Phil Leslie Joins Cornerstone Research as Their First CTO to Drive Innovation and AI Strategy

Phil Leslie Joins Cornerstone Research as Chief Technology and Innovation Officer

Chicago, June 3, 2025 - Cornerstone Research, a prominent player in economic and financial consulting, has announced a significant leadership appointment that marks a pivotal change in the firm’s approach to technology and innovation. Phil Leslie has been named as the company’s first Chief Technology and Innovation Officer (CTIO), stepping into a role designed to spearhead the firm's strategy in artificial intelligence (AI) and technological advancement.

Previously, Phil Leslie earned recognition at Amazon, where he served as the Chief Digital Economist and Vice President. During his tenure at the tech giant, he directed a central research team that focused on advertising, media, and entertainment sectors. Under his leadership, the team grew exponentially from five members to over a hundred, comprising 50 Ph.D. economists. His experience at Amazon not only provided him with profound insights into the intersection of economics and technology but also equipped him with the skills necessary to foster innovation at Cornerstone Research.

In announcing his appointment, Cornerstone Research CEO Rahul Guha emphasized the importance of integrating technology into every aspect of their work. He stated, "Technology is redefining our industry and our organization, and we believe it must be embedded into every facet of our work—from how we support experts to how we deliver the most robust analyses for our clients." This belief underlines the firm’s commitment to staying ahead in economic consulting by utilizing cutting-edge tools and strategies.

Phil Leslie, as CTIO, will primarily focus on the strategic deployment of artificial intelligence within the company. He will work on enhancing productivity through generative AI, which is expected to drive the development of new products and services. Moreover, he will delve into the implications of the AI revolution on economic analysis specifically within litigation and regulatory environments. Dr. Leslie mentioned, "AI is incredibly strategic, and I look forward to helping the firm further understand how the technology can best benefit our clients, expert witnesses, and consultants."

Cornerstone Research has a history of innovation, having established the Data Science Center in 2014 to meet the challenges posed by big data. In the previous year, the firm launched the Applied Research Center, further solidifying its commitment to addressing complex issues through innovative research methodologies. Leslie’s arrival is indicative of the firm’s dedication to investing in technology and innovation as a core component of its operations.

Before his tenure at Amazon, Dr. Leslie was a tenured professor of economics at UCLA Anderson School of Management, and he previously taught at Stanford Graduate School of Business. His academic background includes a Ph.D. in economics from Yale University, underscoring his strong foundations in economic theory and practice. His extensive experience and academic excellence ideally position him to lead Cornerstone Research into a new era of technology-driven consulting.

In the broader context, the appointment of Phil Leslie as CTIO represents a shift in the economic consulting landscape, where data and technology are becoming imperatives for success. The leadership team at Cornerstone Research believes that with Leslie’s expertise, the firm can better harness the potential of AI to unlock new insights and solutions for their clients.

As the firm embarks on this endeavor, industry observers will be watching closely to see how this integration of technology and economic consulting will shape the future of Cornerstone Research and its clients’ experiences. With this strategic move, Cornerstone Research is poised to not only navigate the complexities of modern economic challenges but also to shape the future of economic consulting.