William H. Henrich has spent more than 40 years helping shape the specialty finance industry through leadership in corporate restructuring and turnaround consulting. As Co-Chairman of Getzler Henrich & Associates, a Hilco Global subsidiary, he has helped build a nationally respected firm known for tackling complex financial challenges with strategic, effective solutions.

Henrich’s leadership journey began at Arthur Andersen, where he launched its New York restructuring group in 1982. “Every step along my career has been a learning experience,” Henrich says. “At Andersen, I learned to extract what’s relevant, ignore what’s not, and believe that no challenge is too large.”

After leading successful practice builds at ESBA and Andersen, he partnered with Joel Getzler to grow Getzler Henrich into a market leader. “It’s been most gratifying to have a partner with whom we can learn from each other and have fun along the way.”

Challenges have been constant — especially time management and balancing competing priorities. “You quickly learn it’s a team effort. Surrounding yourself with good people is the solution,” he says. Henrich credits his wife Linda and partner Getzler as essential to his success.

His leadership style is guided by integrity, listening, mentoring and candor. “Always do the right thing,” Henrich advises. “People generally want to know what you think — and benefit from candor.”

He remains passionate about his work because it never gets dull. “Turnaround consulting is both art and science,” he says. “I enjoy solving problems and helping companies and people succeed.”

Asked about his legacy, Henrich says, “I hope to be remembered as a trusted resource — smart, honest, insightful and effective.” He adds, “If I’ve helped leave the industry a little better than I found it, that’s what matters.”

His advice to future leaders? “Be a sponge. Take your work seriously — but never take yourself too seriously.”