HKA, a leading global consultancy in risk mitigation, dispute resolution, expert witness and litigation support services, announces today that Stuart Ells has joined the firm as Partner and Chief Growth Officer for the EMEA region.

As HKA’s Regional Chief Growth Officer for EMEA, Stuart will report directly to Amanda Clack, Partner, Regional Chief Executive Officer EMEA. Stuart’s focus will be to accelerate and support the growth agenda for the EMEA region working with the EMEA Leadership Team in identifying and sourcing growth opportunities for the region, including securing individual senior talent, and team lift outs, as well as M&A opportunities that will help the firm on its growth journey.

“We are excited to welcome Stuart to the EMEA leadership team, and look forward to working with him to expand our presence in EMEA. His impressive track record in propelling growth in professional services firms aligns perfectly with achieving HKA’s vision for the future.”

Amanda Clack – Partner and Regional CEO, EMEA

Stuart has more than 30 years of corporate experience in the professional services, and media and entertainment sectors. Most recently, he served as Chief Executive Officer at Forensic Risk Alliance (FRA), where he was responsible for all operational planning, running and reporting of the business globally. During his time with FRA, Stuart successfully recruited a number of senior fee earning individuals, grew the Partner base by over 25% and opened international offices in the Middle East and Asia.

Prior to FRA, Stuart was Managing Director & Chief Administrative Officer for Alvarez & Marsal (A&M) Europe & Middle East, where he was responsible for the management, effectiveness and efficiency of the corporate support functions in the EMEA region. His role included future proofing the support structure to make it scalable to support the very significant growth of A&M in the EMEA region in recent years. Prior to his CAO role, Stuart had led A&M’s European Media & Entertainment Corporate Performance Improvement business, during which time he had served as Interim COO of the Global English division of Pearson Plc.

Prior to A&M, Stuart has served as CFO, COO and CEO in a range of companies involved in filmed entertainment, TV production, recorded music, music publishing, theatre production and theatre management during which time he has led or advised on multiple mergers and acquisitions.

Stuart started his career at Ernst & Young and he is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales.

Stuart said: “I am thrilled to be joining HKA at this exciting time in its growth journey.  I am looking forward to working with so many expert colleagues to achieve our ambitious growth plans.”

Stuart Ells, Regional Growth Officer, EMEA

ABOUT HKA

HKA is a leading global consultancy in risk mitigation and dispute resolution, using our multi-disciplinary expertise to provide a comprehensive set of specialist services:

• Expert, Claims and Advisory services for the capital projects and infrastructure sector
• Forensic Accounting and Commercial Damages services for all types of contracts, including commercial and investment treaty disputes
• Consulting services to support companies working on US Federal Government contracts.

Headquartered in the UK, HKA brings a proud record of excellent service and high achievement to bear on today’s challenges. As trusted independent consultants, experts and advisers, we help clients manage disputes, risk and uncertainty on complex contracts and challenging projects.

We work with government agencies, local authorities, contractors, legal firms, and other professional service providers, as well as owners and operators, financial institutions and insurers. Clients have access to leaders and problem-solvers who decode complexity through collaborative working and innovative thinking, making the best possible outcomes a reality for our clients, every time.

As well as more than 500 expert witnesses, HKA now has in excess of 500 advisors and consultants – across 40+ offices in 18 countries – with the skills and experience that are essential to get to the heart of even the most complex issues. Our people have vast first-hand experience spanning all major industries and the world’s most complex megaprojects, as well as an international track record of achieving successful outcomes.

HKA’s global portfolio includes some of the world’s largest and most prestigious commissions across a wide range of industries including buildings, industrial and manufacturing, power and utilities, resources, transportation infrastructure, technology, financial services, government contracts and non-profit.

Media contact

Name	Suzanne Rayson
Title	Marketing & Communications Director, Europe
Number	+44 1928 756 500
Email	SuzanneRayson@hka.com