Global professional services firm Alvarez & Marsal (A&M) added Richard Olson as managing director to lead its EMEA alternative investment services (AIS) practice based in London. Olson brings over 20 years of portfolio valuation and transaction execution expertise in global alternative assets.
Olson will expand A&M’s support for sponsors who need valuations they can defend with LPs, regulators and other stakeholders. He will build on A&M’s global valuations platform with over 200 dedicated valuation professionals. A&M’s valuation services practice spans all asset classes, including private equity and credit, infrastructure, complex financial instruments, asset-backed finance, as well as LP and GP investments. Services include pre- and post-transaction support, fund analytics and technology, modelling and model validation, drafting and vetting of internal policies and procedures, and regulatory advisory and litigation support.
“Richard is an outstanding leader of the global private capital valuations industry, with unrivalled experience that bridges the investment and advisory worlds,” Mark McMahon, managing director and global practice leader of A&M’s valuation services practice, said. “We’re thrilled he’s joined the firm and are excited about the opportunity to further expand the practice under his leadership.”
Richard Bibby, managing director and valuation services leader for EMEA, said, “It is terrific to have Richard join our growing pan-European valuation team. His experience will be instrumental as we target the growing market demand for dependable and robust portfolio valuation solutions. Richard’s knowledge and reputation, combined with A&M’s integrated global platform, are a winning proposition for fund managers looking for external support with no audit conflicts in a rapidly evolving environment.”
Olson said, “I am delighted to join Alvarez & Marsal at a time of phenomenal growth in alternative assets, when greater regulatory oversight and investment by global limited partners, as well as expansion to retail investors, are increasing the need for independent third-party valuations and opinions. A&M’s complete service offering and deep market intelligence differentiate us in this expanding market, a true benefit to our clients.”
Prior to joining A&M, Olson led Lincoln International’s European portfolio valuation practice in London for over five years. Previously he was a managing director at Kroll (formerly Duff & Phelps).
Olson’s team will help investors move beyond compliance-driven reporting towards proactive value creation, connecting valuation to strategy, digital transformation and operational performance. His joining A&M is integral to the firm’s strategic growth plan for its valuations service practice in partnership with Matthew Goldberg, U.S. AIS leader.
