Investment bank Houlihan Lokey hired Val Shapiro as a managing director for its financial sponsors group to support and expand the team’s credit coverage efforts, focusing on alternative asset managers, hedge funds, credit funds and collateralized loan obligations.
“We are absolutely delighted that Val has chosen to bring her deep experience and extensive market relationships to the Houlihan Lokey team,” Kevin Salmini, global head of the financial sponsors group at Houlihan Lokey, said. “Her credibility among credit investors, technical expertise and transaction experience required to address the needs of clients who are facing large and complex distressed situations, alongside an outstanding network of industry relationships in the credit space, will prove tremendously beneficial to our clients as we continue to enhance our credit coverage capabilities.”
Shapiro, who is based in New York, joined the firm from Ankura Consulting, where she was a senior managing director in its turnaround and restructuring group and head of the firm’s revenue team. Prior to Ankura, she was a vice president at Goldman Sachs Asset Management, managing leveraged loan and high-yield bond investments for issuers across several sectors, including food and beverage, retail, industrials and business services, among others. Shapiro also has held roles at Onex Credit Partners and Deutsche Bank.
“Val’s buyside background in credit investing across the distressed investing marketplace adds unique and valuable specialist expertise that meaningfully enhances the advice we can offer our clients,” John Mavredakis, chairman of Houlihan Lokey’s financial sponsors group, said. “Her approach to client service is a perfect match with our corporate culture, and we’re excited that she has joined what is now among the largest credit advisory teams in financial services.”
“Houlihan Lokey’s team-oriented, client-centric ethos and its ability to draw from its vast array of services to guide its clients to success is incredibly compelling,” Shapiro said. “I am excited to partner with my colleagues in financial sponsors, financial restructuring and capital markets to continue to deliver superior advice to our client base around the world.”
