Houlihan Lokey announced that Kenny Kraft has joined the firm’s Consumer, Food & 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, Inc., 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,” said Tim Larsen, Managing Director and Global Co-Head of Houlihan Lokey’s Consumer, Food & Retail Group. “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,” he added.
“Houlihan Lokey’s market-leading Consumer, Food & 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,” said Mr. Kraft. “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.”
With nearly 130 financial professionals located in New York, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, London, Munich, Milan, and Zurich, Houlihan Lokey’s Consumer, Food & Retail Group is among the largest in financial services, advising clients worldwide. In 2023, Houlihan Lokey was ranked as the No. 1 M&A advisor for all U.S. consumer, food, and retail transactions, according to LSEG (formerly Refinitiv).