What's Happening?
Berkeley Research Group (BRG), a management consulting firm based in Emeryville, California, has appointed Rosa (Romy) Abrantes-Metz, PhD, as the global leader of its digital economy and platform markets
practice. Abrantes-Metz, who joined BRG in 2023 as a managing director in the antitrust and competition practice, brings over 20 years of experience as an economist, consultant, and testifying expert. Her recent work includes testifying for the US Department of Justice and Department of State in a case against Google concerning the ad tech sector. Prior to her role at BRG, she was a principal at The Brattle Group and Global Economics Group. Abrantes-Metz holds a PhD in economics from the University of Chicago. She succeeds David Evans, PhD, who launched the digital economy and platform markets practice and will continue at BRG as a managing director.
Why It's Important?
The appointment of Rosa Abrantes-Metz as head of BRG's digital economy and platform markets practice is significant due to her extensive expertise in antitrust and financial regulatory matters. Her leadership is expected to enhance BRG's ability to advise on complex issues related to platform economics, digital competition, data analytics, and AI. This move reflects the growing importance of digital economy expertise in navigating regulatory challenges and market dynamics. As digital platforms continue to reshape industries, BRG's strengthened focus on this area positions it to better serve law firms, technology companies, and government agencies. Abrantes-Metz's role is crucial in helping clients adapt to the evolving digital landscape and regulatory environment.
What's Next?
Under Abrantes-Metz's leadership, BRG is likely to expand its influence in the digital economy sector by leveraging its team of testifying experts, data scientists, and strategists. The firm aims to provide rigorous and forward-thinking solutions to clients facing challenges in digital markets. As the digital economy continues to evolve, BRG's practice will likely focus on emerging issues such as AI regulation, data privacy, and platform competition. Stakeholders, including businesses and regulators, may look to BRG for guidance on navigating these complex issues, potentially leading to increased demand for the firm's services.
Beyond the Headlines
Abrantes-Metz's appointment highlights the intersection of economics, data, and regulatory strategy in the digital age. Her role underscores the need for expertise that bridges complex economic analysis with practical implications for businesses and regulators. This development may also signal a broader trend of consulting firms enhancing their capabilities in digital economy practices to address the growing regulatory scrutiny and competitive challenges faced by digital platforms.
