Global advisory firm announced its largest-ever class of promotions to the senior rank, effective Jan. 1, 2026, spanning practices from risk advisory to strategic finance.
Ankura Consulting Group has promoted 19 of its professionals to the position of Senior Managing Director, marking the largest group of promotions to that level in the firm's history. The appointments, which became effective at the start of the new year, were announced Jan. 15.
The promotions are distributed across several of the firm's core practices. The Risk Advisory and Strategic Finance groups saw the largest number of new SMDs, with six promotions each. The Construction Disputes & Advisory practice added four new SMDs, while Disputes & Economics saw two promotions. One promotion was also made within Ankura's internal Business Services group.
In a statement, Ankura CEO Kevin Lavin noted that the promotions recognize the contributions the individuals have made to both clients and the firm. He pointed to their expertise and the role they are expected to play in the company's next phase of growth.
Angela Cinefro, President of Ankura, added that the new SMDs embody a leadership style focused on collaboration and mentorship.
The full list of professionals promoted to Senior Managing Director includes:
Risk Advisory
- Jonathan Drage – Chicago
- Jeremy Haynes – Washington, DC
- John Hays – Washington, DC
- Elaine Lehnert – New York
- Mike Northeim – Washington, DC
- Andrew Sotak – New York
- CJ DeKreek – Atlanta
- Gerard A. Gil – San Juan
- Manish Gupta – Gurgaon
- Jeff O’Brien – Nashville
- Dana Stefanczyk – New York
- Robert Unell – Atlanta
- Jason Cables – Houston
- Marshall Harris – New York
- Michelle Mader – Atlanta
- Robert Sasson – Fairfield
- Jeremy Guinta – Los Angeles
- John F. Stark – San Francisco
- Mike Buzzelli – Pittsburgh
SOURCE: Ankura Consulting Group
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