Jack Butler is more than a veteran of the restructuring and private capital world; he is one of its principal architects. As the CEO of Birch Lake, Butler brings decades of structuring experience to provide flexible capital solutions for complex situations. His career is marked by a series of foundational achievements, from co-founding the corporate restructuring practice at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP to serving on the executive leadership team at Hilco Global. Throughout these roles, he has helped create more than $100 billion in value for stakeholders, leaving an indelible mark on the M&A and advisory communities.
One of Butler’s most enduring contributions to the industry was his service as a member of the ABI Commission to Study the Reform of Chapter 11. Over three years, he collaborated with other industry leaders to evaluate the entire body of bankruptcy work, making recommendations that required the consensus of all commissioners. This effort ultimately led to the enactment of Subchapter V of the Bankruptcy Code. This landmark legislation created a streamlined, cost-effective means for small businesses to restructure, offering a faster, simpler option than traditional Chapter 11 processes.
Despite his extensive list of professional accolades, Butler remains grounded in a philosophy that prioritizes people over transactions. He believes the most important skill for a successful career is the ability to listen to and understand people’s stories. “This business is all about people,” Butler says. “When you learn their stories, you learn about people. It is how we can bridge differences, pull people forward and do deals.” For Butler, being an Icon means recognizing a responsibility to lift others up and pay it forward, ensuring that the foundation he helped build continues to support the next generation of leaders.
