Sectors:
Financial ServicesJames McDermott
Biography
James (Jim) McDermott is a seasoned leader with over 40 years of experience in the insurance industry and currently leads Alvarez & Marsal’s U.S. insurance and risk advisory practice. He has held executive roles such as CEO, CFO, and EVP Operations and Technology, working across publicly traded and private equity-held organizations. Specializing in financial and strategic advisory, he has guided Boards and senior management on complex accounting, actuarial issues, SEC investigations, and shareholder actions, while overseeing transactions exceeding $5.0 billion.
Throughout his career, Mr. McDermott has demonstrated a strong track record in organizational transformation and financial restructuring. He has also advised organizations and regulators on high stakes matters, including transitioning distribution channels, evaluating acquisitions, analyzing new business lines, and supporting regulatory reviews. His operational expertise includes overhauling financial and actuarial systems, redesigning workflows, and improving profitability in underperforming insurance lines such as long-term care and disability income insurance.
Mr. McDermott holds bachelor’s degrees in accounting, actuarial science, and quantitative analysis from the University of Wisconsin School of Business. Recognized for his leadership in financial restructuring across various industries, he has also been admitted and testified as an expert in U.S. Federal District Court on acquisition due diligence matters. His extensive experience and strategic insights have made him a trusted advisor and leader in the insurance and financial services sectors.
Firm Overview
Companies, investors, and government entities worldwide turn to Alvarez & Marsal (A&M) for leadership, action, and results. Founded in 1983 and privately held since its inception, A&M is a leading global professional services firm specializing in advisory, business performance improvement, and turnaround management services. When conventional approaches fall short of driving transformation and change, clients seek A&M’s deep expertise and practical solutions to address their unique challenges.
With over 10,000 people across six continents, A&M delivers tangible results for corporations, boards, private equity firms, law firms, and government agencies facing complex issues. A&M’s senior leaders, along with their teams, utilize the firm’s restructuring heritage to help companies act decisively, drive growth, and accelerate results. A&M’s experienced operators, world-class consultants, former regulators, and industry authorities are united by a shared commitment to providing clients with what is truly needed to turn change into a strategic business asset, manage risk, and unlock value at every stage of growth.