Houlihan Lokey, a global investment bank, hired Kenny Kraft into its consumer, food and retail group as a managing director. Based in Atlanta, Kraft will oversee the firm’s coverage efforts across the retail and multi-unit sector, adding expertise in convenience stores, restaurants and auto-related multi-unit companies.
Kraft joins after spending the past seven years in J.P. Morgan’s Investment Banking Group, most recently as a managing director covering the middle-market retail sector, including convenience stores, car washes, automotive services chains, restaurants and discount retailers. In addition, he was responsible for leading client coverage efforts within the Southeast investment banking region for J.P. Morgan. Prior to J.P. Morgan, Kraft spent six years at SunTrust Robinson Humprey, advising on M&A and financing transactions in the retail and restaurant sectors. He has nearly two decades of experience working with multi-unit concepts.
“Kenny adds a valuable and highly specialized dimension to our retail coverage efforts, alongside a long track record of success in the multi-unit retail sector,” Tim Larsen, managing director and global co-head of Houlihan Lokey’s consumer, food and retail group, said. “His sector knowledge aligns with our dedication to deep sector specialization, and his client-first ethos is a perfect fit with our corporate culture and our approach to client success. We’re delighted that he has come on board to further build out our retail coverage capabilities.”
“Houlihan Lokey’s market-leading consumer, food and retail group, paired with its extensive private capital markets expertise, deep financial sponsor relationships and numerous other services, present a compelling and unique value proposition for retailers looking to transact in today’s active market,” Kraft said. “I’m excited to partner with my colleagues around the world and deliver the superior advice and outstanding outcomes that Houlihan Lokey’s clients expect.”
