WASHINGTON, DC (March 9, 2017) – Global business strategy and commercial diplomacy firm Albright Stonebridge Group (ASG) today announced the election of Melissa Estok, Rajeev Garside, Prem Kumar, and Joel Velasco as partners.

ASG also announced that Ranjana Smetacek has joined the firm as Senior Advisor, expanding the firm’s capabilities in South Asia and in the healthcare industry.

“Joel, Melissa, Prem, and Rajeev have demonstrated remarkable commitment to ASG’s clients and to the strategic growth of the firm,” said Ambassador Anthony Harrington, Chair of the ASG Managing Board. “Their leadership and expertise, along with the insights of our global advisory network, help position our clients for success around the world.”

Melissa Estok is a leader of ASG’s social sector client work and oversees firm operations planning, talent management, and information and communication technology. She draws on over 25 years of experience at global advocacy and human rights organizations including senior roles at the National Democratic Institute and service in the Peace Corps.

Rajeev Garside oversees the firm’s finance function and advises clients in the financial services and energy sectors. Prior to joining ASG, Mr. Garside co-founded and led ACEI, a private equity firm focused on global infrastructure opportunities. His background also includes positions with AES Corporation, Perseus Capital, McKinsey & Co., and Credit Suisse First Boston.

Prem Kumar helps lead the firm’s Middle East & North Africa (MENA) practice, which includes advisors throughout the region and a new office in Dubai.  Mr. Kumar has held senior positions responsible for Middle East affairs on the National Security Council staff at the White House, at the U.S. Mission to the UN, and at the U.S. Department of State. Earlier in his career he was an investment banker with Morgan Stanley.

Joel Velasco manages the firm’s client work in Latin America. In the private sector, Mr. Velasco has held senior roles at biotechnology firm Amyris and a leading Brazilian agricultural trade organization. Earlier in his career he served at the U.S. Embassy in Brazil as senior advisor and in the White House as personal aide to the Vice President.

Ranjana Smetacek advises ASG clients with interests in South Asia and the health and life sciences sector. She brings more than two decades of experience in government relations and public affairs, supporting projects around the world. Her background includes leadership positions with the Organization of Pharmaceutical Producers of India, Fortis Healthcare, and Monsanto.

Albright Stonebridge Group (ASG) is the premier global strategy and commercial diplomacy firm. We help clients understand and successfully navigate the economic, political, and social landscape in international markets. ASG’s worldwide team of commercial diplomats has served clients in more than 110 countries.

www.albrightstonebridge.com

###