Interpath is pleased to announce the appointment of preeminent restructuring and turnaround advisor Russell Downs as a Managing Director within its Restructuring practice in London.
In a career spanning 35 years, Russell Downs has been at the forefront of the UK’s restructuring industry, having led on some of the most complex and high-profile engagements in the market.
As a partner at PwC, Russell acted as administrator from 2011 and lead administrator from 2018 dealing with the main regulated trading arm of Lehman Brothers’ UK operations, during which he oversaw the recovery of over £10bn of asset realisations and the return of over £40bn to its creditors and clients. In addition, he was appointed Special Manager to the Carillion Group, responsible for a number of the Group’s key infrastructure projects and joint venture interests.
He left PwC in late 2021 to work as an independent advisor, focused on providing leadership in crisis and distress situations as a board appointee, adviser or chief restructuring officer. Most recently, he was interim executive chair at the renowned shipbuilder and fabrication company, Harland & Wolff where he oversaw a sale of the business and its four strategic shipyards to Navantia UK, saving 1,000 jobs.
Russell will join Interpath’s award-winning Restructuring team in London in February 2026, where he will focus on advising companies and their stakeholders, including those within the financial services sector, as they navigate situations of stress and distress.
Will Wright, UK CEO of Interpath, said: “Russell is undoubtedly one of the leading restructuring practitioners in the UK and so we’re thrilled to announce that he will be joining us here at Interpath in early 2026.
“Although today’s economic landscape reflects many of the same macro challenges seen in previous years, a softening of government support and financial backstops is prompting greater investor caution. In this environment, Russell’s expertise, combined with the strength of the wider Interpath team, can make a real impact, helping businesses and their stakeholders navigate toward meaningful, sustainable solutions.”
Russell Downs added: “Now is a great time to join the Interpath team, collaborating across service lines to tackle special situations with client-focused outcomes at the heart of everything we do. Delivering best-in-class solutions to increasingly complex restructuring and distressed engagements demands talented, diverse teams - and that’s exactly what Interpath offers.
“After a four-year break, during which I gained new and invaluable insights across the restructuring market, I’m particularly excited to rejoin a major player in big ticket and financial services engagements. My experience on cases such as Lehman Brothers, Harland & Wolff, and a wide range of domestic and international mandates, means I have a proven track record of supporting stakeholders across the spectrum. I look forward to working with Interpath’s brilliant team, and helping to build out further credible, high-impact offerings for the firm.”
