Paris, 1st September 2026 – AlixPartners, the global consulting firm, today announces the appointment of Olivier Abtan as Head of its Paris office, effective 1st September 2026. He succeeds Catherine Sherwin, who has held the role since 2020 and has also served as Co-Head of EMEA since February 2025. Catherine will now focus fully on her EMEA responsibilities while remaining based in Paris.
Olivier joined AlixPartners in 2023 as a Partner & Managing Director within the Luxury, Consumer Goods & Retail practice. He brings nearly 30 years of international strategy consulting experience and is recognized for his expertise in transformation, digitalization and AI implementation. Olivier previously held senior roles at Publicis Sapient (2020–2023), BCG (2008–2019) and Roland Berger (2004–2008) and served on the Board of Directors of Balmain from 2021 to 2024.
Olivier's appointment comes at a time of strong growth for AlixPartners in France. The firm's Paris office, established in 2006, now has more than 100 professionals with expertise across Aerospace & Defense, Retail, Luxury, Automotive, Private Equity, Healthcare, and Technology, Media, and Telecommunications. Since 2020, the office has doubled its revenue and is positioned for continued growth.
Olivier contributed to AlixPartners growth in the region by implementing major transformational programs for leading international businesses. His cross-functional approach to client work and strategic, technological, and operational capabilities uniquely position Olivier to lead the next phase of AlixPartners' development in France.
Olivier Abtan, Head of AlixPartners France, said: "It is a great honor to take on the leadership of AlixPartners' Paris office. Our objective remains the same: to stand alongside our clients in an era defined by disruption and uncertainty, and help them capitalize on opportunity. On behalf of the talented AlixPartners teams in Paris, across Europe and beyond, I would like to thank Catherine for her values-driven leadership, exceptional client-focused high standards, and tremendous accomplishments."
Catherine Sherwin, Co-Head of EMEA at AlixPartners, said: "Olivier combines deep sector experience, recognized expertise in business transformation, and a strong understanding of the key challenges facing our clients around artificial intelligence. I am confident that he will successfully continue to grow our business in France and support our clients with the rigor and commitment to excellence that define AlixPartners."