FTI Consulting, a business advisory firm, announced that two of its professionals were among the list of industry leaders honored by The M&A Advisor 4th Annual 40 Under 40 Recognition Awards. Brian Kennedy, senior managing director and global head of Energy & Natural Resources in the Strategic Communications segment, and Jason Abbott, managing director in the Transaction Advisory Services group within the Corporate Finance/Restructuring segment, were both recognized in the Service Provider category for their accomplishments.

With more than 15 years of energy and natural resources-related public policy, communications and national media affairs experience, Kennedy is uniquely qualified to help energy companies navigate highly complex communications challenges. Numerous Fortune 100 companies have relied on his strategic counsel during operational crises, federal agency and Congressional oversight committee investigations, proxy battles and major litigation.

Abbot has more than eight years of transaction advisor experience as a member of the Transaction Advisory Services practice at FTI Consulting. Abbott provides buy-side and sell-side due diligence, merger integration, interim management and comprehensive financial modeling for transition planning services. Abbott has deep industry experience in the Automotive and Telecommunications, Media & Technology industries, and has served as an advisor on numerous transactions with varying challenges and complexities.

This annual recognition awards program was created to recognize the emerging leaders of the M&A, financing and turnaround industries, as well as promote mentorship and professional development among emerging business leaders. The winners and finalists were selected by an independent panel of distinguished business leaders.

“Attracting, retaining and developing market-leading professionals is critical to the success of leading professional services firms,” said Jack Dunn, president and chief executive officer at FTI Consulting. “This recognition by The M&A Advisor is a further testament to the caliber of talent across our business segments and industry practices. Notably, this awards program was created to promote professional development and mentorship amongst emerging business leaders. Brian and Jason bring more than their multi-faceted skills sets, deep industry expertise and top-notch client service to our firm; they also demonstrate tremendous leadership and are committed to mentoring their colleagues to promote our firm’s human capital. I would like to applaud them on this well-deserved acknowledgment.”