Keresteci replaces Michael Henry, who has shifted into the role of vice president of M&A finance. He served as CFO since 2020.
Keresteci spent the last 11 years at McKinsey in a variety of finance roles. During that time, he crossed paths with Daniel Gourvitch, Mercer’s president. Prior to that, he held private equity roles at Alliance Bernstein, Marathon Asset Management and Lightyear Capital.
“Hiring a person of Gün’s caliber, a leader with vast multi-disciplinary experience, reinforces our commitment to building the preeminent fiduciary financial advisory firm,” said Dave Welling, CEO of Mercer Advisors, in a statement.
Mercer has added over 260 professionals in the last year, excluding those who joined through acquisitions over that period.
Hiring from a consultancy
Bringing on a CFO with prior experience at a large consultancy can provide firms with a major strategic boost. With extensive exposure advising top enterprises across various sectors, these executives possess a wealth of financial expertise. This allows them to rapidly implement best practices refined through years of consulting global business leaders.
Just as importantly, a pedigree CFO understands how to operate within a professional services environment. They can replicate the methodical, data-driven dynamic of consultancy operations within your firm’s finance culture. Consultancy veterans also bring an exterior perspective that fuels innovation, challenging status quo thinking with creative strategies honed through intense problem-solving.
The analytical firepower and change-agent mentality that typifies top consultancy talent proves invaluable in elevating an organization’s financial rigor and strategic vision. And thanks to extensive networking amongst clients, a marquee CFO also serves as a conduit to partnership, investment, and alliance opportunities previously out of reach. So for firms seeking a catalyst to propel financial performance, tabbing a seasoned consultancy CFO checks all the boxes.
