Former Amherst Partners Managing Director Brings Strong Industry Experience
Chicago (Vocus) November 10, 2009 -- Houlihan Smith & Company, Inc. is pleased to announce the appointment of John W. Kemp as Senior Managing Director of the firm’s Operational Improvement and Restructuring Division, specializing in advising clients that are undergoing transition, underperforming, or are in trouble.
“We are excited that John is joining our firm. His experience in the area of operational improvement and restructuring strengthens our firm and enhances our service offerings for our clients,” said Andrew Smith, co-founder and President of The Houlihan Firm. “Under John’s leadership, our Operational Improvement and Restructuring Division will continue to provide our clients with the best advisory services available.”
Before joining The Houlihan Firm, Mr. Kemp was the head of the Chicago office for Amherst Partners. Prior to holding that position, he held executive level positions in the retail and automotive aftermarket industries, including serving as Vice President of Automotive Stores for Sears, Roebuck and Co. While at Sears, Mr. Kemp had P&L responsibility for the nation's largest retailer of tires and related services, consisting of 830 Sears Auto Centers and 225 National Tire & Battery (NTB) stores, with over 21,000 employees and revenues of $2.2 billion. Under his leadership, profitability and customer service improved dramatically. Later during his tenure, Mr. Kemp led NTB through a successful divestiture from the parent company.
Mr. Kemp will help clients at The Houlihan Firm by focusing on the operational and financial issues that adversely impact performance, while working with management teams to develop strategic alternatives as well as business and communication plans. As a former line leader, Mr. Kemp understands the importance of customer service, revenue growth, and profitability, while staying focused on a few key metrics and implementing lean operating disciplines. To improve communication with lending institutions and investors, Mr. Kemp will work with clients on developing effective budgeting and capital allocation processes, including a particular focus on working capital.
Mr. Kemp holds an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University, and earned his BA from the University of Michigan with High Honors. He serves on the Governing Board of the Chicago Zoological Society, and is a member of the Chicago chapters of the Turnaround Management Association (TMA) and the Association for Corporate Growth (ACG).
About The Houlihan Firm:
Houlihan Smith & Company, Inc. is recognized as a leading provider of financial opinions, financings, mergers & acquisitions advisory, operational improvement and restructuring advisory, and other corporate advisory services for public and private businesses. Founded in 1996, The Houlihan Firm is synonymous with deal-making expertise and leadership in valuation as well as fairness issues. The Houlihan Firm’s experienced professionals provide services for businesses around the globe from offices in Chicago, New York, Los Angeles, Toronto, and London. For more information on The Houlihan Firm, please visit our website at www.houlihansmith.com.
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