8am Announces Strategic Leadership Transition and Welcomes Jeff Hughes as Chief Executive Officer

AUSTIN, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--8am™, the technology and embedded fintech platform purpose-built for the needs of legal, accounting, and client-focused professionals, today announced an executive transition, naming Jeff Hughes as Chief Executive Officer.

Hughes joined the 8am board in 2024 and is stepping into the CEO role with a 30-year track record of scaling growth businesses across hospitality, retail, financial services, and energy. His experience spans early-stage startups through large public companies, with a consistent focus on expanding market share in competitive technology verticals through product and technology led growth, coupled with successful acquisition strategies.

Hughes most recently served as CEO of Enverus, leading the company throughout Genstar Capital’s majority ownership. From 2016 to 2024, Enverus grew revenue 6x under Jeff’s leadership, driven by software product innovation, a relentless focus on customer satisfaction and retention, and more than 20 acquisitions. Enverus grew to be the largest and fastest-growing software and data analytics provider dedicated to the energy vertical market.

“I’ve had the privilege of working alongside this 8am team as Executive Chair, and I’m excited to step more deeply into the CEO role,” said Jeff Hughes. “What excites me most is the opportunity ahead, to continue innovating on behalf of our customers and partners, to accelerate our work in AI, and to expand the reach and impact of the 8am platform for the professionals who rely on us every day. The opportunity in front of us is significant, and 8am is built to capture it. I want to thank Dru Armstrong for her leadership and for the strong foundation she has built, I’m grateful for the opportunity to build on that momentum,” Hughes added.

After nearly five years as CEO of 8am, Armstrong is stepping down after leading the Company through a period of significant growth, product expansion into software (with the acquisition of MyCase) and AI, and rebranding the company under the cohesive 8am banner. “The board and I decided it was the right time for a leadership transition and I am leaving 8am with immense pride and gratitude for what this team has accomplished together,” said Armstrong. “I’m excited to close this chapter and hand the reins to Jeff. He will do a fantastic job leading the company forward, and I look forward to cheering the team on in the years ahead.”

8am is committed to creating a seamless transition of leadership for its customers, partners, and team, and maintaining its culture of excellence.

“On behalf of the Board, we extend our sincerest gratitude to Dru for the value creation she has driven as CEO and wish her well in her next chapter. We are also delighted to welcome Jeff in his new role and convey the confidence our Board has in Jeff to continue 8am’s exceptional history of growth, innovation, and service of our customers,” said Eli Weiss, Managing Partner at Genstar Capital and Clara Jackson, Managing Director at TA Associates.

About 8am

Founded in 2005, 8am is a professional business platform purpose-built to meet the needs of legal, accounting, and other client service professionals. The 8am platform includes 8am LawPay, 8am CPACharge, 8am MyCase, 8am CasePeer, and 8am DocketWise, providing integrated solutions for every stage of the professional services lifecycle. 8am processes more than $27 billion in payments annually. Recognized for 14 consecutive years on the Inc. 5000’s list of fastest-growing companies, 8am empowers more than 260,000 professionals across North America with the most trusted, innovative technology to deliver world-class outcomes for their clients and their firms. To learn more, visit 8am.com.