Houlihan Lokey, a global investment bank, has appointed Kenny Kraft as Managing Director in its Consumer, Food & Retail Group. Based in Atlanta, Mr. Kraft will oversee the firm’s coverage across the retail and multi-unit sector, bringing extensive expertise in convenience stores, restaurants, and auto-related multi-unit companies.
Prior to joining Houlihan Lokey, Mr. Kraft spent seven years at J.P. Morgan, where he served as Managing Director in the Investment Banking Group, focusing on the middle-market retail sector. His experience encompassed advising on transactions within convenience stores, car washes, automotive services chains, restaurants, and discount retailers. At J.P. Morgan, he also led client coverage efforts in the Southeast investment banking region. Before his tenure at J.P. Morgan, Mr. Kraft worked at SunTrust Robinson Humphrey, Inc. for six years, specializing in M&A and financing transactions within the retail and restaurant sectors. He brings nearly two decades of experience working with multi-unit concepts to his new role.
Tim Larsen, Managing Director and Global Co-Head of Houlihan Lokey’s Consumer, Food & Retail Group, commented, “Kenny brings a highly specialized dimension to our retail coverage efforts, complemented by a strong track record in the multi-unit retail sector. His deep sector knowledge aligns perfectly with our commitment to sector specialization, and his client-centric approach resonates with our corporate culture and client-focused ethos. We are excited to have him join us to further enhance our retail coverage capabilities.”
Mr. Kraft expressed enthusiasm about joining Houlihan Lokey, highlighting the firm’s market-leading Consumer, Food & Retail Group and its extensive expertise in private capital markets, strong financial sponsor relationships, and comprehensive service offerings. He emphasized his dedication to delivering superior advice and exceptional outcomes for clients navigating today’s dynamic market environment.
Houlihan Lokey’s Consumer, Food & Retail Group, comprising nearly 130 financial professionals across major global financial centers, including New York, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, London, Munich, Milan, and Zurich, is one of the largest in financial services. In 2023, the firm was recognized as the top M&A advisor for all U.S. consumer, food, and retail transactions by LSEG (formerly Refinitiv), underscoring its leadership in the sector.
