Eric Kolesnikov & Lindsey Price Earn the M&A Advisor’s Emerging Leaders Awards

Benchmark International is pleased to announce that two outstanding members have been recognized as winners in the 17th annual Emerging Leaders Awards. Congratulations go to Eric Kolesnikov, Associate Transaction Director, and Lindsey Price, Marketing Specialist, on this well-deserved achievement.

Presented annually by The M&A Advisor, the Emerging Leaders Awards recognize accomplished professionals under 40 who are helping shape the future of mergers and acquisitions, corporate finance, restructuring, and financing through innovation and important contributions to their industries and communities.

This recognition reflects not only professional achievement but also shows the dedication, character, and commitment that emerging leaders bring to their organizations and the people around them. Eric and Lindsey embody those qualities and represent the next generation of leaders helping move the industry forward.

Eric Kolesnikov has distinguished himself through his dedication to clients, commitment to excellence, and passion for helping business owners navigate some of the most important decisions of their lives. Since joining Benchmark International, he has advanced from Senior Deal Associate to Associate Transaction Director, building the trust and respect of team members and clients alike through his professionalism, expertise, and thoughtful approach to M&A advisory.

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Throughout his career, Eric has worked closely with business owners across a wide range of industries, helping them evaluate opportunities, maximize value, and pursue their long-term goals with confidence. His leadership and ability to establish meaningful relationships have contributed to numerous effective engagements and have helped strengthen the firm's reputation within the global M&A community. Beyond his career-related accomplishments, Eric is known for his integrity, work ethic, and genuine devotion to supporting those around him. These qualities have made him not only a successful advisor but also a respected leader and mentor.

Derek Avdul, Managing Partner, stated, "Eric exemplifies what it means to be an emerging leader. From the moment he joined Benchmark International, his dedication to our clients, the team around him, and his own professional growth was clear. He has met every challenge he has faced as his responsibilities have grown and has developed into a strong leader and key contributor to Benchmark's success. He takes great pride in his role, and we are fortunate to have him among our leaders. I look forward to his continued growth and the role he will play in helping us grow, expand, and excel as a firm."

Lindsey Price has been with Benchmark International for over four years, building a career defined by growth, adaptability, and a passion for helping others succeed. Beginning as a Deal Originator, she advanced to Senior Deal Originator before transitioning into her current role as Marketing Specialist. With experience spanning both deal origination and marketing, she brings a unique, comprehensive perspective on how business owners are guided and supported through the M&A process.

Work with the World’s Leading Sell-Side M&A Firm

Throughout her career at Benchmark International, Lindsey has consistently taken on new challenges, expanded her skill set, and created value across multiple areas of the firm. By combining her firsthand experience in deal origination with marketing, she develops strategic tools and initiatives that directly support deal flow and conversion. Lindsey helps bridge the gap between market intelligence, client engagement, and transaction execution, while enhancing opportunity visibility across Benchmark International's global platform. Her ability to bring people together, elevate ideas, and support those around her has left a lasting impact on both the firm and her colleagues.

Brittney Zoeller, Global Creative and Brand Strategy Director, stated, "Lindsey has continuously embraced new opportunities, expanded her expertise, and made a meaningful impact across multiple areas of our business. Her passion, adaptability, and commitment to helping others succeed make this recognition incredibly well deserved."

The winners will be formally recognized during the 2026 Leadership in Dealmaking Summit taking place September 14-15, 2025, in New York City. The annual summit brings together industry leaders, past honorees, and new voices leading meaningful change.

Since 1998, The M&A Advisor has been dedicated to bringing together, recognizing, and informing professionals in mergers and acquisitions, restructuring, and corporate finance through world-class content, events, and honors programs.

For more information, visit https://maadvisor.com/.

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