Former executive brings PE-backed growth and M&A integration experience to WRC's expanding advisory practice
Cleveland, OH, [Date] — Winding River Consulting has added Jessica Emanuel to the firm as Managing Director of Growth, deepening its advisory capabilities as professional services firms demand more rigorous, disciplined approaches to growth and enterprise value creation.
Emanuel joins a growing WRC advisory team that includes Brian Blaha, Chief Strategy Officer, and Dr. Rachel Anevski, strengthening the firm's bench across growth consulting, leadership development, and strategic advisory.
"What sets Jessica apart is that she has done this work from the inside — as a CMO building a firm — and from the outside as an advisor," said David Toth, President and Chief Growth Officer of Winding River Consulting. "That combination of perspectives is exactly what our clients need right now, whether they're growing through M&A or building out their go-to-market strategy."
Emanuel brings nearly two decades of experience building growth operations inside professional services firms and, most recently, partnering with PE sponsors on value creation across their portfolios. As Chief Marketing and Corporate Development Officer at BPM LLP, she built the firm's first marketing and corporate development function, supported the integration of more than 12 acquisitions across Europe and APAC, and helped grow the firm from $80M to over $300M in revenue. In 2021, she was recognized as the youngest CMO/CGO in the Allinial Global network, representing 270+ firms across 109 countries with combined revenue exceeding $6B. She was recently named a 20 Under 40 honoree and one of M&A Advisor's 2026 Emerging Leaders.
At WRC, Emanuel will partner with managing partners, CEOs, and sponsors on growth strategies spanning go-to-market design, brand alignment, M&A integration, and enterprise value creation — working directly with independent and PE-backed firms to translate strategy into measurable results.
"When I first got into the accounting growth space, Winding River was one of the first partners I worked with," said Emanuel. "There is so much happening in the profession right now, and WRC just gets it. The team is incredibly well connected, smart, and immersed in the changes our clients are navigating."
"Jessica's ability to move quickly, combined with her depth of experience, translates directly into results for our clients," added Gary Shamis, Senior Advisor and Founder of Winding River Consulting. "We're thrilled to have her on the team."
Emanuel's addition reflects WRC's continued investment in its enterprise value advisory practice, designed to help professional services firms maximize long-term firm value through disciplined growth, M&A strategy, and operational alignment.
Emanuel holds a BA from UCLA and an MBA from Northwestern's Kellogg School of Management.
Winding River Consulting is a strategic advisory partner for professional services firms and leaders navigating growth and change. Through strategic advisory, growth consulting, and leadership development, WRC delivers clarity, direction, and momentum — helping firms close the enterprise value gap and move forward with confidence. Learn more at www.WindingRiverConsulting.com.