Alvarez & Marsal (A&M) has appointed New York-based Luigi “Lou” Peluso a Managing Director in its Private Equity Performance Improvement group. Mr. Peluso, who has extensive experience in the aerospace and defense industries, will serve in the firm’s global Aerospace, Defense & Aviation practice. His appointment reflects A&M’s commitment to meet the aerospace and defense industries’ growing demand for advisory services in the face of unprecedented operational challenges.

Mr. Peluso’s addition to the Aerospace, Defense & Aviation practice follows the appointment of Managing Director James Marceau in July who joined the senior leadership team of the practice.

“Aerospace, defense and aviation companies are coping with unparalleled challenges compounded by the potential reluctance of investors. Our drive to expand and enhance A&M’s Aerospace, Defense & Aviation offerings aligns with our leadership, action and results approach to solve clients’ concerns,” said Nick Alvarez, Managing Director and National Practice Leader of A&M’s Private Equity Performance Improvement group. “Lou’s background in these sectors and track record of success propels our ability to advise clients in the current environment and moving forward.”

Mr. Peluso brings more than 30 years of experience leading transformative operational improvement programs in sourcing, manufacturing, distribution, and SG&A (selling, general and administrative) management. He has worked extensively with and delivered value for global private equity firms as well as public corporations.

In recent years, for instance, Mr. Peluso’s leadership helped a leading spacecraft manufacturer more than double its earnings, and reduced material costs by 25 percent for an aerospace system provider.

“I am very pleased to welcome Lou to our growing team. This strengthens our ability to address the urgent need for transformative capabilities and solutions, caused by extraordinary challenges to commercial/civil aviation, and financial and operational impact on the critically important aerospace and defense industrial base,” said Mr. Marceau. “Lou’s operational skills and leadership experience will be critically important to address the immediate demands of A&M’s aerospace, defense, aviation and space related clients.”

Prior to joining A&M, Mr. Peluso worked with Alix Partners, Ingersoll Rand and the Danaher Corporation. He has taught in the Graduate School of Business at University of Chicago and at Massachusetts Institute of Technology.