Alvarez & Marsal Tax, an affiliate of Alvarez & Marsal (A&M), has expanded its Portfolio Tax Services (PTS) offering and its West Coast presence with the appointments of Managing Directors Brian Charbonnier and Christopher White. This expansion brings significant expertise in assisting private equity-backed companies in navigating the intricate and dynamic tax environment and builds on Adam Uttley’s recent joining as Managing Director and Group Leader for PTS North America.
 
Charbonnier and White solve complex tax matters for multinational, public companies and private organizations across a wide range of industries. These senior hires round out the full-service LA based team including A&M Tax Managing Director Katya Umanskaya.
 
Ernesto “Ernie” Perez, Managing Director and A&M Tax’s Global Practice Leader, noted “M&A is our most mature global capability, and we are relentless in our commitment to offering PE investors, funds and their portfolio companies seamless services that address every aspect of tax planning and compliance. Brian and Chris are two very talented professionals who will enhance our West Coast footprint, but most importantly further complement our impressive Global Transaction Tax (GTT) practice to best support our PE clients.”  
 
Charbonnier specializes in developing innovative tax and transfer pricing solutions as well as direct, indirect and international tax planning. He works with clients on comprehensive tax strategies and advises on tax efficient structuring along with merger and acquisition (M&A) and initial public offering (IPO) planning.
 
White concentrates on implementing tax-efficient structures for inbound and outbound global operations. He advises clients on M&A deal structuring, post-acquisition structuring, supply chain holding and financing, intellectual property planning and cross-border transaction tax structuring and financial modeling.
 
Uttley said, “Our full-service LA team is equipped to help clients navigate a shifting tax legislative landscape alongside the 2025 sunsetting of multiple Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) tax provisions. Brian, Chris and Katya, have the critical tax and finance functions work experience to ensure clients maximize value, drive change and mitigate risk. They align with the responsiveness, transparency, collaboration and efficiency that define our global solutions, integrated tax services and results-oriented approach.”
 
Prior to joining A&M, Charbonnier served as Managing Director with Andersen’s Commercial Tax practice. He earned a J.D. from Duquesne University, an M.B.A. from the University of Pittsburgh and is a member of the State Bar of California.
 
White previously served in leadership roles with Deloitte as well as several multi-national, publicly traded companies. He earned a bachelor’s degree in business economics from the University of California, Los Angeles. White is a Certified Public Accountant in the state of California and a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.