An Inspiring Entrepreneurial Journey
In this article published in the ESCP Alumni Magazine, Gennat Mouline, Partner at Eight Advisory and ESCP Alumna (MiM 2007), reflects on her professional journey and shares her perspective on the consulting profession, along with the core values that drive her daily commitment.
What has your career path been since graduating from ESCP?
After graduating from ESCP, I began my professional career by joining one of the Big 4 at the end of 2007. I spent two years there before a pivotal opportunity came along. In 2009, a group of former partners from this Big Four firm decided to launch a new firm — Eight Advisory — with the ambition of building a leading, independent player in the field of financial and operational advisory. I joined this exciting entrepreneurial venture from the outset.
Since then, I have spent my entire career at Eight Advisory, within the Transaction Services practice, progressing through the ranks to become a Partner in 2017. Over the past 17 years, I have taken on various responsibilities and contributed to major projects, supporting numerous companies and investors during key strategic moments — particularly on buy-side and sell-side financial due diligence assignments, often in complex environments such as carve-out situations. My objective is to deliver sharp, insightful analysis to help clients make well-informed investment decisions.
I also led our approach on Healthcare sector, a field that is both dynamic and intellectually rewarding. More recently, I have taken a new step in my career by launching Eight Advisory’s Madrid office. This new chapter represents an exciting entrepreneurial challenge: establishing our brand in the Spanish market and expanding our service offering across the country.
What led you to join Eight Advisory?
From the very beginning, I was drawn to Eight Advisory by the strong sense of independence that underpinned the project. It was not simply about creating another advisory firm, but about shaping a different model — one that combined technical excellence with agility. Together with the founding partners, we succeeded in building a demanding yet people-centred environment, underpinned by a strong entrepreneurial culture.
Beyond financial and strategic expertise, what truly appealed to me was the opportunity to be part of a collective journey and to help build something from the ground up. Joining Eight Advisory at its creation was a bold decision, but also a unique opportunity to contribute to its future growth. It aligned perfectly with my professional aspirations.
What are your current responsibilities?
I am currently responsible for leading the development of Eight Advisory in Spain. I launched our Madrid office with the mission of establishing our expertise in this market and supporting our clients with their investments in Spain.
My role involves rolling out the full range of Eight Advisory’s services locally and driving the growth of our presence in this new market. This includes building a strong and capable team, and developing trusted relationships with key players in the Spanish business community. Today, we have built a team of around ten professionals, and I am particularly proud of the progress we’ve made. My priority has always been to ensure that this expansion reflects Eight Advisory’s technical and cultural DNA — placing excellence and commitment at the heart of everything we do.
What are your areas of expertise?
I have developed specific expertise across several sectors, notably Healthcare, Industry — a field I know particularly well and am passionate about — as well as Business Services and Technology.
My expertise is rooted in strong financial technical skills, but also in agility and a genuine curiosity for the operational realities of the businesses I work with. This approach has led me to spend time in the field with my teams — meeting people, visiting companies and factories, and gaining a deep understanding of production processes. I firmly believe that quality financial advice must be grounded in real business insight, and that’s precisely what sets us apart at Eight Advisory.
Why did you choose Spain to develop Eight Advisory?
Spain is a rapidly growing and highly attractive market for international investors. The Spanish economy is showing strong momentum, with a mature and dynamic business landscape offering numerous growth opportunities. The arrival of Eight Advisory in Spain is therefore a direct response to a genuine market need.
On a more personal note, Spain holds a special place in my journey. I have spoken Spanish since childhood and have always had a strong appetite for international exposure. From the early days of Eight Advisory, I saw Spain as a natural next step in our expansion. It felt clear to me that we had the expertise and capabilities to bring real value to this market, and I am proud to lead this ambition by establishing our presence in Madrid.
What values are most important to you in your professional life?
I firmly believe that the success of a business rests on strong, shared values. At Eight Advisory, we have always championed three fundamental pillars that deeply align with my own vision of work. I often think of them as the three stages of a rocket:
The first is respect — the foundation of any relationship, professional or personal. You simply cannot build trust, whether with clients or with your team, without mutual respect.
The second is excellence — the engine. Eight Advisory has earned its place in a highly competitive market, standing alongside the world’s largest consulting firms. If we are the market leader in France today, it is because we have always upheld the highest standards of quality and rigour.
The third is entrepreneurship — the spark. What has always motivated me is the ability to innovate, build, and take initiative. The launch of the Madrid office is a perfect illustration of that drive. At Eight Advisory, we foster a culture of ownership and initiative, and that is one of our greatest strengths.
On a more personal level, another value that matters deeply to me is generosity. I’ve had the privilege of growing within a demanding yet supportive environment, and I am committed to passing on that spirit — both within our teams and in the way we work with our clients.