HKA founds new EMEA economics practice

Global risk and dispute consultancy HKA has launched a new economics practice in EMEA. Led by new partner Chris Williams, the wing will function as part of HKA’s forensic offering.

HKA is a UK-headquartered risk management and dispute resolution firm, working with government agencies, local authorities, contractors, legal firms, and other professional service providers, as well as owners and operators, financial institutions and insurers. With more than 500 expert witnesses, HKA now has in excess of 500 advisors and consultants – across more than 45 offices in 17 countries – with the skills and experience that are essential to get to the heart of even the most complex issues.

Amid a rise in demand for forensic accounting and commercial damages – with insolvency procedures still trending high following several years of economic uncertainty – HKA has been working to boost its forensic accounting and commercial damages (FACD) wing. Earlier in the year, for instance, Nick Panes joined its London office as an investigations partner, to support client delivery across the EMEA region. 

Now, HKA has announced a further boost of its FACD offering, with the launch of its new EMEA economics practice. Within the broader FACD cluster, the development of this new service line practice is billed by HKA as “the next step in the firm’s exciting growth journey”.

The economics practice will also be run from HKA’s London office, headed by Chris Williams. Joining the firm as a partner, he brings 25 years of experience to his role. As an experienced expert economist, he has previously provided evidence and testimony to a wide range of courts on numerous occasions, including International Arbitration Tribunals, as well as High Courts, Competition Courts and Judicial or Parliamentary Review proceedings across multiple jurisdictions.

Amanda Clack, HKA’s regional CEO for EMEA, said, “We are delighted to welcome Chris to the FACD team in EMEA. The development of an economics practice further widens our service offering in this space and Chris’ expertise will be invaluable in enhancing and delivering a first class service to our clients.”

Prior to joining HKA, Williams has been a partner and held senior leaderships positions within the economics practices at KPMG, Deloitte, Alvarez & Marsal and most recently at Grant Thornton. HKA hopes that his track record will make a significant impact, as it continues to pursue an agenda to grow its operations.

Speaking on his appointment, Williams commented, “It’s an absolute pleasure to be developing an economics practice alongside a group of renowned dispute experts.  The opportunities to work together to provide a full service to best serve our clients are close to endless.”