Avascent Strengthens Global Presence With New European Office

WASHINGTON, DC--(Marketwire - Jan 17, 2012) - Avascent, a leading strategy and management consulting firm, is pleased to announce the launch of its new European office based in Paris, France. Christina Balis, a principal at Avascent, will lead Avascent's European operations supporting clients operating in, or looking to expand to, European markets. At the same time, the Paris office will serve as a platform for Avascent's growing work in the Middle East and Africa.

Building on the firm's success and reputation in the United States, Avascent Europe will serve as a trusted regional partner for existing and prospective clients. "The establishment of our European office marks an important milestone in Avascent's transformation into a truly global firm," said Avascent President Steve Irwin. "In addition to serving the needs of our fast-growing transatlantic customer base, Avascent Europe strengthens our portfolio in key sectors, such as health, energy, security, commercial aerospace and outsourced services, while providing direct support to our US-based and international clients."

With her fluency in four languages and years of experience in management consulting, corporate management and public policy, Balis is an ideal choice to plant the Avascent flag in Europe. Having worked as a consultant for four years through the firm's successful buyout of DFI Corporate Services in 2007, Balis subsequently worked as Vice President for Strategy and Corporate Development at Serco Inc., the US subsidiary of international service company Serco Group, until late 2011 when she rejoined Avascent. Prior to her consulting career, she was a fellow in the Europe Program of the Center for Strategic and International Studies, a Washington, DC-based think tank. Christina holds a B.A. in European Business Administration from German and British universities and a M.A. and a Ph.D. in International Relations from the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies in Italy and Washington, DC.

"I am delighted to be part of the Avascent team as it expands its global footprint," said Balis. "As Europe enters a critical period of economic transition and businesses worldwide reconsider their growth strategies, Avascent is well positioned to help companies navigate a rapidly evolving marketplace. Few firms exhibit the kind of long-term strategic thinking, growth record, and loyal client base that Avascent has been able to sustain for more than two decades."

ABOUT AVASCENT
Avascent (www.avascent.com) is the leading strategy and management consulting firm serving clients operating across the full spectrum of government-driven markets. Working with corporate leaders and financial investors, Avascent delivers sophisticated, fact-based solutions in the areas of strategic growth, value capture, and mergers and acquisition support. With deep sector expertise, analytically rigorous consulting methodologies, and a uniquely flexible and adaptive service model, Avascent provides clients with the insights and advice they need to operate and succeed in highly complex and dynamic customer environments.