Ankura, a business advisory and expert services firm that leverages integrated risk management, governance, compliance, investigations, forensics, technology, turnaround and restructuring, and management consulting capabilities, has appointed restructuring expert Bryan Gaston as senior managing director. Based in Houston, Gaston brings over 15 years of experience advising distressed companies and creditors in navigating complex restructuring situations both in and out of court.

In addition, Gaston has particular expertise providing business advisory services to energy-related businesses, including managing several energy-related restructuring situations on behalf of secured lenders, debtors, and unsecured creditor committees. He will be working alongside Ankura’s talented professional teams to fortify the firm’s position in the Houston metro area and grow the firm’s energy and restructuring capabilities and reach in that market.

“Ankura has one of the strongest turnaround and restructuring advisory offerings and with Bryan we are thrilled to expand that expertise,” said Kevin Lavin, co-president at Ankura. “His energy experience coupled with his proven track record in successfully helping to restructure companies will be an invaluable asset as Ankura continues to leverage its multidisciplinary and tailored approach to delivering client solutions.”

Prior to joining Ankura, Gaston served as a managing director at Opportune where he was responsible for practice leadership and client service delivery. He has held additional roles at other national and boutique restructuring firms where his clients included those in the manufacturing, oilfield services, and upstream exploration and production industries.

“I am honored to be joining this talented team of passionate professionals in further developing our energy and restructuring practices and assisting our clients with tailored, effective solutions for their business needs,” said Bryan Gaston. “Ankura’s rapid growth and well-regarded position in the market is a testament to the expertise and dedication of its professionals. I am fortunate to be collaborating with the best and brightest as we look to enhance the capabilities of our energy and restructuring practices and provide clients with innovative solutions for the most complex challenges impacting them.”