Navigating the middle-market M&A landscape in 2024 requires a strategic approach tailored to each industry’s unique challenges and opportunities. With significant deals such as Chevron’s $53 billion acquisition of Hess Corporation in the Oil & Gas sector, Mondelez International’s $1.3 billion acquisition of Clif Bar & Company in Food & Beverage, and Vista Equity Partners’ $4.6 billion acquisition of Duck Creek Technologies in Software, this year has highlighted the need for investment bankers to leverage cross-industry expertise, anticipate market shifts, and align deals with evolving industry trends. Understanding sector-specific dynamics and mastering complex negotiations are key to optimizing outcomes and securing long-term value.

Justin Lurie is an accomplished finance executive and strategic leader with extensive expertise in investment banking, mergers & acquisitions, and strategic advisory across the energy and finance sectors. As Chairman of the Board of Directors for the American Petroleum Institute, Houston Chapter, and a founding Partner at Sterling Concord Partners, Justin has driven industry growth and innovation, delivering exceptional ROI in middle-market transactions. Recognized among the Global Top 100 in Finance by GCIF in 2021, he is also a respected media commentator, keynote speaker, and author of The Profit. His distinguished career is marked by a commitment to civic engagement, strategic leadership, and a passion for fostering business success and community progress.

Jack Pacheco, a seasoned executive with a strong background in finance and operations, currently serves as President of SMART Modular Technologies and Chief Operating Officer of SGH (NASDAQ: SGH). Since joining SGH in 2011, Pacheco has been pivotal in expanding the company's market reach, overseeing operations, and driving strategic growth. Under his leadership, SGH achieved FY23 revenues of $1.4 billion and successfully diversified into areas such as artificial intelligence and machine learning. With an impressive track record of leading IPOs, acquisitions, and overseeing global operations across finance, R&D, and supply chain, Pacheco continues to be a driving force behind SGH’s success and innovation in the technology sector.

Steve R. Cherek is a seasoned IT executive and business strategist with over 35 years of leadership experience in a Fortune 5 company. Throughout his extensive career at ExxonMobil, he has spearheaded global IT initiatives, managed multi-billion-dollar budgets, and influenced corporate strategies across various business sectors. With a strong background in financial planning, business development, and digital strategy, Steve has successfully led diverse teams and large-scale projects that have driven innovation and efficiency across the organization. His technical expertise and executive leadership have earned him recognition as a trusted leader in the IT industry, shaping long-term strategies and transforming business operations on a global scale.

I'm excited to share my journey in the clean-tech, energy efficiency, and IoT sectors! With over 30 years of experience in leading corporate strategy and business development, I’ve had the privilege of working with amazing teams around the globe to advance innovation in renewable energy, smart grid technology, and sustainable solutions. From founding ventures to shaping industry-leading companies, my focus has always been on driving growth and building strategic partnerships that make a real impact. If you share a passion for clean energy, technology, or exploring sustainable solutions, I’d love to connect and discuss how we can make a difference together. Here’s to continuing this exciting journey and contributing to a smarter, greener future!

I’m excited to share my journey and experiences as outlined in my biography. Over the years, I’ve built a strong reputation for driving transformation and achieving results, leveraging my extensive background in corporate strategy and M&A execution. My approach to leadership focuses on fostering transparency, adaptability, and innovation, all while managing high-performance teams to navigate complex challenges. I’m passionate about strategic thinking and communication, which has helped me become a trusted partner in guiding organizations to new heights. My track record in financial management and stakeholder engagement underscores my commitment to steering organizations towards long-term success. I invite you to explore my full biography to learn more about how I’m shaping the future of leadership and strategy.

Roberto Martinez is a seasoned international strategist with over 35 years of experience in business development, marketing, and operations across the globe. Holding an...

I’m excited to share a glimpse into my professional journey and achievements. With over 30 years of experience in transportation and business development, I’ve led transformative projects, from negotiating major acquisitions to driving strategic growth initiatives. My background in sales, industrial development, and strategy, combined with extensive board service, has equipped me to foster innovation and steer organizations towards success. I’m passionate about leveraging my experience to shape the future of transportation and beyond.

Transforming distressed properties in real estate parallels mergers and acquisitions (M&A) in the corporate world, as both require strategic vision, meticulous due diligence, and a focus on value creation. Just as M&A involves assessing a company’s financial and operational health, transforming distressed properties begins with a thorough examination of the property’s condition and potential. Both processes require comprehensive planning, risk management, and stakeholder engagement to ensure success. By applying the principles of M&A—such as integration, value enhancement, and long-term sustainability—developers can successfully revitalize properties, much like corporations navigate successful mergers.

I’m thrilled to share my professional biography, which outlines my career journey and achievements. Over the years, I’ve passionately influenced direction, developed impactful strategies, and catalyzed growth, all while striving to help others exceed their most compelling potential. My experience has taught me the importance of combining strategic insight with effective communication to drive success. I invite you to read more about my journey and the contributions I’ve made to shaping successful organizations.

Excited to share my professional journey: I'm Rupal Sankalia, a dedicated leader with a passion for ethical excellence and global operations. With a robust background in financial services, risk management, and strategic initiatives, I bring a wealth of knowledge in driving organizational success. My commitment to effective communication and fostering cross-team collaboration is at the heart of everything I do. Let's connect and explore how we can bring out the best together!

Happy to share my journey in leadership and strategy! From driving operational excellence to fostering growth through strategic initiatives, I'm committed to achieving organizational success. Let's connect and explore opportunities to collaborate on driving impactful change together.

Thrilled to share my journey in architecture, design, and sustainability! With over 30 years of experience, I've had the privilege of leading strategic initiatives that drive growth and innovation. Let's connect and explore how we can create sustainable futures together!

Elated to share my journey of leadership and impact! From guiding organizations through strategic transformations to championing causes close to my heart, I'm committed to leaving a positive legacy. Explore how my experience in global markets and dedication to ethical leadership shape my approach to driving sustainable growth and innovation.

Excited to share the impressive journey of Mike Cowles, a seasoned executive officer, board member, and advisor with a remarkable history of building high-performance teams and driving value creation across various industries. Currently, Mike is recognized for his strategic leadership in managing SAP’s $600M Financial Services P&L, leading Rainmaker through significant transactions, and doubling Logically’s revenue run rate within 18 months. His expertise spans sell-side transactions, enterprise value creation, acquisitions, integrations, and business transformations, all while maintaining a focus on key metrics to maximize enterprise value. With a solid foundation in mechanical engineering from the University of Florida and a wealth of experience from leading roles at Ariba, SAP, and Accenture, Mike continues to be a pivotal figure in the business world.

"Nine Reasons Why Sustainability Should be a Key Focus for Corporate Strategies" In the modern world, sustainability is rapidly becoming one of the most important...