Brett Duell joins transaction advisory team of Alvarez & Marsal in Sydney
Global professional services firm Alvarez & Marsal has recruited former PwC partner Brett Duell as a managing director in its transaction advisory group based out of Sydney.
An accounting & finance degree graduate from Wright State University in Ohio, Duell has spent the past two decades at PwC, originally joining the firm in Chicago before later becoming a partner in Sydney after an earlier taste of the city.
A&M launched its global transaction advisory unit in Australia less than two years ago as part of its full-scale march on the country, but under the leadership of ex-KPMG private equity leader David Willis continues to attract experienced talent.
“Brett’s addition reflects our ambition and ongoing desire to redefine the transaction advisory landscape in Australia,” Willis stated. “His experience in software and technology combined with an integrated due diligence approach optimises our ability to give clients a competitive edge, while his background aligns with A&M’s focus on deep sector expertise and a results-driven mindset.”
Duell originally joined PwC for six years in Chicago from 2004, which he followed up with a three-year stint as a transactions associate director with the Big Four firm in Sydney before returning to its San Jose office. Evidently missing the local lifestyle, he returned to Australia barely twelve months later and has been with PwC’s local arm in the decade since, making partner in 2017.
Speaking on his decision to cross to A&M, Duell noted the consultancy’s independence and client-centric approach; “A&M’s focus on actionable results dovetails with my professional philosophy. The firm’s deep operational industry and functional expertise, freedom from audit-based conflicts, and cross-team collaboration ensures clients receive best-in-class tailored solutions.”
During his time at the firm, Duell served as the technology, media, and telecommunications (TMT) leader for PwC’s deals team, and is said to be recognised for his M&A expertise in areas such as financial due diligence, transaction structuring, IPOs, and post-merger integration, along with his extensive cross-border experience – in particular between Australia and the US.
Global transaction advisory leader, Paul Aversano, commented, “The Australian market has been a core part of our growth plan in the last two years. One of the undeniable opportunities presented in this period is to expand our bench of best-in-market talent – and we do just that, by bringing in experts like Brett, whose expertise adds further diversity to our offering.”
