International financial services expert and former French government aide Pierre Mariani has joined AlixPartners as a managing director in the firm’s financial services practice.

He is based in AlixPartners’ Dubai office and will serve clients across the globe.

Pierre brings extensive financial services experience, gained as both a consultant and many years operating in senior executive positions. He has served on numerous boards of leading financial institutions and has a deep understanding of retail, commercial and investment banking, private equity, and real estate. He spent the first 13 years of his career working for the French Ministry of Finance, culminating in acting as chief of staff for Nicolas Sarkozy during Sarkozy’s period as Minister of Budget.

In recognition of his service and expertise, Mariani has been appointed both Chevalier de la Legion d’honneur and Chevalier de l’Ordre National du Me?rite by the French state.

Prior to joining AlixPartners, Pierre was a senior partner at strategy consultants Roland Berger. From 2012 to 2017 he operated as an independent consultant serving as a board member for a number of high-profile organizations including the Hellenic Financial Stability Fund and Electricite de France. During this period, he also acted as a senior advisor to Roland Berger and Bain.

In 2008 he was appointed to work alongside the French and Belgian governments as chief executive of commercial and retail lender Dexia group to lead the business’ reorganization in the wake of the global financial crisis. Between 1996 and 2008 he held a range of senior executive positions at Banque Nationale De Paris (BNP), including head of the bank’s investment unit, co-head of retail banking and deputy chief executive. Between 1995 and 1996 he was chief executive of FIMALAC Real Estate. Marian began his career in 1982 at the French Ministry of Finance.

“We are delighted to welcome Pierre to AlixPartners,” said Simon Freakley, CEO of AlixPartners. “Our financial services practice continues to grow and in this volatile, global industry Pierre’s depth of knowledge and extensive hands-on experience will be of great benefit to our clients as we help them navigate their most complex challenges.”