Sheila T. Smith, principal, Deloitte Financial Advisory Services (Deloitte FAS) has been named restructuring services leader for the Americas region. Smith is currently the co-leader of Deloitte FAS’ Corporate Restructuring Group in the U.S., a role she will continue in addition to her expanded responsibilities.

“Our clients realize that huge cross-border opportunities exist in South America, but those opportunities can also present distinct and unexpected challenges. We help our clients navigate those challenges to first avoid and then correct the critical issues they face. Our global depth and breadth of technical and industry experience allow us to bring the right resource to bear on a troubled company situation, tailored to the specific marketplace nuances, legal and regulatory frameworks where the company resides,” said Smith.

“Sheila is a seasoned, restructuring and bankruptcy professional with more than 20 years of experience serving a host of clients ranging from manufacturing and retail to distribution and technology,” said John Trinta, managing director, Deloitte Americas. “She has been a driving force in the restructuring practice in the Americas region, and I have no doubt that she will build on our existing foundation to help us leap ahead in the marketplace.”

Smith was the first-ever New York Institute of Credit Executive Woman of the Year recipient in 2008, as well as the first Deloitte professional ever inducted into the American College of Bankruptcy. She has also received numerous industry recognitions including the 2012 Turnaround Management Association’s Chairman’s Award, a place on the 2010 Turnarounds & Workouts – Top Restructuring People to Watch and the 2005 recipient of the Outstanding Individual Contribution Award.

Deloitte member firms provide a range of advisory services around M&A transactions, restructurings, raising capital and forensic investigations.

Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, a UK private company limited by guarantee, and its network of member firms, each of which is a legally separate and independent entity.