The arrival of Ells as the first CEO of the Forensic Risk Alliance (FRA) looks to support sustainable growth, with the aim to build a scalable and effective operational infrastructure while broadening its client-based capabilities.
In his role, Ells will support the forensic accounting and data governance consultancy in capitalising on the opportunities that are expected to arise out of the global pandemic and economic downturn.
Ells will lead day-to-day global operations at the FRA, with the aim of driving effectiveness and efficiency, while establishing a strong scalable structure for future growth.
With his appointment, FRA founding partners, Toby Duthie, Frances McLeod and Greg Mason, will continue to be leading voices in the market, as they focus on delivering value for key clients, pursuing complex multinational opportunities, and reinforcing and growing the firm’s core strategic offerings.
Formerly a managing director and chief administrative officer for Alvarez & Marsal in Europe and the Middle East, Ells began his career with Ernst & Young, and brings over 30 years’ corporate experience to the FRA.
A UK Chartered Accountant, he most recently served as interim COO of the Global English division of Pearson Plc, while working as a client-facing partner at Alvarez & Marsal, assisting the formation of a new management organisation, generating growth and the transition to digital products and platforms.
Additionally, the new FRA CEO has been involved in the acquisition or sale of companies such as Motown Records, TVT Records, the Epic film library, ITC Entertainment, the Sundance Channel and the Stoll Moss Theatres Group, all in an advisory capacity.
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“We are delighted to welcome Stuart to FRA. He brings a wealth of exceptional leadership experience that will complement our collaborative one-firm culture,” said Frances McLeod, co-founding partner at the FRA.
“Stuart’s appointment will help us to provide a best-in class working environment to attract and retain top talent, expand our core service offerings, and develop new opportunities in areas such as ESG, to ensure our capabilities and operations are nimble and able to better serve client needs across all our global markets.”
Ells commented: “I am very excited to be leading FRA through the next stage of its growth and evolution, particularly given its outstanding reputation for delivering world-class services across a broad portfolio of international investigatory work.
“I am particularly looking forward to working with FRA’s extraordinary pool of talent to optimise the firm’s operations and build upon its culture of collaboration and innovative thinking.
“With an abundance of opportunities expected in white-collar investigations and FRA’s already stellar reputation in the field, it is a great time to join the firm.”
