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    • Executive & Employee Compensation
    • Executive Compensation Analysis & Design
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    • Long-Term Incentive Analysis & Design
    • Pay for Performance Analysis & Design
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    • Compensation in a Change of Control
    • Compensation in an IPO
    • Compensation in Restructuring & Bankruptcy
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    • Compensation in a Private, Family-Owned Business
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832.363.5089

Our Vision

We view talented people as the singular differentiator for any company’s success (including our own).

Our mission is to empower companies to hire, inspire – and ultimately retire – these talented people. We do this by aligning your company’s long-term strategy and goals with the most efficient and effective executive pay and governance programs available.

What Makes Zayla Special

Pay Starts with Z™

The best executive pay strategy starts with the end first: Z. Our clients’ end goals are the cornerstone of our name and business.

Talent is Everything

Our mission is to empower companies to hire, inspire – and ultimately retire – the best talent available.

We Listen

We listen intently to our clients’ stakeholders and then develop creative, tailored, compensation and governance solutions.

Advice You Can Count On

We provide strategic advice and tailored recommendations we stand behind, not just middle-of-the-road data.

Bang for Your Buck

Every dollar matters – we strive to develop the most efficient, effective compensation programs.

Stakeholder Alignment

We articulate the why, so that investors, board members, management, employees and other stakeholders are all aligned.

Sustainable Performance Pay

We develop programs that can endure serious market volatility while paying for performance and retaining the best talent.

Deep Industry Expertise

Developing executive compensation strategies for companies in these industries is not a job or a project – it is our calling.

Track Record of Success

Over the past two decades we have advised over 1,000 public, private and not for profit companies with an average client tenure of 10 years.

Our Core Values

BE YOUR BEST SELF

Strive to be your best self, help others be their best. Give credit to others when things go right and take responsibility when they don't.

TAKE PRIDE IN YOUR WORK

Create deliverables that wow, ahead of schedule and be creative with solutions.

LEAD WITH A SERVANT'S HEART

Follow the Golden Rule, treat others with respect and enjoy serving others.

ENJOY WHAT
YOU DO

Be a passionate team player trying to make a difference, work hard and create successes in all aspects of your life.

WORK WITH INTEGRITY

Make the right choices especially when it's hard to do so, deliver on your word and inspire others to do the same.

Our Name: Zayla

Why do we call ourselves Zayla

Our Approach:

The Zayla Team

Get to Know Our Team

Chris Crawford

Founder & CEO

Ian Keas, Zayla Partners Managing Partner

Ian Keas

Co-Founder & Managing Partner

Liz Mayo, Principal

Liz Mayo

Principal

Mykalynn Penny, Marketing and Design Manager

Mykalynn Penny

Marketing and Design Manager

Barret Pickering

Barret Pickering

Consultant

Jennifer Sprauer

Jennifer Sprauer

Office Manager

Ben Quint

Senior Consultant

Books & Publications

Zayla Partners has shown industry experience through years of contributions to educational publications, including:

  • “The Power of Restricted Stock: The Definitive Guide to a Resurging Long-term Incentive”, 1st, 2nd and 3rd Edition. WorldatWork 2013, 2006, and 2003. Co-author.
  • “Rethinking Strategic Compensation”, Commerce Clearinghouse 2004 & 2006 editions. Technical Contributor.
  • “Stock Option Alternatives: A Strategic and Technical Guide of Long-Term Incentives” 1st and 2nd edition. WorldatWork 2003 & 2006. Technical Contributor.

We have also been featured in or contributed to over 200 articles on pay and governance topics.

Get in Contact With Us

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