The Global Leaders in Consulting: Ellen Zimiles

Zimiles is Navigant's Financial Services Advisory and Compliance Segment Leader and has more than 30 years of litigation and investigation experience, including 10 years as a federal prosecutor. 

During the last year, Zimiles and her team have been able to develop an application for machine learning to increase the effectiveness and efficiency in monitoring financial transactions for suspicious activity. "We began this journey by studying the science and the business needs," she says. "We were able to develop the right partnerships and apply the science to get to a great result."

Before coming to Navigant, Zimiles co-founded Daylight Forensic & Advisory, an international consulting firm, which was funded by private equity. She ran the firm prior to Daylight being acquired by Navigant. 

Prior to Daylight, Ellen was a principal at a Big Four accounting firm, where she coordinated the forensic practice across all industry segments. She is a leading authority on anti-money laundering programs, corporate governance, foreign and domestic public corruption matters, regulatory and corporate compliance, and fraud control. Previously, Ellen was an assistant U.S. attorney in the Southern District of New York for more than 10 years.

Zimiles says she takes great pride when she looks back over her entire career, especially when she focuses on all the individuals she's had the pleasure to work with during that span.

"As I look at the individuals with whom I have worked over the years and see how they have developed into some of the finest people and professionals know, I feel very gratified."

When it comes to the consulting work with clients, Zimiles says she takes great pride in listening to others and applying common sense and pragmatism to problem solving," she says. "I always want to be the best that I can for my family, my friends, my colleagues and my clients."

Q&A:  What does being recognized as a Global Leader in Consulting mean to you? Your firm? Your clients?

Zimiles: This recognition validates our efforts that reflect our global client base.