Tanner Kaufman

Tanner Kaufman is a Managing Director in the M&A, Activism & Governance practice within FTI Consulting’s Strategic Communications segment. He is based in New York.

Mr. Kaufman brings significant expertise across high-profile corporate events and transactions, including advising clients on special situations, such as friendly and unsolicited transactions, shareholder activism defense, proxy contests, leadership changes, litigation and short attacks. He has led major transaction assignments for organizations including Primo Brands, Volaris, Emerson, Southwest Gas, Gannett, WillScot Holdings, WestRock, L3Harris, Terminix, Skillsoft, TaskUs, AVEO Oncology, CTI BioPharma, Translate Bio, Cabot Oil & Gas, Ali Group, Barnes & Noble, Alder BioPharmaceuticals, Panera Bread, WebMD, Keurig Green Mountain, Pep Boys and numerous others. In addition to his deep transaction experience, Mr. Kaufman has advised on more than 100 public and private activist situations, helping companies defend against some of the most notable activist investors, including Carl Icahn, Trian Partners, DE Shaw, Eminence Capital, Outerbridge, ValueAct, Elliott Management and Engaged Capital.

An expert in financial communications, Mr. Kaufman also works with companies to create and implement comprehensive investor relations programs and evolving equity narratives, navigating emerging issues, executing shareholder outreach and engagement strategies, and building sustainable, supportive shareholder bases. He has advised numerous companies across industries on crisis and hostile takeover preparedness and real-world response efforts.

In 2024, Mr. Kaufman was named to M&A Advisor’s Annual Emerging Leaders list, which recognizes and celebrates the achievements of M&A, financing and turnaround professionals who have made notable contributions to their industry and community. In 2026, he was recognized as a Rising Leader Under 40 by the National Investor Relations Institute (“NIRI”). Prior to joining FTI Consulting, Mr. Kaufman was a Managing Director at Joele Frank, Wilkinson Brimmer Katcher.

Awards & Recognition:

• Emerging Leader, M&A Advisor (2024)
• Rising Leader Under 40, NIRI (2026)