Global Defense & Aerospace Expert John Niehaus Joins Avascent

WASHINGTON, DC--(Marketwired - May 20, 2013) - Defense expert John Niehaus has joined Avascent, bringing over twenty five years of experience in corporate, business level competitive strategy, M&A transaction and investment, commercialization efforts, and deep expertise in defense and national security markets. John's portfolio includes formulating growth and investment strategies, identifying and exploiting critical market trends and drivers, and developing strategies that enable sustainable competitive advantage in Aerospace & Defense markets. His expertise will augment Avascent's ability to counsel clients on bold and effective moves to thrive despite an impending reduction in DOD investment over the coming years, and position clients for value creating, long-term growth.

"The U.S. defense market, including industry and government customers, faces a likely protracted period of budget austerity and uncertainty. Yet, these challenges -- indeed, market disruptions -- also create the context to approach the current environment as window of opportunity, to develop superior customer value propositions, and invest on a historical dip in defense asset valuations," commented Niehaus.

"We are excited to be bringing John on board," says Steve Irwin, President of Avascent. "He has long been a keen observer and leading thinker on defense sector dynamics and competitive strategies. Moreover, he cares deeply about the industry and the vital national role it plays," Irwin continued.

Niehaus spent the past five years at McKinsey & Company as a Senior Expert in Global Aerospace & Defense. Prior to McKinsey, John was a Principal with Booz Allen Hamilton, where he led the West Coast component of the firm's Global Aerospace & Defense practice. Previously, John was an executive with Raytheon Company where he held the titles of Vice President, Raytheon Commercial Ventures, as well as Director, Corporate Development. John began his career in the United States Navy, where he served as a Naval Flight Officer and E-2C Hawkeye Mission Commander. Toward the end of eight years of in the Navy, John served as Liaison Officer, U.S. House of Representatives, within the Secretary of the Navy's Office of Legislative Affairs. Avascent is proud to have John join the team.

ABOUT AVASCENT
Avascent (www.avascent.com) is the leading strategy and management consulting firm serving clients operating in government-driven markets. Working with corporate leaders and financial investors, Avascent delivers sophisticated, fact-based solutions in the areas of strategic growth, value capture, and mergers and acquisition support. With deep sector expertise, analytically rigorous consulting methodologies, and a uniquely flexible service model, Avascent provides clients with the insights and advice they need to succeed in dynamic customer environments.