Global professional services firm FTI Consulting has launched its Corporate Finance & Restructuring division in Japan.
With more than 7,000 employees located in 30 countries, FTI Consulting is one of the globe’s largest management consulting firms. The firm serves its clients through five main divisions: Corporate Finance & Restructuring, Economic Consulting, Forensic & Litigation Consulting, Strategic Communications, and Technology.
In Japan, FTI Consulting to date operated with two practices – Strategic Communications and Technology – and is now adding Corporate Finance & Restructuring to its local portfolio.
Commenting on the launch, Vincent Fok, Asia Head of FTI Consulting’s Corporate Finance & Restructuring wing, said: “The launch of the practice in Japan represents the next milestone in the growth of FTI Consulting’s footprint into another key financial market.”
“A presence in the world’s third-largest economy will enable FTI Consulting experts to better assist Japan-headquartered clients to expand outside their domestic markets, as well as address the renewed interest by Western multinationals that view Japan as a stable market in the Asia region.”
The firm’s Corporate Finance & Restructuring practice advises clients on topics including restructurings, turnarounds, transformations and transactions.
In Japan, the focus will initially be on business transformations and transaction related work, and gradually expand towards the other areas housed within the practice.
Leading the new arm is Kenneth Smith, a Tokyo-based Senior Managing Director who brings over 35 years of management consulting transaction advisory experience across several industries to the role, gained in the United States and Japan.
Most recently, Smith was the Americas Global Trade Leader at EY, and before that, he was Managing Partner of EY’s Transaction Advisory practice in Japan. Earlier, he was a partner at Deloitte Consulting in Japan and leader of Capgemini Invent in Japan, as well as holding several roles in industry.
“I am delighted to welcome Ken, who brings deep industry expertise to FTI Consulting,” said Fok. “Ken is highly regarded within the market and will be a great asset – it is my pleasure to welcome him to the team.”