Houlihan Lokey Executive and Leadership Team

Sophia Xia, the Managing Director at Houlihan Lokey, directs complex capital market transactions and strategic advisory initiatives. Overseeing the expansion of client portfolios within the Asia-Pacific region, Xia ensures that corporate entities receive tailored financial solutions aligned with long-term growth objectives. This leadership role involves coordinating with global teams to execute high-stakes mergers and acquisitions while maintaining strict regulatory compliance. By leveraging deep industry expertise, Sophia Xia drives the development of innovative financial structures that address unique market challenges. The Managing Director consistently monitors economic shifts to provide actionable insights for institutional partners. Through meticulous oversight of deal execution, Xia strengthens the firm's reputation for excellence in investment banking. This professional dedication supports the broader mission of providing objective, value-added guidance to corporations navigating volatile financial landscapes across diverse international jurisdictions.

Danny Small, the Managing Director at Houlihan Lokey, manages large-scale financial restructuring projects for distressed corporations. Focusing on North American operations, Small architects comprehensive turnaround strategies that stabilize balance sheets and preserve enterprise value. This role requires constant collaboration with creditors and stakeholders to negotiate complex debt arrangements and operational improvements. By analyzing market trends and liquidity requirements, Danny Small ensures that clients achieve sustainable financial health during periods of significant transition. The Managing Director maintains rigorous standards for risk assessment and capital allocation, directly impacting the firm's success in the restructuring sector. Through proactive engagement with institutional clients, Small facilitates efficient debt resolution processes. This leadership function remains vital to the firm's ability to navigate challenging economic environments while delivering consistent results for stakeholders across the United States and beyond.

Thomas Dippel, the Managing Director at Houlihan Lokey, oversees the firm's valuation advisory services for global institutional clients. Concentrating on European market expansion, Dippel directs the assessment of complex assets and business entities to support informed investment decisions. This leadership role involves managing cross-functional teams that provide independent fairness opinions and financial reporting valuations. By implementing advanced analytical frameworks, Thomas Dippel ensures the accuracy and integrity of all valuation outputs provided to corporate boards and private equity firms. The Managing Director coordinates with internal audit committees to maintain compliance with international accounting standards. Through strategic oversight of valuation methodologies, Dippel enhances the firm's competitive position in the global financial services industry. This professional focus supports the overarching goal of delivering transparent, reliable financial data that empowers clients to execute successful transactions and manage risk effectively.

Brent Ferrin, the Managing Director at Houlihan Lokey, leads the firm's efforts in middle-market mergers and acquisitions. Driving growth initiatives across the United States, Ferrin architects strategic partnerships that facilitate seamless business combinations and divestitures. This role involves identifying high-potential targets and managing the entire deal lifecycle from initial valuation to final closing. By fostering strong relationships with corporate executives and private equity sponsors, Brent Ferrin ensures that clients receive optimal terms and strategic alignment. The Managing Director monitors industry-specific trends to provide expert guidance on market entry and exit strategies. Through disciplined execution and a focus on long-term value creation, Ferrin strengthens the firm's market presence. This leadership position remains essential for maintaining the high standards of advisory excellence that define the firm's approach to investment banking and corporate finance.

Lyle Chastaine, the Managing Director at Houlihan Lokey, directs the firm's specialized financial advisory services for the technology sector. Overseeing operations across the Middle East and North America, Chastaine architects capital-raising strategies that support innovation and rapid scaling for emerging enterprises. This leadership role involves advising boards on strategic alternatives, including private placements and initial public offerings. By analyzing sector-specific growth drivers, Lyle Chastaine ensures that clients navigate complex market dynamics with precision. The Managing Director coordinates with internal research teams to provide deep-dive insights into competitive landscapes and valuation trends. Through consistent engagement with institutional investors, Chastaine facilitates successful capital deployment and strategic partnerships. This professional focus directly contributes to the firm's ability to deliver high-impact financial solutions that drive long-term success for technology-focused corporations and institutional stakeholders.

Jesse Nichols, the Managing Director at Houlihan Lokey, manages the firm's portfolio of industrial and manufacturing sector clients. Focusing on operational efficiency and strategic growth, Nichols directs the execution of complex divestiture programs and asset optimization projects. This leadership role involves working closely with corporate leadership to identify non-core assets and maximize shareholder value through targeted sales. By leveraging deep industry knowledge, Jesse Nichols architects solutions that address supply chain challenges and market volatility. The Managing Director ensures that all advisory services align with the firm's commitment to independent, objective analysis. Through proactive management of client relationships and deal processes, Nichols strengthens the firm's standing in the industrial finance space. This professional dedication supports the broader mission of providing expert guidance that enables corporations to thrive in competitive global markets.

Nana Kyei, the Managing Director at Houlihan Lokey, leads the firm's strategic advisory efforts within the healthcare and life sciences sector. Overseeing initiatives across international markets, Kyei directs the evaluation of clinical assets and corporate partnerships to drive innovation. This leadership role involves advising pharmaceutical and medical device companies on complex mergers, acquisitions, and licensing agreements. By analyzing regulatory environments and market access trends, Nana Kyei ensures that clients make informed decisions regarding their long-term growth strategies. The Managing Director coordinates with cross-functional teams to provide comprehensive financial modeling and valuation services. Through disciplined oversight of deal execution, Kyei enhances the firm's reputation for delivering high-value advisory services in the healthcare space. This professional focus remains critical to the firm's ability to support clients in navigating the unique challenges of the global life sciences industry.

Matthew Gelber, the Managing Director at Houlihan Lokey, directs the firm's financial advisory services for the consumer and retail sector. Focusing on brand transformation and market expansion, Gelber architects strategic plans that help companies adapt to changing consumer behaviors and digital disruption. This leadership role involves managing complex sell-side mandates and capital-raising activities for established retail brands. By monitoring global consumption patterns, Matthew Gelber provides actionable insights that guide corporate boards through challenging market cycles. The Managing Director coordinates with internal analysts to ensure that all financial advice remains grounded in rigorous data and market reality. Through proactive engagement with institutional partners, Gelber facilitates successful transactions that drive long-term value. This professional focus supports the firm's mission of providing expert, independent guidance to corporations operating in the fast-paced consumer goods landscape.

Gagan Sawhney, the Managing Director at Houlihan Lokey, oversees the firm's financial advisory operations within the energy and infrastructure sector. Directing large-scale project finance initiatives across global markets, Sawhney architects capital structures that support sustainable energy development and critical infrastructure upgrades. This leadership role involves advising governments and private corporations on complex project risk management and financing strategies. By analyzing energy market trends and regulatory shifts, Gagan Sawhney ensures that clients achieve financial stability while pursuing long-term growth. The Managing Director coordinates with internal technical teams to provide comprehensive valuation and feasibility assessments. Through disciplined oversight of complex transactions, Sawhney strengthens the firm's position as a leader in infrastructure finance. This professional dedication supports the broader mission of providing objective, value-added guidance to entities navigating the transition to new energy paradigms.

Jane Ma, the Managing Director at Houlihan Lokey, leads the firm's financial advisory services for the business services sector. Focusing on operational scaling and strategic acquisitions, Ma directs the development of growth strategies for professional services firms and human capital organizations. This leadership role involves managing complex buy-side mandates and providing expert guidance on corporate governance and financial performance. By analyzing industry-specific benchmarks, Jane Ma ensures that clients optimize their service delivery models and maximize profitability. The Managing Director coordinates with internal teams to provide rigorous valuation and strategic analysis that supports informed decision-making. Through proactive management of client relationships, Ma facilitates successful transactions that drive long-term value creation. This professional focus remains essential to the firm's ability to deliver high-impact financial solutions that enable business services companies to thrive in competitive global markets.