Donna Arenson

CV FOR DONNA ARENSON Email:- Phone: +44 - Website: Donna Arenson | LinkedIn Summary Results-driven Business Development (BD) Director with 18+ years of experience driving revenue growth for top-tier advisory and consultancy firms. A specialist in building and leading high-performing BD teams, I combine strategic market insight with hands-on execution to identify and convert high-value opportunities. Adept at navigating complex sales cycles, influencing senior stakeholders while transforming BD functions to accelerate growth. Experience • Global Head of Pitching and Proposals A&O Shearman LLP Nov 2022 – Dec 2024 (2 yrs 2 mos) • Led the design and execution of merging Allen & Overy and Shearman and Sterling’s global pitch function across 45+ offices within an accelerated six-month timeframe • Orchestrated the harmonisation of pitch infrastructure, process frameworks and BD methodologies between two distinct cultures while maintaining business continuity • Designed a new global pitch operating model for the merged firm along with a best practice pitch tool kit to support the pitch operating model • Established and nurtured a global pitch champion community of c. 150+ business development specialists to drive best practice pitching • Managed a team of 5 direct reports in London with dotted line management into two offshore pitch teams representing 10+ additional pitch experts • Director, Head of Origination for Strategy and Transactions E&Y LLP Oct 2019 – Oct 2022 (3 yrs 1 mo) • Led origination efforts that drove 20% YOY revenue increase, generating multi-million GBP annual growth • Designed and executed a market-leading origination strategy, establishing robust structures, methodologies, research frameworks and technology-driven pipeline management tools • Developed and launched high-impact client engagement programmes, targeting priority industries and spearheading cross-service area sprints to enhance client connectivity • Advised and presented to clients and investors on key market opportunities and industry trends, shaping strategic decision-making • Built and led a high-performing team of 10 professionals across onshore and offshore locations, fostering a culture of insight-driven business development • Appointed to EY’s UK Covid Taskforce (May 2020), leading daily strategy meetings and producing real-time insights on Covid-19’s economic impact, strengthening firm-wide relationships across industries. CV FOR DONNA ARENSON • Director, Head of Research and Bids for Financial Advisory Jun 2016 – Sep 2019 (3 yrs 4 mos) Deloitte LLP • Achieved a 70% bid win rate across Financial Advisory (FA), significantly outperforming industry benchmarks. FA includes five business units including: Forensic and Disputes, M&A, Corporate Advisory, Real Estate Advisory and Restructuring • Successfully executed and delivered over 300 discreet research projects supporting targeted business development initiatives • Developed and coordinated sector-specific briefings and market insights that directly supported highvalue client discussions and opportunities • Recruited and managed a team of four in London; Established and trained an offshore team of c.10 • Implemented technology solutions to provide insights and research to all FA practitioners • Managed and optimised a research tool budget exceeding £1m, negotiating favourable terms with vendors and ensuring ROI • Director, Head of BD & Marketing for Restructuring Services Jan 2009 – May 2016 (7 yrs 5 mos) Deloitte LLP • Drove revenue growth exceeding 50% during the economic downturn and sustained 25% growth post-2013 through innovative service development and targeted industry programmes • Created and executed targeted BD campaigns to position Deloitte as the leading restructuring advisor during the period of market volatility • Managed and developed a team of 8 in the UK and an offshore team of 5 in India • Developed and implemented a cross-border EMEA restructuring strategy, building an international network that captured opportunities as markets recovered • Served as Chief of Staff to the global head of Restructuring, providing strategic support and managing complex, high-profile initiatives • Raised RS’s profile across the firm as a key cross-selling vehicle for other Deloitte service areas • Other roles not included on my CV: Wells Fargo Capital Finance - Assistant Vice President Arthur Andersen LLP - Risk Consulting Manager July 2002 – May 2006 Jan 2001 – June 2002 Education • University of California, Los Angeles Bachelor of Arts, Economics Licenses & certifications • Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Issued 2000 Skills • • • • • Sales strategy and revenue growth Pitch process design and implementation Market intelligence and competitor analysis Client acquisition and retention Stakeholder management • • • • BD transformation Team leadership and development Coaching and mentoring BD technology and Tools