Clear Thinking Group LLC announced that James Rategan has joined the firm as a managing director. In his new role, Rategan will be responsible for leading the firm’s business development initiatives, as well as providing client support.

"We are very pleased to have someone with Jim’s extensive business development experience join the CTG team. His reputation as a trusted partner to many leading private equity sponsors and consumer product/retail companies will allow him to reinforce our current relationships and develop new ones across these industries," said Stuart Kessler, President of Clear Thinking Group.

Rategan has more than ten years of advisory experience in the consumer product/retail sector, including apparel, footwear, grocery, pharmacy, luxury and consumer electronics. During that time, he has partnered with senior management teams and company stakeholders to perform business enterprise diagnostics to identify and solve complex strategic, operational and financial performance related issues. He also provides value across the investment life cycle, including merger & acquisition due diligence, integration planning and dispositions. Prior to joining Clear Thinking Group, Rategan was Vice President of Business Development for 2 divisions of Hilco Global, the world’s largest retail advisory, valuation and asset disposition firm, as well as an investor in retailers and iconic brands. He began his career in the Asset Management Division of Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.

"I welcome the opportunity to help bring Clear Thinking Group’s success over the last 15 years to new levels," Rategan added.

Clear Thinking Group LLC is an award-winning advisory firm with a team of professionals who provide innovative solutions and hands-on support to its clients facing business challenges and opportunities.