John Hays

About John Hays

A results-oriented leader with extensive experience orchestrating all phases of mass dispute administration, from pre-resolution strategy to settlement execution. I partner with clients to develop and implement innovative solutions for complex mass disputes, collective redress, and corporate remediation challenges. My expertise lies in leading cross-functional teams of software engineers, data scientists, and operations specialists to architect and deploy technology-driven platforms that streamline historically intricate settlement and redress programs.

Experience

1. Senior Managing Director

   Ankura

   Jan 2026 — Present · Washington, DC, US

   VW “Clean Diesel” Emissions Litigation (MDL 2672): Head of operations and client manager for one of the three settlement programs arising from the historic litigation, for which Ankura served as Independent Claims Supervisor. Oversaw all aspects of system development, claims processing, data analysis/reporting, and client engagement for a settlement totaling roughly claims.• Voluntary Worker Compensation Claims Program: Designed and implemented claims program for major global tech company to proactively engage workers that were due retroactive benefits. Led a team of software engineers and data scientists in designing, developing, and implementing the process, technology, and support components of the engagement.• Remediation Administration: Engaged by financial institutions and corporates to design, implement, and execute remediation programs mandated by CFPB, state AGs offices, and internal risk/compliance departments.• Hernia Mesh Litigation: Managed various pre-resolution hernia mesh engagements both before and after the consolidation stage. Utilizing custom-built platforms, I worked closely with counsel to facilitate the exchange of documents and data between the parties.• Transvaginal Mesh MDL: Settlement administrator and client manager in a multibillion-dollar medical device mass tort settlement involving over claims. Managed 20+ high-performing settlement coordinators, data scientists, and claims processors. Developed bespoke software solutions and designed and implemented complex processes to address a wide array of administrative challenges.•PG & E Wildfire Subrogation Trust: Managed technology design and implementation in support of $11B Trust.•National Opiate Litigation (MDL 2804): Operations and client engagement lead in Ankura\'s court-appointed roles, which included developing and managing a State-Federal Coordination database and supporting Plaintiff, Defense, and the Court through custom reporting and data analytics.

Education

• Vanderbilt University

  Bachelor's degree, Economics / Spanish

• Tulane University Law School

  Doctor of Law (JD), International Law and Legal Studies

  2011 — 2014

Skills

• Legal Research
• Customer Service
• Microsoft Office
• Research
• Editing
• Data Analysis
• Social Media
• Powerpoint
• Microsoft Excel
• Policy
• Spanish
• Microsoft Word
• Legal Writing
• Public Speaking
• International Law