Alvarez & Marsal appointed New York-based Luigi “Lou” Peluso a  managing director in its private equity performance improvement group. Peluso will serve in the firm’s global aerospace, defense and aviation practice. Peluso’s addition to the practice follows the appointment of managing director James Marceau in July.

“Aerospace, defense and aviation companies are coping with unparalleled challenges compounded by the potential reluctance of investors. Our drive to expand and enhance A&M’s Aerospace, Defense & Aviation offerings aligns with our leadership, action and results approach to solve clients’ concerns,” Nick Alvarez, managing director and national practice leader of A&M’s private equity performance improvement group, said. “Lou’s background in these sectors and track record of success propels our ability to advise clients in the current environment and moving forward.”

Peluso has more than 30 years of experience leading transformative operational improvement programs in sourcing, manufacturing, distribution and SG&A management. He has worked with and delivered value for global private equity firms as well as public corporations.

In recent years, Peluso’s leadership assisted a spacecraft manufacturer in more than doubling its earnings and an aerospace system provider in reducing material costs by 25%.

“I am very pleased to welcome Lou to our growing team. This strengthens our ability to address the urgent need for transformative capabilities and solutions, caused by extraordinary challenges to commercial/civil aviation, and financial and operational impact on the critically important aerospace and defense industrial base,” Marceau said. “Lou’s operational skills and leadership experience will be critically important to address the immediate demands of A&M’s aerospace, defense, aviation and space related clients.”

Prior to joining A&M, Peluso worked with Alix Partners, Ingersoll Rand and the Danaher Corporation.