Respected academic and economist will spearhead firm’s AI strategy.
Cornerstone Research, a leading provider of economic and financial consulting and expert testimony, announces today that Phil Leslie has assumed the role of Chief Technology and Innovation Officer (CTIO), the first in the firm’s history. A distinguished economist and academic, Dr. Leslie joins from Amazon, where he led transformative digital initiatives as Chief Digital Economist and Vice President.
At Amazon, Dr. Leslie oversaw a central research team focused on the company’s advertising, media, and entertainment businesses. Over 10 years, he grew the team from five people to more than 100, including 50 Ph.D. economists. Working with business leaders, data scientists, researchers, and software engineers across Amazon, Dr. Leslie developed strategic insights and new modeling approaches grounded in economics and emerging technological tools.
It is almost impossible to find another leader like Phil—one who blends academic excellence, economic expertise, strategic thinking, and business acumen at the highest levels. His appointment reflects our commitment to innovation and to remaining at the forefront of economic consulting.
—Rahul Guha, CEO
“Technology is redefining our industry and our organization, and we believe it must be embedded into every facet of our work—from how we support experts to how we deliver the most robust analyses for our clients,” said Cornerstone Research CEO Rahul Guha. “It is almost impossible to find another leader like Phil—one who blends academic excellence, economic expertise, strategic thinking, and business acumen at the highest levels. His appointment reflects our commitment to innovation and to remaining at the forefront of economic consulting.”
As CTIO, Dr. Leslie will lead Cornerstone Research’s technology and innovation initiatives, initially focusing on advancing the strategy and expanding tactical uses of artificial intelligence (AI). He will also oversee the firm’s use of generative AI (GenAI) to enhance productivity, the invention and delivery of new products and services, the implications of the AI revolution, and how GenAI is reshaping economic analysis in litigation and regulatory proceedings.
Cornerstone Research is a firm where economic thinking is deeply valued, and technology and innovation are strategically imperative. I look forward to helping the firm further understand how the technology can best benefit our clients, expert witnesses, and consultants.
—Phil Leslie, CTIO
Dr. Leslie’s hire represents a significant milestone in Cornerstone Research’s long-term commitment to investments in technology and innovation. In 2014, the firm founded the Data Science Center to help clients solve challenges related to big data. Last year, the firm launched the Applied Research Center to address specific and challenging issues through novel research and the development of new tools and techniques.
“From the moment I began conversations with Cornerstone Research, I was inspired by the caliber of firm leadership and their serious commitment to innovation,” said Dr. Leslie. “This is a firm where economic thinking is deeply valued, and technology and innovation are strategically imperative. AI is incredibly strategic, and I look forward to helping the firm further understand how the technology can best benefit our clients, expert witnesses, and consultants.”
Before joining Amazon, Dr. Leslie was a tenured professor of economics at the UCLA Anderson School of Management. He also served for nine years as a professor at the Stanford Graduate School of Business, teaching courses in strategic management and empirical microeconomics. Dr. Leslie earned his Ph.D. in economics from Yale University.
Chicago 
