Senior Management Team
We are a highly committed outcome-focused group of professionals. We bring to each project a powerful combination of deep technical and financial expertise, extensive commercial acumen, strong networks and an entrepreneurial attitude.
Robert is a co-founder and CEO of FOCUS Capital Partners – the fastest growing boutique corporate finance advisory firm in Ireland – established in 2010 with offices in both Dublin and Limerick.
One of Ireland’s leading corporate finance advisors, Robert has significant commercial experience in mergers and acquisitions, debt advisory, equity fundraising, business turnaround, and strategic advisory services for a wide range of clients both in Ireland and internationally.
He is the chairperson of the acquisition company which has brought FOCUS Capital Partners and U.S. firm FOCUS Investment Banking under common ownership in 2025 to provide world-class advisory services to middle-market clients on both sides of the Atlantic.
With deep industry knowledge, strong relationships and a commitment to excellence, Robert has completed transactions across a number of sectors including real estate, hospitality, retail and aviation. Prior to co-founding FOCUS Capital Partners, Robert was a former partner at BDO Ireland, spending 10 years in corporate finance advisory with the firm.
He is a Fellow of Chartered Accountants Ireland from which he holds several diplomas, as well as a Bachelor of Business Studies (BBS) (Hons) from University of Limerick.
radams@focuscapital.ie 087-6618452
Previously, Aisling spent over four years working in personal and employment taxes in PwC Ireland and Vialto Partners.
Aisling graduated from University College Dublin with a Bachelors in Business and Law and subsequently completed a Masters in Accounting at the UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School. Aisling qualified as a chartered tax advisor in 2022 and a chartered accountant in 2023.
aahern@focustax.ie 087-0324137
Brian joined FOCUS Capital Partners in 2019 and is a leading and experienced corporate finance advisor, who provides a broad range of services from debt advisory, valuations, due diligence, strategic planning, along with buy-side and sell-side lead advisory services to clients.
Brian’s expertise is in providing strategic advice to entrepreneurs, business owners and companies to assist them in achieving their strategic ambitions and preparing for significant value events. He has almost 20 years of corporate finance experience working with SMEs, large corporates, semi-state bodies and publicly listed companies.
Brian has successfully completed many significant transactions across multiple sectors, including retail, manufacturing, technology, food and beverage, agriculture, packaging, logistics, financial services, energy and leisure.
Prior to joining FOCUS Capital Partners, Brian was a Director with EY’s Strategy and Transactions practice, specialising in providing financial, commercial, and strategic advice to c-suite executives and boards of Irish and international companies. Prior to joining EY, Brian was an associate director with IBI Corporate Finance, an Irish M&A boutique firm, where he worked with many public companies advising CEOs and CFOs (including Glanbia plc, CRH plc, Bank of Ireland Group plc, Flutter Entertainment plc, Greencore Group plc, C&C Group plc).
Brian spent several years working within the global funds administration industry with State Street Corporation and Bank of Ireland Securities Services, in Boston, Toronto and Dublin. In this role Brian led and managed multiple Client Servicing Teams (over 30 staff), delivering high-quality bespoke administration and custodial service for multifaceted fund structures to leading global asset managers with assets under management of $30bn.
In addition to his expertise, Brian is involved in his family Irish publishing business, Mercier Press, where as a director he acts as a strategic advisor and consultant.
Brian holds an MBA from The Michael Smurfit Graduate School of Business and he is a Fellow Chartered Management Accountant, holding the designation of ACMA, CGMA and FCMA. Brian also holds a Diploma in Corporate Insolvency in Ireland and he graduated from University College Cork, with a Hons BSc. In Finance.
bbarrett@focuscapital.ie 087-2649827
David has over 8 years’ experience advising on corporate and personal tax matters for a wide variety of clients, including high-net-worth individuals, estates, and domestic and multinational companies.
David has a detailed and practical understanding of all areas of Irish taxation, with a particular interest in tax planning for corporates and shareholders on re-organisations, pre-sale tax structuring, management buyouts (MBOs) and debt refinancing. David has advised clients across a broad range of industries – including technology and software, healthcare, hospitality and leisure, education, and property – finding the right balance between tax efficient solutions and helping clients achieve their personal or commercial objectives.
dbrophy@focustax.ie 087-0624817
Donal holds an MBA, a BSc. Finance Degree and is a Fellow of the Association of Chartered Accountants (ACCA) with 15+ years of banking and commercial/corporate finance experience working with SMEs, large corporates, and semi-state bodies. His expertise is in the area commercial finance solutions helping companies to achieve their financing and long-term strategic aims.
During his career, Donal has worked across and successfully completed many transactions in various sectors including retail, hospitality and leisure, healthcare, manufacturing, engineering, technology, logistics, renewables, and property.
Donal is also a Director and President (2022) of Limerick Chamber of Commerce and is an advocate for business growth and economic development in the Mid-West in order to create a thriving region.
At FOCUS Capital Partners, Donal specialises in our MBO and debt advisory transactions and leads our Munster business from our Limerick offices.
dcantillon@focuscapital.ie 087-1775550
Mark is a senior finance manager in FOCUS Capital Partners, having originally joined the firm in 2021. Mark’s role is primarily focused on internal finance, although he also provides support to the corporate finance team.
Mark qualified as a chartered certified accountant (ACCA) in 2021. He graduated with first class honours from UCD’s Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School in 2016 with an MSc in Business Management. Mark also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Science from NUI Galway.
Prior to joining FOCUS, Mark spent 4 years working in the audit department of a small accountancy practice in Dublin.
mcloonan@focuscapital.ie 086-2463578
Prior to joining FOCUS Capital Partners, Peter trained in Grant Thornton’s Receivership department, then moved to Consulting to work on large deleveraging projects before joining the Corporate Finance team. Peter has significant experience in providing a range of transaction services including due diligence, vendor assist, valuations and IBR’s. Peter has gained exposure to various industries including IT consulting, insurance, engineering, and software.
Peter also worked for a family office, managing their property and investment portfolio.
Peter qualified as a chartered accountant in 2020 having previously graduated from University of Limerick with a MSc in Financial Services.
pcoffey@focuscapital.ie (01) 905 2970
Orla joined FOCUS Capital Partners in 2017 and since then has predominantly advised on equity transactions across a wide variety of sectors as well as several M&A transactions.
Previously, Orla spent 5 years working in business development and management positions in both start-ups and small businesses in the ecommerce and retail sectors respectively.
Orla graduated from University College Dublin with a Bachelors in Commerce, specialising in Finance. Orla subsequently completed a Masters in Finance and Capital Markets at Dublin City University.
odevlin@focuscapital.ie 086-3744040
Patrick is a chartered accountant with over 10 years’ experience in corporate finance across M&A, debt funding and equity fundraising. Patrick held senior positions in EY and PKF before joining FOCUS Capital Partners from Irish private equity firm Renatus Capital Partners.
Patrick’s expertise is in supporting SME businesses to realise their strategic ambitions and provide advice and assistance in preparing both the company and business owner/entrepreneur for significant value events. Patrick has in-depth industry knowledge and experience having completed a number of significant transactions across a range of sectors including healthcare, software, technology, distribution, manufacturing, and logistics.
Patrick previously worked in a private equity firm and more recent experience has focused on advising businesses and owners on growth options and re-organisations available in the private equity market across Europe.
Patrick holds a B.A. in Accounting and Finance from DCU and a MSc. in Accounting from TUD. He co-founded a tech start-up company which was successfully disposed of to a trade buyer in 2018.
pdooley@focuscapital.ie 087-2325028
Owen specialises in M&A and equity finance and has managed the successful execution of several equity fundraise and M&A transactions with a particular focus on high-growth indigenous Irish software and technology companies. In addition, Owen specialises in providing a range of transaction services including due diligence, company valuations, and IBRs and has extensive experience in providing strategic advice to leading Irish corporates.
Prior to joining FOCUS Capital Partners in 2017, Owen worked in Grant Thornton’s Corporate Finance and Corporate Advisory departments specialising in M&A and transaction services. Owen completed his accountancy traineeship in Deloitte and Touche’s corporate audit department.
Owen has gained significant exposure to various industries while working in corporate finance including software, artificial intelligence, manufacturing, pharmacy, leisure and hospitality, waste management, renewables, retail, and property.
Owen holds a Bachelor of International Commerce and Irish degree from University College Dublin and is an associate of Chartered Accountants Ireland.
ohackett@focuscapital.ie 086-8707015
Martin’s core specialist skills in operating fast-growing businesses have been developed over 25 years as a Managing Director/CEO of commercial trading companies. He brings commercial business turnaround, growth and restructuring expertise to FOCUS Capital Partners where he is currently spearheading a number of significant business growth planning and funding transactions.
Martin has developed a reputation for business strategy, rapid growth and business turnarounds in Europe (particularly Ireland, UK, Italy, and Denmark) with a broad range of companies including private, PLC and multi-national. He is known for his commercial, real estate, operations, IT, and financial skills. He has led a number of business acquisition, disposal and restructuring transactions. Martin has strong relationships with a wide range of private wealth funds, private equity groups, and commercial business leaders.
mhiggins@focuscapital.ie 087-2990909
Alan Kelly is a Managing Director and Head of Mergers and Acquisitions at FOCUS Capital Partners, bringing 30 years of experience in finance, logistics, distribution, and technology. He has worked with companies ranging from start-ups to multinationals, leading strategic initiatives across M&A, fundraising, operations, and business development.
As Head of M&A, Alan oversees transactions from origination to completion, identifying strategic opportunities across multiple sectors and connecting buyers with sellers. He manages the full deal lifecycle, from initial engagement and valuation to negotiation, due diligence, and closing. Working closely with business owners, investors, and corporate leadership teams, he structures deals that align with their strategic and financial goals.
Beyond executing transactions, Alan ensures the efficient allocation of resources across multiple projects, leading the M&A team to deliver value and navigate challenges. He has successfully advised on sell-side and buy-side transactions, minority investments, and strategic partnerships across technology, software, healthcare, manufacturing, engineering, and distribution.
Before joining FOCUS Capital Partners, Alan held leadership roles at Kintetsu World Express (KWE), a Japanese logistics company specialising in pharmaceutical and electronics supply chains, and Fonua, a fast-growing mobile phone distribution business. At Fonua, he led commercial operations, driving revenue growth, acquisitions, and strategic direction.
Alan is an active member of M&A Worldwide, a global network of M&A firms in 40+ countries, where he leads the Healthcare Industry Group. He also mentors high-potential start-up (HPSU) founders through the Enterprise Ireland HPSU Founders Forum, providing guidance on business strategy, fundraising, and scaling operations.
A Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants, Alan began his career in auditing with Deloitte, where he built a strong foundation in financial modelling, analysis, and reporting.
akelly@focuscapital.ie 087-8192370
Andrew has over 15 years’ experience advising personal and corporate tax clients such as high-net-worth individuals, entrepreneurs, start-up companies (particularly in the technology and software industries), sizeable Irish private companies and family-owned businesses across the full spectrum of the domestic economy.
Andrew has extensive knowledge of all areas of Irish taxation and specialises in the tax structuring of property transactions and corporate transactions including refinancing, acquisitions, disposals, corporate re-organisations, and management buyouts (MBOs).
Prior to joining FOCUS Tax Partners, Andrew was a Partner at Warren & Partners.
akenny@focustax.ie 086-8408359
Michael has 25 years’ experience in financial services. Most recently he led HSBC’s Corporate Banking business in Ireland and was a founding member when HSBC entered the Irish banking market in 2007. Michael successfully grew this business from inception, servicing Irish corporates, PLCs, semi-states and real estate clients across a range of products and services including senior debt facilities, working capital and supply chain solutions, debt capital markets, M&A and equity. Key industry sectors included food and agriculture, renewables and healthcare.
Prior to HSBC, Michael began his career with Goodbody Stockbrokers as a stockbroker and held corporate banking roles with AIB and ACC Bank. In 2016, Michael concluded an MBA and has a keen interest in corporate finance and strategy.
mlalor@focuscapital.ie 087-2852674
Nick is a tax lawyer with significant experience advising high-net-worth individuals, family businesses, entrepreneurs and family offices. Nick’s work often relates to estate planning, structures (corporate investment structures, trusts, partnerships and other vehicles), family business succession and establishing family offices. Nick also has experience dealing with mergers and acquisitions, with a particular focus on pre-sale shareholder structuring.
Prior to joining FOCUS Tax Partners, Nick worked for Deloitte Ireland and a large commercial law firm in the UK. Nick is a qualified solicitor in Ireland and England (non-practicing), a chartered tax advisor and a member of the Society of Trusts and Estates Practitioners.
nlaver@focustax.ie 087-3414587
Owen joined FOCUS Capital Partners in 2022 and has substantial experience in renewable energy, M&A and equity fundraising. He has experience in providing a range of transaction services including due diligence, valuations, financial modelling and strategic planning. Owen specialises in renewable energy but has also gained exposure to various other industries including animal nutrition, waste and water services, biomass, technology, healthcare and retail.
Prior to joining FOCUS Capital Partners, Owen spent 4 years in EY’s Global Reporting Centre of Excellence working with a range of multinational clients. Owen is a chartered accountant (ACA) and holds a Bachelor of Animal Science BAgrSc from UCD.
olloyd@focuscapital.ie 086-3329705
Barry is a seasoned chartered accountant with over 15 years of experience in corporate finance, audit, and advisory services. He specialises in mergers and acquisitions (M&A), corporate finance, and financial advisory, working across a range of industries including healthcare, pharmaceutical services, food and beverage, real estate (including the sale and acquisition of hotels, commercial, and residential properties), software and technology, professional services, and engineering consultancy.
Barry has substantial experience advising on both the buy-side and sell-side of M&A transactions. His expertise extends to sourcing external capital, corporate and personal debt restructuring, and project management. He has successfully managed numerous M&A and banking transactions and has a strong track record in financial modelling, valuations, financial planning and analysis, and financial due diligence.
Barry’s key focus area is working with business founders and owners of small and medium-sized companies, helping them successfully navigate the exit or sale process to realise the full value of what they have built.
Before joining FOCUS Capital Partners, Barry spent four years in the assurance department of PwC, where he completed two rotations in PwC San Francisco. During this time, he was part of the Private Client Services team, where he worked on high-profile projects, including Driscoll’s Berries, the America’s Cup, and BBCAF (BBC Pension Scheme’s U.S. property joint venture).
Barry holds a Bachelor of Business Studies degree with a major in Accounting and Finance from the University of Limerick. His extensive experience across diverse sectors, combined with his hands-on approach to financial advisory, makes him a valuable asset in navigating the intricacies of corporate finance and M&A transactions.
bmadden@focuscapital.ie 085-7188307
Jonathan joined the debt advisory team at FOCUS Capital Partners in 2024. He has extensive experience in sourcing, structuring, negotiating and executing transactions across a wide range of sectors with founder-led businesses and both domestic and international private equity.
Previously Jonathan held various positions in corporate banking having spent over 15 years working with AIB. During this time he gained extensive experience in restructuring and cashflow lending in the hospitality, retail, distribution, pharmaceuticals, waste, technology and engineering sectors. In his last role with AIB, Jonathan held a senior position on a corporate origination team for 5 years with a focus on sponsor-led deals and M&A transactions in the mid-market.
Jonathan holds a B.A. in Economics from UCD.
jmawhinney@focuscapital.ie 087-2178953
Andy established his career in the Davy Group, with over 27 years’ experience of dealing in currency and interest rate instruments with the final 5 years as Director of Moneybroker, acting exclusively in an agency capacity for professional clients, matching up buyers and sellers in the wholesale financial markets.
Andy joined FOCUS Capital Partners in 2018 as Client Relationship Manager. He is primarily involved in debt and M&A, bringing new opportunities to his client base.
Andy holds a BA in Economics together with a Master’s in Sports Management from UCD. Andy is also the successful Manager of the Meath Football Team.
amcentee@focuscapital.ie 087-8574273
Ruairi joined FOCUS Capital Partners in 2022 and has worked on a number of equity and M&A transactions to date.
Ruairi arrived at FOCUS Capital Partners having spent 3 years in PwC’s audit department (international and domestic business) working on a range of clients from large tech firms to smaller indigenous companies. After PwC, Ruairi spent 2 years abroad working in financial accounting roles in a couple of ASX-listed companies and on his return to Ireland, worked as a financial accountant for one of the largest vehicle distributors in the country.
Ruairi qualified as a chartered accountant in 2017 having graduated from UCD with a BComm and subsequently completed the MSc in Accounting from DCU.
rmcentee@focuscapital.ie 087-6660683
Brian is a founding shareholder and Chairman of FOCUS Capital Partners. A Fellow of Chartered Accountants Ireland, he has developed his reputation in corporate finance, financial and business strategy and is widely acknowledged as one of the country’s leading business strategists.
Brian has a keen interest in economics and provides strategic business advice across all business sectors. He has significant hands-on management experience in terms of his ability to work alongside senior business executives in their delivery of growth-focused M&A activity.
Prior to establishing FOCUS Capital Partners, Brian was a Founding Partner of BDO in Ireland and was instrumental in the growth of the firm to become a leading top 6 accountancy firm within Ireland. Brian qualified with KPMG before establishing his own firm in 1984. In 1987, he merged with Simpson Xavier which subsequently became the Irish office of BDO International. Brian led BDO as Managing Partner until leaving in July 2010 to establish FOCUS Capital Partners.
bmcgann@focuscapital.ie 087-2356565
Paul joined FOCUS Capital Partners in 2019 and has substantial experience in the areas of M&A, debt and equity fundraising. He has significant experience in providing a range of transaction services including due diligence, valuations, financial modelling and strategic planning. Paul has gained exposure to various industries including technology, pharmacy, hospitality, renewables, retail, and property.
Prior to joining FOCUS Capital Partners, Paul trained as an accountant across several departments including transaction services, corporate and personal tax, and audit at Moore. Paul is a chartered accountant and holds a Bachelor of Business and Finance from Dublin University College.
pmeade@focuscapital.ie 083-4648178
Edel joined FOCUS Capital Partners in early 2020 as a management accountant on the finance team. Edel has worked primarily on internal functions but has also supported the corporate finance team with a wide range of transaction-related projects, including due diligence and financing.
Prior to joining, Edel spent over four years working in the audit and advisory department in Crowe Ireland. Edel graduated with a first-class honours degree in Theology and Business from GMIT in 2011 and holds a Professional Diploma in Financial Advice from UCD.
Edel qualified as a chartered accountant in 2019.
emulvihill@focuscapital.ie 085-1559566
Shane joined FOCUS Capital Partners in 2022 and has been involved in numerous equity, M&A and debt transactions. Shane has significant experience in providing a range of transaction services including due diligence, valuations, financial modelling and strategic planning. Shane has gained exposure to various industries including technology, medical, hospitality and retail.
Prior to joining FOCUS Capital Partners, Shane spent 4 years in EY’s financial services audit department working on a wide range of wealth and asset management clients to small Section 110 companies.
Shane qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 2022 having previously graduated from University of Limerick with a B.A. in International Business in 2018.
soconnor@focuscapital.ie 087-6950646
Denise joined FOCUS Capital Partners in 2016 from a large accountancy practice, having hands-on experience in the operation of multiple investor funds. Denise now works as a project manager and is involved primarily in the day-to-day management of a number of property funds within FOCUS Capital Partners that seek to deliver investment opportunities for investors.
Denise has successfully overseen a number of projects both internal and external and has a detailed and practical understanding of the core abilities that are necessary to successfully bring a project from start to finish. Denise graduated from WIT with a BA (Hons).
dogrady@focuscapital.ie 086-0813186
Eoin has over 18 years experience in financial services through his previous roles in corporate banks and professionals services firms. Eoin held senior positions in both Lloyds TSB and AIB corporate banking departments before joining FOCUS Capital from accountancy practice Mazars in 2023.
Eoin spent over 10 years in corporate banks lending to private equity funds and corporates on a wide range of transactions that included acquisitions, disposals, MBOs, capital raisings and refinance opportunities. Clients typically range from FTSE 250 companies to large privately-owned Irish and UK corporates.
Eoin’s more recent experience has focused on advising Irish founded companies access debt and equity markets to finance growth plans, assist in shareholder re-organisations and manage trade sales. Eoin has developed deep experience and industry knowledge across a range of sectors including software, food, financial services, advanced manufacturing and telecoms. Eoin is a graduate of UCC with a Bsc Business Information Systems.
eokeeffe@focuscapital.ie 086-8061837
Fiachra is a chartered tax advisor with a particular interest in developing holistic tax solutions to enable clients to realise their personal and commercial goals in a tax efficient manner.
Having previously worked for an international law firm and a Big 4 accounting firm, Fiachra has gained exposure over his career to date to a wide range of clients including high-net-worth individuals, large corporates, SMEs, international banks and investment fund managers.
Fiachra has experience working across all areas of Irish taxation, and specialises in mergers and acquisitions, pre-sale tax structuring, corporate reorganisations and succession planning.
foraghallaigh@focustax.ie 087-7796008
John has 20+ years of investment experience in private equity, venture capital and private debt. Previously John was Chief Investment Officer, an Investment Committee member, and Co-Head of Ireland at Beechbrook Capital. He was a founding member of Beechbrook Capital Ireland taking the business through the regulatory journey, fundraising first and final closes, and then deployment of the fund.
For 10 years John was Senior Vice-President at Enterprise Ireland co-managing the direct equity portfolio, primarily responsible for late-stage venture and private equity deals in high-growth companies. John has worked on 7 IPOs, 100+ exits, and 300+ syndicated transactions.
He has gained a wide range of experience across many sectors including technology, pharma, medical devices, and other high-growth industries, working closely with founders, funds and professional management teams.
John is a regular panelist over the last 14+ years at leading European private equity and venture capital conferences where he has built a network of contacts across funds, institutions and family offices.
josullivan@focuscapital.ie 087-2748175
John is the finance director of FOCUS Capital Partners. A Fellow of Chartered Accountants Ireland, he is also a chartered tax consultant with Chartered Accountants Ireland. He is an alumnus of NUIG, holding a B. Comm and a Masters in Accounting.
John began his career at EY before moving to the finance department at University College Dublin. Over several years, he progressed within UCD to the role of financial controller within the UCD SLLS division, before moving to FOCUS Capital Partners in 2016.
John is a commercially-focused finance director, working across a platform of businesses in the property, hospitality and professional services sectors.
jpeppard@focuscapital.ie 087-1203934
Chris joined FOCUS Capital Partners in April 2024 and has been actively involved in multiple debt and equity fundraising mandates. He brings extensive experience in transaction services, including due diligence, valuations, financial modeling, and strategic planning. His expertise spans various industries, such as real estate, eCommerce, technology, digital media, hospitality, and construction.
Before joining FOCUS Capital Partners, Chris spent 4.5 years at Hines Real Estate Investment Ireland, where he worked in both the Finance and Investment Management teams. Prior to that, he spent four years at KPMG Consulting, gaining experience across diverse projects, clients, and industries while qualifying as a chartered accountant. Chris holds a B.A. in Computer Science and Business from Trinity College Dublin.
credahan@focuscapital.ie 086-8670661
Darragh joined FOCUS Capital Partners in 2024. Prior to joining, he spent over three years with Key Capital in their corporate finance team and gained M&A experience with IMAP UK and Delaney Locke. Darragh has been involved in numerous buy-side and sell-side transactions across Ireland and the UK.
In 2024, Darragh was included in the Irish Independent’s ‘30 Under 30 List’ for his work with an Agtech startup.
Darragh holds first-class honors degrees in both BSc Finance and MSc Finance (Asset Management) from University College Cork. He is currently studying for his FAE exams with Chartered Accountants Ireland.
dscanlon@focuscapital.ie 087-985 2290
Cormac joined FOCUS Capital Partners in 2021 and has been involved in numerous M&A, debt and equity transactions.
Cormac previously spent 4 years in KPMG’s financial services audit department working on a wide range of investment management clients, predominantly hedge funds, UCITS and AIFs domiciled in Ireland and abroad. Cormac also completed a secondment to KPMG’s risk consulting department where he worked on a tracker mortgage remediation project for one of the pillar banks.
Cormac qualified as a chartered accountant in 2021 having previously graduated from UCD with a BComm in 2017.
cshankey@focuscapital.ie 087-3169400
Stephen joined FOCUS Capital Partners in 2022 and has gained considerable experience in the areas of M&A and debt fundraising. Stephen has gained exposure to a broad spectrum of sectors including technology, healthcare, engineering, waste, logistics, industrials, retail and property.
Prior to joining FOCUS Capital Partners, Stephen worked in EY’s UK & Ireland Assurance practice before moving to the Government & Infrastructure department. Following this, Stephen spent some time in the Finance department of eShopWorld.
Stephen qualified as a chartered accountant in 2020, having previously graduated from Dublin City University with a B.A. in Accounting and Finance in 2016. Stephen is also a qualified financial advisor (QFA).
stomsett@focuscapital.ie 087-4084518
Ray is a senior property and finance professional with strong relationship, investment and credit skills. Ray has proven experience in the asset management of extensive loan and property portfolios with a focus on restructuring negotiations with borrowers.
Ray is an expert in financial structuring for refinancing and development transactions, in addition to the provision of detailed financial modelling and analysis of investment opportunities. Ray has an established track record of successfully managing the execution of high-value transactions to the satisfaction of all stakeholders.
Ray oversees a number of property funds within FOCUS Capital Partners that deliver investment opportunities for investors across a number of sectors, primarily residential housing in both the social and private housing areas. Ray has delivered numerous successful housing schemes across Ireland and is currently working on a portfolio of 1,000+ units to be constructed in the short to medium term.
rwheatley@focuscapital.ie (0)1 905 2970
Rick Thomas, FOCUS’ CEO, has 25 years of consulting, management and M&A advisory experience in the Automotive, IT/Software, Financial Services, Manufacturing, and Food industries. He has worked with notable organizations as GM, Arthur Andersen, MCI WorldCom, EDS, and The United States Agency for International Development.
Prior to joining FOCUS, Rick served as Vice President at Capstone, a boutique investment banking firm located in Washington, DC. He led M&A activities for publicly and privately held companies in the middle market, several of which have annual revenues in excess of $1 Billion. Rick’s clients were involved in a wide array of transactions; from acquisitions and divestitures to minority interests and strategic partnerships.
In addition to his experience with clients, Rick has lectured to hundreds of senior executives on M&A best practices and has been an adjunct faculty member for The George Washington University School of Business and Public Management. His M&A teachings focused on coaching companies and senior executives in how to build an acquisition team, create a winning strategy, identify and engage not-for-sale companies. Rick has also served as a U.S. representative to South African companies in the capacity of advisor and consultant on business linkages, partnering and financing for small and medium businesses.
He holds an MBA in International Business and Finance from The George Washington University. He earned a BS in Engineering from Michigan State University. After completing an undergraduate program in engineering, Rick spent several years working as a manufacturing engineer and supervisor for General Motors. In this role he was responsible for the quality and productivity of manufacturing teams. In addition to being recognized as an outstanding team leader and team builder, Rick implemented a number of process improvements which enhanced product quality and efficiency at numerous GM production facilities.
rick.thomas@focusbankers.com
Bob Beard, FOCUS Chief Compliance Officer and Managing Director, has over 25 years of experience in merger and acquisition placement and financing. Mr. Beard has structured over 50 transactions involving more than $700 million of capital. He specializes in raising capital and advising financial services firms. As the co-founder of a specialty finance company, he engineered the sale or acquisition of over $500 million of specialty finance assets.
Prior to joining FOCUS, Mr. Beard managed his own financial advisory practice, Diversified Financial Solutions. While at Diversified, he arranged the successful placement of over $200 million of debt and equity capital for a number of specialty financial services firms and other diversified entities. In addition, he assisted private equity investors in developing platforms to originate and service specialty finance assets.
Mr. Beard was co-founder of Capital Business Credit, a specialty finance division of a public diversified financial services firm. He assisted in building the business to a $100 million platform in three years. He led the sale of the division to a commercial bank for more than double the contributed capital. He served as regional manager of the commercial finance subsidiary of the acquiring bank and assisted the bank in acquiring $400 million of specialty finance assets.
Mr. Beard previously served as the Southeast Region underwriting manager for the cash flow lending group of Heller Financial. He was previously employed by Price Waterhouse, rising to manager in four years. While at Price Waterhouse, Mr. Beard advised a number of diversified industrial clients. He was engaged to assist a number of clients in various merger and acquisition opportunities, highlighted by an extensive engagement to divest a $500 million joint venture between two Fortune 500 companies.
Mr. Beard has been a licensed CPA in the state of Georgia. He received an MBA from Emory University and a BA from Davidson College. He serves on the board of directors of a variety of civic organizations in metropolitan Atlanta.
bob.beard@focusbankers.com
Stan Gowisnock is a Chief Strategic Advisor in FOCUS Investment Banking’s Technology Services group. Over his 34-year career Mr. Gowisnock has led multiple global acquisitions and successful integrations of market-leading companies in technology, manufacturing, and professional services. By utilizing his strong sales, financial and operational acumen, he is able to transform highly technical challenges into growth and value creation and build successful businesses. His record of accomplishments in leadership, innovation, corporate turnarounds and high-multiple exits has led to significant growth in shareholder value.
Mr. Gowisnock has helped businesses thrive through industry ups and downs by continuously challenging what’s expected and by identifying opportunities to stand out in a crowded marketplace. He helps companies create customer experiences, digital strategies, and rapid innovations by combining design methods and emerging technologies and data that excite and retain Fortune 100 clients. In addition, he is highly skilled in cross border transactions both on the buy and sell sides.
He also helps deliver marquis customer acquisition and retention solutions by connecting and unifying disciplines, diverse mindsets, and organizational functions in pursuit of customer satisfaction and corporate values.
Before joining FOCUS, Mr. Gowisnock was President and CEO of Cardone Industries, a leading global automotive manufacturer with more than 45,000 products and 6,000 employees in the U.S., China, Canada and Mexico. He helped engineer the sale of Cardone to Brookfield Asset Management, a private equity group with more than $500 million in assets. Prior to Cardone, Mr. Gowisnock was President and CEO of DST Inc., where he directed the digitalization of the company’s automotive supply chain prior to its sale to Solera Holdings, Inc.
Mr. Gowisnock earned a degree in Computer Engineering from the University of Bridgeport.
stan.gowisnock@focusbankers.com
Rick Thompson is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the firm’s financial operations, including capital structure, financial reporting, tax filings, treasury management, human resources, and information technology. With extensive expertise in corporate finance, Mr. Thompson ensures the organization’s financial health and operational efficiency while driving strategic initiatives.
Before joining the firm, Mr. Thompson held leadership roles at GTSI, a publicly traded company in Chantilly, Virginia, where he served as Manager of Corporate Finance and Revenue Recognition. In these roles, he was instrumental in optimizing financial performance and ensuring regulatory compliance in a complex corporate environment.
A licensed CPA in the Commonwealth of Virginia, Mr. Thompson brings a strong track record of accomplishments across a wide range of financial disciplines, including financial planning and analysis, revenue recognition, SOX compliance, treasury management, systems implementation, and project management. He is also a Series 28 Introducing Broker/Dealer Financial and Operations Principal, showcasing his deep expertise in broker-dealer compliance and operations. Over the course of his career, Mr. Thompson has spent more than five years developing, implementing, and testing policies, procedures, and internal controls to ensure compliance with Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) and OMB A-123, “Management’s Responsibility for Internal Control.”
His professional journey includes progressive leadership roles at Cyntergy, the Consumer Electronics Association, Grant Thornton LLP, and GTSI, where he honed his skills in managing financial operations for medium to large organizations.
Mr. Thompson earned a Bachelor’s degree in Finance from Virginia Tech.
rick.thompson@focusbankers.com
Paul Waters, FOCUS’s Chief Business Development Officer, has nearly 30 years of professional banking experience. In this role at FOCUS, Mr. Waters will be responsible for managing referral programs, identifying and acquiring new referral programs, and identifying new investment banker candidates.
Prior to joining FOCUS, Mr. Waters worked the last 13 years elevating the M&A referral program (PSRN) at Bank of America Securities, Inc./Merrill Lynch. He was involved in all facets running the business, highlighted by his contributions to strategy, process and network investment bank management. Over his 27-year career at BofA, Mr. Waters held roles in investment banking, distribution, finance and project management. Prior to BofA Mr. Waters worked in public accounting.
Based in Yardley, PA, Mr. Waters holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Rutgers University – Camden. He is a Certified Six Sigma Black Belt.
paul.waters@focusbankers.com
Douglas E. Rodgers, FOCUS Chairman Emeritus, served as CEO and Managing Partner from 2001 until late 2018. During his time as CEO, he led the firm’s growth from one office in Washington, DC, to three offices across the US. He has C-level management experience in software, aerospace, e-commerce, manufacturing and distribution, real estate and construction, serving both commercial and government clients. He has served FOCUS clients across many industries emphasizing merger and acquisitions opportunities. As FOCUS Chairman he currently develops and manages relationships with strategic partners and clients.
Before joining FOCUS Mr. Rodgers served as the President and CEO of Corcentric, Inc, an e-commerce services provider spin off from Litton Enterprise Solutions. As the first CEO of the company, he raised both venture and debt capital and led the company to achieve 500,000 electronic transactions annually with a transaction volume of $180 million, including over 30 Fortune 1000 trading partners. As CEO of Global Software Corporation, which served the government public safety market, Mr. Rodgers raised venture and debt capital, guided the development of initial software products and sales to reference clients. As President and CEO of Perfection Equipment Company, a distributor and manufacturer of industrial goods to the oilfield services and transportation industry, he was instrumental in the merger and IPO into a NYSE industry consolidation play. Mr. Rodgers is also a founding director of a National Bank and a manufacturing company. Prior to Perfection Equipment, he was Vice President of business development for a $150 million real estate developer.
Mr. Rodgers is a pilot, with ATP and jet ratings, a BS in Aerospace Engineering and MBA coursework. He was educated at the U.S. Air Force Academy and the University of Kansas; he has been a member of the Young Presidents Organization, (YPO) since 1988, served as the president of the Oklahoma City Chapter in 1996, and is currently a member of the Washington Baltimore YPO Gold chapter.
doug.rodgers@focusbankers.com
Kahla Cooper is the Director of Marketing at FOCUS. In this role, Ms. Cooper designs and implements the overall marketing strategy. Ms. Cooper works with each industry team leader to define programs in order to promote and brand FOCUS’ suite of capabilities.
Prior to joining FOCUS, Ms. Cooper worked for a boutique asset manager. She was responsible for executing the RFP process for the sales team. Additionally, she provided strategic support for investor and prospect deliverables.
Previously, Ms. Cooper worked for Alexander Group, a sales management consulting firm, supporting multiple industries with their overall go-to-market strategy. Ms. Cooper has specifically worked in Medical Devices, Technology, Pharmaceutical, Life Science and Private Equity industries. During her tenure she planned multi-faceted campaigns in order to educate senior sales executives about the firms competencies.
Earlier positions included a variety of sales and marketing roles with privately-held companies. Her primary responsibilities included supporting strategic planning programs, cross-industry initiatives and corporate functions.
Based in Stamford, Connecticut, Ms. Cooper holds a BS from The University of Texas at Austin.
kahla.cooper@focusbankers.com
Kate Elliott joined FOCUS as an Associate in April 2001 and is now the Research Director. She oversees the production of research, financial modeling and analysis, and writing assignments that are integral to Focus’ process-driven methodology for executing M&A transaction work.
Ms. Elliott’s entrepreneurial career began in 1994 when she co-founded OmniTest, a test-preparation and tutoring service in Baltimore, Md. This successful small business capitalized on her experience as a high school teacher and is currently run by her founding co-partner. Upon receiving her MBA from the Darden School at UVA, she joined National Public Radio in Washington, DC. There she was responsible for developing the consumer products businesses ranging from financial services to logoed merchandise, and for maximizing content licensing arrangements for NPR’s extensive content archive.
Early in 2000 Ms. Elliott left NPR to join PlanetCooks, an Internet startup venture. When initial funding evaporated due to management team dissolution, Ms. Elliott was hired by one of the potential financial backers to work in a consulting capacity evaluating incubator candidates. She assumed an operating role at one of these, the Franklin Report, a multimedia business that creates databases of information on home service providers. At the conclusion of her engagement, the company had completed its first print guide and was positioned to expand in a planned rollout. Subsequent strategic and financial planning work performed for clients of Focus Enterprises resulted in her joining the firm on a full-time basis. Currently she manages the Research Associates and works directly with Partners on client engagements.
Ms. Elliott is a graduate of Williams College (B.A. English Literature, 1985) and holds an MBA from the Darden School at the University of Virginia (1998).
kate.elliott@focusbankers.com
Craig Ladkin, a FOCUS Managing Director, has twenty-five years of experience managing complex financial and development transactions between private, public and non-profit sectors in a variety of industries and international jurisdictions. He has advised on and negotiated transactions from the very large; for clients such as the World Bank, IFC, the Treasury Departments of more than a dozen OECD nations, along with their state-owned power and utility companies, down to the very small; angel level investments, small city urban renewal projects and private school campuses.
Mr. Ladkin entered investment banking in the 1980s upon joining Nomura Securities in London to help establish their derivatives and risk management operations. Later he joined AIG Financial Products to build a client base in Scandinavia and northern Europe, managing hundreds of groundbreaking transactions up to $1.5 billion. During this period, AIG-FP was at the forefront of creating highly innovative approaches to financial risk management and Mr. Ladkin was frequently requested as a popular speaker in industry forums. Returning to the US as Managing Director, North America, he focused on the Canadian public sector, major utilities and pension funds, with a particular emphasis on establishing innovative methodologies of managing previously un-hedgeable financial risks in long-dated public and private sector projects and investment portfolios.
Mr. Ladkin has advised and managed transactions for the Treasuries of Sweden, Norway, Finland, France, Belgium, Denmark, Canada, the World Bank, IFC, African Development Bank, EDF, Statoil, Hydro-Quebec, BC Hydro, Ontario Hydro and many multi-national corporations and financial institutions.
In 2000, Mr. Ladkin left AIG to pursue micro-projects in angel investments, public and private urban renewal, property development and private education. He founded Wildflower Developments Corporation where he’s won awards for restoration of historic buildings, co-founded two private schools, and advised the public sector on urban renewal projects. He has advised and invested in a number of angel companies including Productivity Works, a leader in Voice Recognition Technology (acquired to Microsoft), PhotoChannel Networks (digital imaging processing), and Swan Island Networks (critical information distribution and secure information sharing).
Mr. Ladkin holds an MBA in International Finance and Marketing from the renowned London Business School in London, England. He also holds a BSc in Geotechnical and Petroleum Engineering from the University of British Columbia. After graduation, he was selected to join the Exploitation Engineering group of Dome Petroleum, then Canada’s largest oil company, which focused on fast-tracking young engineers into management positions. There he managed a significant section of Alberta shallow gas development, while overseeing a multi-disciplined project team of engineers, geologists, lawyers and economists.
craig.ladkin@focusbankers.com
Rich Pierce, FOCUS Managing Director, has more than 20 years of investment banking experience advising middle market clients on a variety of mergers and acquisitions and capital raising transactions. During that time, Mr. Pierce’s primary emphasis has been on serving clients in the telecommunications industry including providers of network related hardware and software products, wireless and wireline telecommunications service providers and network engineering and construction companies.
Prior to joining FOCUS, Mr. Pierce was a Director in the Communications and Media group of Stifel Nicolaus, a nationally recognized middle market investment bank. In this capacity he led Stifel Nicolaus’ entry into the networking technology space while also working with clients in a variety of other telecommunications-related areas. Mr. Pierce was also a member of the Telecommunications group at Legg Mason. While at Legg Mason he gained significant experience working with telecommunications service providers, particularly those serving secondary and rural markets. Mr. Pierce has been a speaker for a variety of industry associations including the Rural Cellular Association (RCA), the National Telecommunications Cooperative Association (NTCA) and the Fiber to the Home (FTTH) Council, and he has also been recognized as a testifying expert in the wireless industry. Before becoming an investment banker, Mr. Pierce had a successful seven-year career as an officer in the U.S. Army Military Intelligence Corps. In addition to working in a number of tactical level assignments in the U.S. and Europe, he is a graduate of the Army’s Airborne and RANGER training programs.
Mr. Pierce graduated from Brown University with a B.S. in Electrical Engineering and received his M.B.A. in Finance from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School, where he graduated with distinction.
rich.pierce@focusbankers.com
Cyril, a FOCUS Principal, has over 20 years of experience and expertise in the Operations and Finance disciplines working for and as a consultant to large US and European organizations. He has expertise in Working Capital and Cash Management, Managing Turnaround Opportunities, and general Corporate Finance. As a Working Capital specialist, Cyril has deep expertise in areas such as Purchasing, Inventory Management, and Revenue Management. Mr. Schlup currently coordinates M&A activities for FOCUS with its global M&A Worldwide partners to ensure FOCUS clients and partners are receiving a best in class experience. Cyril is fluent in five languages: English, French, Italian, German, and Spanish.
Prior to joining FOCUS, Cyril most recently built KPMG’s French Working Capital & Cash Management practice based in Paris, France. In this role, Cyril was responsible for building the operational team, creating sales materials & consulting processes, and was primarily responsible for driving revenue for the group. During his tenure, he won and led projects with organizations throughout Europe including Mitsubishi France, LexisNexis France, Safran, Hachette Publishing, Ferrero, Shell, and the multinational media group Lagardère.
Cyril’s consulting background also consisted of working in Europe for two financial consulting firms – REL Consultancy and Alvarez & Marsal. The organizations were expert boutique firms focused on improving working capital for its clients and leading companies out of distressed and turnaround situations. With both organizations, Cyril led client projects throughout Europe for organizations like Bayer, BP, Alcatel, Suez (Engie), Henkel, and Castrol. Cyril also acted as interim Purchasing Director for the distressed German drug store chain Ihr Platz.
Prior to his consulting experience, Cyril worked for US Airways in Finance and Strategy in their international department at their Headquarters in Arlington, VA. He was quickly promoted to lead the finance department for their recently opened Italian operations in Rome, Italy. He ultimately was relocated to London in order to oversee the finance department in the UK managing European operations.
Cyril has an MBA in International Business & Finance from The George Washington University and a BS in Economics, Philosophy, and Political Science from Guilford College in North Carolina.
cyril.schlup@focusbankers.comExpert minds, at your service.
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