Ursula Williams has been appointed the first chief operating officer of Staffing Industry Analysts, overseeing all the company’s commercial operations. The promotion took effect Jan. 1.

“Ursula’s people-first, highly customer-focused mindset and strategic strengths continue to be of great value to SIA and the ecosystem we serve,” SIA President Barry Asin said. “In her new role, Ursula will drive integration and innovation in our commercial operations, allowing SIA to accelerate our vision and build on our current platforms and offerings.  I am excited to congratulate her on her appointment as COO.”

Williams formerly served as executive VP, where she bridged the various SIA departments and led the company in the addition of its newest conference, the Collaboration in the Gig Economy, and in a rebrand to reflect SIA’s global growth and ongoing role in providing business intelligence, research and frontline insights. She joined SIA as senior VP of global strategy and marketing in 2015.

“The ecosystem is more exciting than it has ever been,” Williams said. “It is more expansive, more sophisticated and more adept at seeking out solutions to the opportunities and challenges the industry faces. I look forward to what is ahead for SIA and our role in informing, connecting and elevating the ecosystem.”

Before becoming part of the SIA team, Williams most recently held senior executive positions at Randstad Professionals and Vedior, overseeing strategy, sales and delivery for the largest contingent labor buyers in the division. She has also been responsible for new product development, branding, web strategies, client development and candidate recruitment programs.