent security inspector for TikTok U.S. Data Security.
“The No. 1 priority is growth at scale, and this leadership change allows for that.”
Pinson said the Chicago-based company is eyeing growth in new markets in the U.S. and overseas. He also said the firm wants to bolster its presence in Texas and the West Coast.
“We want to bring talent in to feel more local there,” he said.
Though Pinson believes HaystackID is at the “cutting-edge” of technology and innovation, he said the firm is looking to make acquisitions this year to bolt on technology and new services.
Even as the third-largest e-discovery provider, HaystackID can offer “white glove” service, says Pinson. The firm currently serves more than 500 companies and law firms worldwide, according to its website.
Pinson is a seasoned leader in professional services, most recently serving as CEO of Carr, Riggs & Ingram, a Top 25 accounting firm. He helped steer the firm through a $1 billion private equity transaction with Centerbridge Partners in 2024.
He is also the former president of Digital Forensics, Incident Response, Investigations, & Engagement Management at Stroz Friedberg and developed his bona fides in data privacy and security as an equity partner at Baker Botts.
One of Pinson’s noteworthy achievements at Baker Botts included serving as lead counsel for four victorious defendants in Taylor v. Acxiom Corp., a case involving allegations of violations of the Driver’s Privacy Protection Act and asserting over $1 trillion in damages.
“I’ve litigated these kinds of cases at the highest level,” said Pinson, a past chairman of the State Bar of Texas Privacy, Data Security, and eCommerce Committee. “It should send a signal to clients and the marketplace.”