Paladin Management, a middle-market advisory firm driving value creation through financial, strategic and operational consulting services, appointed David Elkin and Minesh Patel as managing directors. Both Houston-based executives will enhance Paladin’s national client portfolio with their expertise in restructurings, financial advisory and operational turnarounds.
“David and Minesh bring complementary experience and leadership to Paladin at a time when demand for sophisticated restructuring solutions is only accelerating,” Scott Avila, founder of Paladin, said. “Their ability to lead in dynamic, high-stakes environments and deliver measurable value aligns closely with our mission to help clients navigate transition with clarity, discipline and long-term vision.”
Elkin brings over two decades of driving measurable value creation through finance, restructuring, executive leadership and operational excellence. As a seasoned executive and advisor, he specializes in unlocking operational improvements, managing liquidity under pressure and building capable and scalable financial infrastructure. He previously served as managing director at FTI Consulting and held chief financial officer, strategy and finance roles at privately owned and private equity-sponsored energy and industrial companies in high-stakes environments requiring decisive leadership and innovative solutions.
“Having led financial functions in volatile settings, I know how critical it is to stabilize quickly while keeping the broader strategy in view,” Elkin said. “I bring that operator’s lens to every engagement, and Paladin’s blend of execution and strategic thinking makes it a strong platform for growth.”
With nearly 20 years of experience navigating high-pressure situations, Patel is a trusted advisor to management teams, board of directors and other stakeholders. He delivers strategic solutions in complex situations to preserve and create stakeholder value. He excels in collaborating with management teams to develop strategic plans that drive results, manage liquidity in challenging situations and execute on strategic asset sales. Prior to joining Paladin, Patel held senior leadership positions at FTI Consulting, Teneo and RPA Advisors, building expertise across diverse restructuring settings.
“Representing companies, creditors and lenders requires focus on liquidity, cash flow and business planning—while also staying flexible as stakeholder needs evolve,” Patel said. “I’ve always prioritized agility and solution-oriented thinking, which makes Paladin’s fast-moving, hands-on model a natural fit.”
