Celebrating Excellence: Cornerstone Research Leaders Recognized by Consulting Magazine

Celebrating Excellence in Consulting

On May 8, 2026, Cornerstone Research announced that its CEO, Rahul Guha, and Senior Vice President, Alexander "Sasha" Aganin, have received significant recognition from Consulting Magazine. These honors celebrate their impactful contributions to consulting practices, legal and economic fields that span decades.

Lifetime Achievement Award for Rahul Guha

Dr. Rahul Guha has been awarded the Lifetime Achievement award, which acknowledges his enduring influence on client success, firm culture, and the overall trajectory of consulting practices. Joining Cornerstone Research as an analyst in 1996, Guha has played a transformative role in the company's evolution over the years. Under his leadership as CEO since 2020, he has overseen remarkable global expansion initiatives, including a workforce increase of over 50%, the growth of the company's London office, and the establishment of a new office in Brussels.

Guha's vision is rooted in modernization, evident in his strategic appointments such as the firm’s first Chief Innovation and Technology Officer. His establishment of the Applied Research Center and Data Science Center marked an investment in advanced analytical methodologies that fortified Cornerstone's reputation for blending technical prowess with intellectual integrity. In reflecting on his achievement, Guha emphasized that this recognition is a testament to the collective efforts of his dedicated team. "Leading a firm that prioritizes collaborative expertise and intellectual independence is a privilege. I am proud of the culture we have cultivated, empowering professionals to tackle litigation challenges with precision and care," Guha remarked.

Thought Leadership Award for Alexander Aganin

Simultaneously, Dr. Alexander “Sasha” Aganin has been honored with the Thought Leadership & Intellectual Capital award for his innovative contributions, particularly his extensive work in the field of financial practices. For over two decades, Aganin has coheaded Cornerstone’s finance practices, leading the Securities Class Action Filings report series in collaboration with Stanford Law School. This report serves as an essential reference for lawyers and insurers, helping them transition from anecdotal observations to data-driven decision-making.

Aganin expressed gratitude for the recognition and credited the remarkable research team at Cornerstone and their partnership with Stanford for the success of their projects. He stated, "Our goal is to offer the industry a robust framework for quantifying litigation risk in our report on Securities Class Action Filings. We are committed to evolving our analysis to address frontiers in complex securities litigation, including topics like cryptocurrency and artificial intelligence."

Significance of the Awards

The Consulting Magazine Top Consultants awards are prestigious accolades recognizing influential leaders who inspire innovation and provide top-tier client service. The 2026 class of honorees is notable not only for their individual exceptionalities but also for their agility in adapting to rapid industry shifts. They leverage cutting-edge technology and innovations, including artificial intelligence, to guide clients through complex global challenges effectively.

As stated by Kristin Feitzinger, chair of Cornerstone's board, “These honors reflect the extraordinary dedication that both Rahul and Sasha show to our firm, our clients, and our profession." Their achievements represent the core values and intellectual rigor that Cornerstone Research embodies.

About Cornerstone Research

Founded in 1989, Cornerstone Research stands as a leader in economic and financial consulting, providing lithe analytical solutions to navigate complex disputes. With over 1,000 professionals across nine offices in the United States, United Kingdom, and Europe, they draw on a vast network of prominent experts to support various consulting matters. Their dedication to innovation, precision, and excellence has solidified their position in the industry, reflecting their commitment to delivering impactful results for clients in an ever-evolving market landscape.

In conclusion, as the accomplishments of Rahul Guha and Sasha Aganin illustrate, dedication to intellectual integrity and excellence in consulting practices remains paramount, epitomizing the evolving narrative of Cornerstone Research.