Former Director’s Defining Moments at A&M: Lessons in Leadership, Communication, and Trust

Denitsa Zapryanova is Head of Compliance at Aenova Group and a former Director with Alvarez & Marsal’s Disputes and Investigations practice in Germany. During her 17 years at A&M, she built a reputation for precision, clear communication, and structured problem-solving.

With a background spanning restructuring, forensic investigations, and expert witness work, Denitsa thrived in high-pressure environments, balancing tight deadlines with collaboration and quality delivery. She credits A&M with shaping the high standards she brings to her current leadership role in corporate compliance.

Career Growth at Alvarez & Marsal

What first brought you to A&M, and how did you find your way into Disputes and Investigations?

It was the excitement of joining a firm that was just establishing its presence in Germany but already had an international reputation. I joined A&M’s Restructuring team while completing my MBA in Frankfurt, drawn by the chance to grow with the business and gain hands-on exposure to complex matters.

Later, as A&M expanded across Europe, I had the opportunity to work on its first Disputes and Investigations case in the region, collaborating with colleagues across offices and disciplines. The intensity and variety of the work left a lasting impression.

What I cherish most is the team. We handled demanding workloads and tight deadlines but still made time for fun—like skiing, which I learned (and quickly loved) on the job.

Looking back on your time at A&M, what moments stand out as most formative?

I’ll never forget my very first interview. It was less about what I said and more about how well I could listen.

Another key moment came just before a client pitch when, as a junior, I was unexpectedly asked to lead it. After it went well, I realized how much growth comes from being thrown in. When a client later referred to an investigation memo as “Denitsa’s memo,” it reinforced how quality builds trust.

Through these experiences, communication, dialogue, and open stakeholder management became defining lessons I carry with me today.

What mindset or skill do you still rely on most today?

Two stand out: a structured, pragmatic approach to complex challenges and the discipline of building a solid fact base with zero-error output. I developed both while preparing expert witness reports, and they’ve become second nature—standards I now pass on to my team.

Why Pharma and Compliance Are a Natural Fit

What motivated your move into Pharma and compliance?

After advising clients post-crisis, I wanted to shape compliance from within. The pharmaceutical industry was a natural step: global, highly regulated, and centered on patient trust.

What makes your current role rewarding?

Navigating evolving regulations and supply-chain diligence is challenging. The rewarding part is making compliance a true business enabler, balancing ethics, cost, and quality across teams.