Ankura Consulting: Careers, Salaries, and Global Opportunities

Ankura Consulting is a fast-growing professional services firm known for helping clients protect, create, and recover value. Founded in 2014, the firm has built expertise across restructuring, litigation support, and management consulting. For aspiring consultants, Ankura offers career paths, competitive salaries, and international exposure.

In this article, we will explore what Ankura Consulting is known for, its history, careers, salaries, culture, and more.

TL;DR - What You Need to Know

• Ankura Consulting is known for restructuring, litigation support, forensic accounting, and management consulting across industries like healthcare, energy, and financial services.
• Founded by Roger D. Carlile in 2014, Ankura is now led by CEO Kevin Lavin with 30+ global offices.
• Ankura Consulting careers follow a clear path from Associate to Managing Director, with strong exit opportunities in corporate strategy and private equity.
• The Ankura Consulting internship program lasts 10 to 12 weeks, pays around $30 per hour, and provides training in data analytics and financial modeling.
• Ankura Consulting salaries range from $80,000 for Associates to $350,000+ for Managing Directors, making pay competitive within mid-sized consulting firms.

What is Ankura Consulting known for?

Ankura Consulting is known for its expertise in risk management, restructuring, litigation support, and forensic accounting while serving clients across industries like healthcare, financial services, energy, and technology. The firm emphasizes its Collaborative Lateral Thinking approach, designed to deliver innovative solutions that protect and grow client value.

Ankura positions itself as an expert-led advisory firm with capabilities that go beyond traditional management consulting. Its services combine financial, operational, and strategic insights to help organizations navigate complex challenges.

Key areas where Ankura is widely recognized include:

• Bankruptcy and corporate restructuring
• Expert witness and litigation consulting
• Forensic accounting and investigations
• Geopolitical risk and crisis management
• Strategy and management consulting across industries

The firm’s Collaborative Lateral Thinking framework reflects a culture of problem-solving and innovation, encouraging consultants to apply multidisciplinary approaches. For clients, this means accessing diverse expertise across finance, operations, and strategy.

Ankura’s reputation is also tied to its ability to operate globally. With more than 30 offices worldwide, the firm supports clients across 100+ countries, giving consultants international project exposure.

Who founded Ankura and who leads the firm today?

Ankura Consulting was founded in 2014 by Roger D. Carlile in Dallas, Texas, and the firm is currently led by CEO Kevin Lavin, who oversees global strategy and operations. Under their leadership, Ankura has expanded rapidly into a global consulting firm with expertise across restructuring, litigation support, and management services.

Roger D. Carlile launched Ankura with the vision of building a multidisciplinary consulting firm focused on value protection and recovery. His emphasis on expertise-driven services laid the foundation for Ankura’s growth.

Today, Kevin Lavin serves as CEO, bringing experience in corporate restructuring, financial advisory, and global consulting leadership. He has been instrumental in scaling Ankura’s international presence and deepening its capabilities in complex advisory work.

Key milestones in Ankura’s leadership and growth include:

• Founding in Dallas, Texas in 2014
• Relocation of headquarters to Washington, DC in 2016
• Securing a $100 million investment from Madison Dearborn Partners to fuel expansion
• Expanding to more than 30 offices worldwide with 1,800+ employees

This leadership trajectory has positioned Ankura as a trusted partner in industries such as healthcare, financial services, energy, and technology, while maintaining a culture focused on collaboration and innovation.

Is Ankura Consulting a good firm to work for?

Ankura Consulting is considered a good firm to work for due to its collaborative culture, emphasis on learning, and focus on diversity and inclusion. Employees often highlight supportive colleagues, international opportunities, and exposure to complex consulting projects as strengths, though advancement may depend on networking and mentorship within the firm.

Ankura defines its culture around five core values:

• Put Others First
• Leverage the Collective
• Learn Every Day
• Make It Happen
• Do the Right Thing

These principles reflect a workplace that values teamwork, personal growth, and integrity. Many employees describe the environment as inclusive and innovative, with projects that span industries such as healthcare, financial services, and technology.

The firm also invests in diversity and inclusion programs, such as its VOICE council, which creates global initiatives to support equity and belonging. Partnerships with nonprofits like Her Justice further demonstrate Ankura’s commitment to making an impact beyond client work.

At the same time, some consultants note that the fast-paced environment requires adaptability and self-initiative. Building strong internal relationships is often key to accessing resources and advancing along the consulting career path.

What career paths are available at Ankura Consulting?

Ankura Consulting offers a structured career path that begins with Associate and progresses through Consultant, Senior Consultant, Director, and ultimately Managing Director. Each level provides increasing responsibility, client exposure, and opportunities to specialize in areas like restructuring, litigation support, or management consulting.

At the entry level, Associates and Senior Associates focus on research, data analysis, and supporting client deliverables. This role allows new hires to build technical and industry expertise.

As consultants advance, they take on client-facing responsibilities, lead workstreams, and contribute to business development. Senior Consultants and Directors often oversee project teams, manage client relationships, and guide strategic initiatives.

Key stages of the Ankura career path include:

• Associate / Senior Associate: Analytical and research-driven roles
• Associate Consultant / Consultant: Client-facing work, problem-solving, and project delivery
• Senior Consultant: Team leadership and sector specialization
• Director / Senior Director: Managing engagements and mentoring teams
• Managing Director: Driving firm growth, setting strategy, and leading major client accounts

Exit opportunities from Ankura are also attractive. Alumni often transition into corporate strategy roles, private equity, or senior positions at global firms, leveraging the firm’s international reputation and cross-industry experience.

Does Ankura Consulting offer internships?

Yes, Ankura Consulting offers a structured internship program where students gain hands-on experience in consulting by working on financial analysis, data modeling, and client-facing projects. Interns are paid competitively, often earning around $30 per hour plus performance bonuses.

The program typically lasts 10 to 12 weeks during the summer. Interns rotate across teams and industries, developing exposure to areas such as forensic accounting, restructuring, and litigation support.

Beyond technical skills, Ankura emphasizes mentorship and professional development. Interns work closely with consultants, senior consultants, and directors, gaining insight into client management and teamwork.

Key features of the Ankura Consulting internship include:

• Competitive hourly pay with potential bonuses
• Exposure to diverse industries and practice areas
• Training in data analytics, financial modeling, and strategic problem-solving
• Mentorship from consultants at multiple career levels
• Opportunities to secure a full-time offer after graduation

The internship is considered a valuable entry point into Ankura Consulting careers, providing students with both technical expertise and networking opportunities that strengthen long-term career prospects.

How much does Ankura Consulting pay consultants?

Ankura Consulting pays consultants an average salary ranging from $80,000 at the Associate level to more than $350,000 for Managing Directors. Compensation increases with seniority, and bonuses are typically included in addition to base pay. While slightly below MBB levels, salaries are competitive with other mid-sized consulting firms.

Here is a breakdown of average Ankura Consulting salaries by role:

• Associate: about $80,000 (base plus bonus)
• Senior Associate: about $107,000
• Associate Consultant: about $84,000
• Consultant: about $101,000
• Senior Consultant: about $130,000
• Director: about $254,000
• Senior Director: about $309,000
• Managing Director: about $359,000

Salaries vary by location, specialization, and years of experience, but Ankura consultants also benefit from international opportunities, skill development, and exposure to high-value projects in areas such as corporate restructuring and litigation support.

What industries and practice areas does Ankura specialize in?

Ankura Consulting specializes in corporate restructuring, litigation support, forensic accounting, and management consulting while serving industries such as healthcare, financial services, energy, technology, and government. Its broad expertise allows the firm to support clients through complex financial, operational, and regulatory challenges.

Ankura’s practice areas include:

• Bankruptcy and corporate restructuring
• Expert witness and litigation consulting
• Forensic accounting and investigations
• Crisis management and geopolitical risk advisory
• Strategy and digital transformation services

The firm’s industry coverage is equally diverse, with strong presence in:

• Healthcare and life sciences
• Financial services and banking
• Energy, mining, and natural resources
• Real estate, construction, and infrastructure
• Technology, media, and telecommunications
• Government and public sector

This combination of specialized practice areas and cross-industry reach helps Ankura consultants work on high-impact projects, ranging from restructuring major corporations to advising on emerging risks in technology and global markets.

Where are Ankura Consulting offices located worldwide?

Ankura Consulting has more than 30 offices worldwide, with major hubs in North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific. Its global presence allows the firm to serve clients in over 100 countries while offering consultants opportunities for international project experience.

Key North American locations include:

• Washington, DC (headquarters)
• New York, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Miami, Seattle, and Toronto

In EMEA (Europe, Middle East, Africa), Ankura operates offices in:

• London, Brussels, Dubai, Riyadh, and Germany

In the Asia-Pacific region, Ankura has offices in:

• Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Singapore, Sydney, Melbourne, Mumbai, and Delhi

This global network ensures Ankura consultants work across industries and geographies, often collaborating with multinational clients in healthcare, finance, energy, and technology.

What is the Ankura Consulting interview process like?

The Ankura Consulting interview process is typically described as professional but less formal than at larger consulting firms. Candidates can expect multiple rounds of 30-minute behavioral interviews, often focusing on teamwork, problem-solving, and communication skills rather than technical case studies. The process may vary in length, from a few weeks to several months.

Most applicants begin by meeting a recruiter at a career fair or through a campus program. From there, selected candidates move into structured interviews with Ankura managers and directors.

Typical stages of the interview include:

• Initial recruiter screen (phone or virtual)
• First round with a mid-level manager (behavioral focus)
• Second and third rounds with senior leadership, often back-to-back
• Occasional group lunch or panel meeting before an offer decision

Unlike some firms, Ankura does not emphasize case interviews. Instead, the firm’s focus is on understanding how you operate within a team, how you approach challenges, and whether your values align with Ankura’s collaborative culture.

How does Ankura promote diversity and inclusion in consulting?

Ankura promotes diversity and inclusion through its global VOICE council, community partnerships, and firmwide initiatives that support equity, mentorship, and belonging across all offices. These efforts aim to ensure employees from diverse backgrounds can thrive and contribute to the firm’s collaborative culture.

The VOICE council brings together representatives from Ankura’s international offices to develop inclusive policies and awareness programs. This structure helps embed DEI principles into everyday consulting work and client interactions.

Ankura also partners with organizations such as Her Justice, supporting women living in poverty through volunteering, fundraising, and pro bono legal services. These partnerships reflect the firm’s commitment to extending diversity and equity beyond its internal teams.

Examples of Ankura’s DEI initiatives include:

• VOICE Global Diversity and Inclusion Council
• Mentorship opportunities across levels and regions
• Volunteer and community engagement programs
• Partnerships with nonprofits supporting underrepresented groups

These programs strengthen Ankura’s consulting firm culture by ensuring that diversity, equity, and inclusion remain central to both its employee experience and external impact.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who is Ankura owned by?
A: Ankura Consulting is privately owned, with investment support from Madison Dearborn Partners, a leading private equity firm. This ownership structure allows Ankura to expand its management consulting services while maintaining independence.

Q: What are the core values of Ankura?
A: The core values of Ankura Consulting emphasize integrity, collaboration, and inclusion. These values shape the consulting firm culture, support diversity and inclusion programs, and guide how teams deliver strategic solutions to clients.

Q: Who are the big 3 consultants?
A: The Big 3 consultants, also known as MBB, are McKinsey & Company, Boston Consulting Group (BCG), and Bain & Company. They are considered the most prestigious global firms in management consulting.

Q: What are the top 4 consulting firms?
A: The top 4 consulting firms usually include the Big 3, McKinsey, BCG, and Bain, along with one of the Big 4 firms, most often Deloitte. These firms are widely recognized for their influence in strategy consulting.

Q: Which consulting firm is most prestigious?
A: The most prestigious consulting firm is often considered McKinsey & Company, known for its elite client base, global reach, and consulting career path that offers strong exit opportunities in consulting and beyond.