Alvarez & Marsal has opened an office in Doha, marking a strategic expansion into Qatar as the professional services firm seeks to bring its operator-led execution model closer to public and private sector clients driving economic transformation. The firm said the new presence will deliver hands-on support across performance improvement, turnaround management, restructuring, transaction advisory and digital execution, aligning its senior-led approach with national development priorities.The Doha office begins operations with an on-the-ground team drawn from A&M’s global network, combining partners and senior practitioners with experience across the Gulf, Europe and North America. The firm’s leadership said the decision reflects rising demand in Qatar for implementation-focused advisory work, particularly as ministries, state-linked enterprises and private groups pursue complex reforms, balance-sheet optimisation and technology-enabled change.
A&M’s entry comes as Qatar continues to reposition its economy beyond hydrocarbons, with policy emphasis on financial services, advanced manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, education and sports-related infrastructure. Large capital programmes and maturing corporate sectors have increased demand for advisers who can move beyond strategy design to execution, a niche A&M has built its brand on since its founding in 1983.
Senior executives at the firm said the Doha office will work closely with stakeholders to translate policy goals into operational results, helping organisations address productivity, governance, cost discipline and growth. The firm’s model, which places former operators rather than career consultants at the centre of client engagements, has been positioned as particularly relevant for entities managing time-bound mandates, stressed situations or large-scale transformations.
The expansion underscores a deeper Gulf commitment as A&M builds capacity across the region to serve clients navigating regulatory change, capital allocation pressures and digital disruption. The firm already has offices in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, and the Doha launch strengthens its footprint at a time when cross-border investment flows and regional consolidation are reshaping markets.
Industry analysts note that Qatar’s advisory market has become more competitive, with global consultancies, accounting networks and specialist firms expanding headcount following infrastructure investment cycles and financial sector reforms. A&M’s differentiated pitch centres on accountability for outcomes, with partners embedded alongside management teams to implement change rather than hand over recommendations.
The firm’s service mix in Doha is expected to include corporate transformation, performance improvement, disputes and investigations, restructuring advisory and transaction services. Demand for restructuring expertise has grown as companies recalibrate leverage and portfolios amid higher financing costs, while transaction advisory remains active given ongoing asset rotations and partnerships linked to diversification goals.
Digital execution is another focus area. Organisations across Qatar are investing in data platforms, automation and cyber resilience, but many face challenges in scaling programmes and integrating technology with operating models. A&M’s digital practice combines operational and technology skills to support delivery, a proposition the firm believes resonates with boards seeking measurable returns on technology spend.
Local hiring is expected to accelerate as the office scales, with an emphasis on building a multidisciplinary team familiar with Qatar’s regulatory environment and business culture. The firm said it will invest in developing local talent alongside experienced hires, reflecting a broader trend among professional services firms to deepen national workforces across the Gulf.
Clients in regulated sectors are also seeking support on governance, compliance and risk management as frameworks evolve. A&M’s disputes and investigations practice is expected to advise on complex matters requiring forensic analysis and independent assessment, areas where demand has increased alongside market sophistication.
Competition for mandates will be intense. Established consultancies have long relationships with ministries and state-linked entities, while boutique firms offer specialised expertise. Observers say A&M’s success will hinge on demonstrating rapid impact and building trust through delivery, particularly in a market that values discretion and long-term partnerships.
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Qatar