#United States #Washington, DC #Cornerstone Research #Gopal Das Varma #Antitrust Practice

Gopal Das Varma Takes on Vice President Role at Cornerstone Research

In a significant move within the economic consulting realm, Cornerstone Research has announced the appointment of Gopal Das Varma as vice president. Based in the Washington, DC office, Dr. Varma brings over two decades of invaluable expertise in government, academic, and economic consulting spheres. His role is poised to bolster the firm's growing presence in the mergers and antitrust practice areas, where his experience will undoubtedly pave the way for innovative solutions and insights.

Dr. Varma, a noted economist specializing in industrial organization, has been pivotal in advising governmental bodies and private sector firms alike. His illustrious career includes a tenure as an economist within the Antitrust Division of the Department of Justice (DOJ) and positions on the Federal Reserve Board of Governors. This dynamic background equips him to handle complex mergers and acquisitions alongside federal regulatory investigations, making him an ideal fit for his new role.

Prior to joining Cornerstone Research, Dr. Varma held a professorship at Duke University's Fuqua School of Business, where he taught influential courses covering industrial organization, competitive strategy, and game theory. Cornerstone Research CEO, Rahul Guha, expressed enthusiasm for Dr. Varma's arrival, highlighting the unique mix of regulatory insight, consulting expertise, and academic foundation he brings to the table. His engagement in high-stakes matters as an expert witness shows his proficiency in the field, with experience that spans prominent mergers like Bayer/Monsanto and American Airlines/US Airways.

Dr. Varma's deep understanding of antitrust issues began during his time at the DOJ, where his contributions extended to various competition-related matters, including investigations into allegations of vertical restraints. This knowledge will empower Cornerstone Research's efforts in mitigating client challenges throughout the merger review processes.

Celeste Saravia, cohead of the antitrust and competition practice at Cornerstone Research, echoed the excitement surrounding Dr. Varma's onboarding. She emphasized that his dual perspective—having advised both merging entities and governmental regulatory agencies—will be instrumental in tackling the intricate dilemmas faced by clients in the competitive landscape today.

Furthermore, Dr. Varma is not only a sought-after consultant but also a published author within the peer-reviewed economics community, frequently contributing to the dialogue at academic seminars and conferences focused on antitrust matters. His extensive research background solidifies his position as a leading voice in economic discussions surrounding competition and regulatory frameworks.

Reflecting on his new role, Dr. Varma remarked that Cornerstone Research's dedication to excellence, client-centric service, and collaborative environment aligns seamlessly with his professional values. He expressed eagerness to merge his extensive expertise with the established team of mergers and antitrust professionals, collaborating with academic and industry experts to produce top-tier, data-driven analyses for clients navigating their most impactful challenges.

As Cornerstone Research continues to expand its capabilities in economic and financial consulting, Dr. Varma's contribution is expected to drive innovation in the antitrust and competition sectors. His presence not only enhances the firm's proficiency in handling complex disputes related to mergers but also exemplifies a commitment to delivering high-quality consulting services that have been the hallmark of Cornerstone since its inception in 1989.

In sum, Gopal Das Varma's recruitment marks a pivotal enhancement to Cornerstone Research's already formidable team, reinforcing its mission to provide profound insights and comprehensive solutions in the ever-evolving landscape of antitrust regulation. As the firm gears up for new challenges and opportunities in the field, all eyes will be on the collaborative efforts that Dr. Varma will cultivate as part of his strategic initiatives.