The Sanger Leadership Center is pleased to announce the appointment of Paul Aversano to the Sanger Advisory Board. A seasoned global mergers and acquisitions (M&A) transactions leader, Aversano has led buy-side and sell-side financial and accounting due diligence for complex public and private company transactions, as well as capital markets transactions, for more than 30 years.
A managing director with Alvarez & Marsal (A&M), Aversano has led its Global Transaction Advisory Group (TAG) since co-founding the practice in 2006. This year marks the group’s 20th anniversary, as well as a milestone of more than 1,300 professionals across 45 offices in 21 countries. He leads global efforts in the cross-border delivery of services to private equity firms, sovereign wealth funds, family offices, and corporate and strategic buyers across a wide spectrum of industries.
Prior to his tenure at A&M, Aversano was a partner at EY in New York and director of middle market private equity, where he led financial accounting due diligence projects for private equity investor groups and helped develop and coordinate go-to-market and service delivery strategies for the private equity market. He began his career at Arthur Andersen in its transaction advisory services and audit practices.
Aversano is actively engaged in the University of Michigan community. He has participated as a judge in Sanger’s Leadership Crisis Challenge and represents A&M on the Ross School of Business Private Equity and Alternative Investments Summit Planning Committee. He is also connected to student learning through the firm’s sponsorship of the DIAG Growth Private Equity Investment Fund.
A sought-after guest lecturer, Aversano has spoken at leading universities, including the University of Michigan, the University of Pennsylvania, and Binghamton University. He is also a frequent industry commentator featured on Bloomberg and FOX Business and a recipient of numerous industry honors, including The M&A Advisor’s Leadership Award and Hall of Fame recognition in 2024.
Reflecting on his decision to join the Sanger Advisory Board, Aversano shared:
“In my career, I’ve had two distinct opportunities: to lead within long-established firms and to build a global business from the ground up. Each has provided valuable perspective—two nearly opposing dimensions of the business world that not every professional experiences. It’s this combined viewpoint that I hope to bring to Sanger. Having served as a judge for the Leadership Crisis Challenge, I’ve seen firsthand the strength of the Sanger community and the caliber of its students. I look forward to contributing to and learning from this group of leaders.”
His commitment to supporting the next generation of leaders is grounded in a strong sense of responsibility:
“One of my core principles is: if you are fortunate enough to have done well, you have an obligation to give back. Without the mentors and hands-on learning I experienced early in my career, I would not have been able to recognize and pursue the opportunities in front of me. Joining the Sanger Advisory Board is one way I can extend that same mentorship and training. My approach to leadership is to meet people where they are and help them grow into their full potential, and I’m excited to support students as they develop their own leadership paths.”
Sanger’s Managing Director, Michelle Austin, commented, “Paul brings a global perspective and deep experience navigating complex, high-stakes environments. His ability to lead across industries and geographies, while building and scaling organizations, will be an invaluable asset to Sanger and to the students we serve.”
Aversano joins a diverse group of accomplished professionals who help guide Sanger’s mission to develop the next generation of leaders. The Advisory Board provides strategic insight, supports fundraising efforts, and fosters corporate and alumni connections, with members contributing their expertise through bi-annual board meetings and engagement across Sanger programs.
Paul Aversano