Interpath appoints new managing director

Interpath has appointed restructuring specialist Russell Downs as managing director in its London practice, joining the firm in February 2026.

Downs, a restructuring adviser with 35 years’ experience, previously led some of the UK’s largest insolvency and recovery mandates. 

As a partner at PwC, he served as administrator and later lead administrator of Lehman Brothers’ main regulated UK business, overseeing more than £10bn in asset realisations and returning over £40bn to creditors and clients. 

He was also appointed special manager to the collapsed Carillion Group, where he handled several key infrastructure projects and joint ventures.

After leaving PwC in 2021, Downs worked independently, advising companies in crisis and taking board-level roles. 

Most recently, he was interim executive chair at shipbuilder Harland and Wolff, where he oversaw the sale of the business and its four shipyards to Navantia UK, safeguarding 1,000 jobs.

In his new role, Downs will advise companies and stakeholders, including those in financial services, as they navigate stress and distress. 

Will Wright, UK chief executive, said: “Russell is undoubtedly one of the leading restructuring practitioners in the UK and so we’re thrilled to announce that he will be joining us here at Interpath in early 2026.

“Although today’s economic landscape reflects many of the same macro challenges seen in previous years, a softening of government support and financial backstops is prompting greater investor caution. In this environment, Russell’s expertise, combined with the strength of the wider Interpath team, can make a real impact, helping businesses and their stakeholders navigate toward meaningful, sustainable solutions.”

Downs added: “Now is a great time to join the Interpath team, collaborating across service lines to tackle special situations with client-focused outcomes at the heart of everything we do. Delivering best-in-class solutions to increasingly complex restructuring and distressed engagements demands talented, diverse teams – and that’s exactly what Interpath offers.

“After a four-year break, during which I gained new and invaluable insights across the restructuring market, I’m particularly excited to rejoin a major player in big ticket and financial services engagements. My experience on cases such as Lehman Brothers, Harland and Wolff, and a wide range of domestic and international mandates, means I have a proven track record of supporting stakeholders across the spectrum. I look forward to working with Interpath’s brilliant team, and helping to build out further credible, high-impact offerings for the firm.”