The M&A Advisor, a mergers and acquisitions insights company based in Forest Hills, N.Y., announced that Andrew Hakim of Blackford Capital in Grand Rapids has been recognized as a recipient of the 13th Annual M&A Advisor Emerging Leaders Awards.
Hakim, currently serving as a vice president, has been chosen from a pool of prominent nominees for his “notable accomplishments in business and in service to the community.” He leads the firm’s portfolio company operations team and is responsible for key aspects of analyzing, acquiring, capitalizing, growing, and exiting the firm’s equity investments.
“I am honored to be acknowledged by The M&A Advisor as one of this year’s Emerging Leaders,” says Hakim. “I’m tremendously grateful to Martin Stein and the rest of the Blackford Capital leadership team for setting me up for success from day one. My growth in the industry is a testament to the opportunities I’ve been given during my time here. I strive to give the same level of guidance, empowerment, and inspiration to other professionals as they progress their careers.”
Hakim earned both undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Michigan. Following the award of his master’s degree in 2013, he began his career in Chicago as a management consultant for Kearney, focusing on executive’s most pressing problems across some of the largest and most prestigious organizations in the world. He returned to Michigan and joined Blackford Capital as an associate in 2018.
“Andrew has been an exceptional addition to the Blackford Capital team since he first walked through our doors in 2018,” says Martin Stein, founder and managing director of Blackford Capital. “He has an impressive business acumen and it’s been a pleasure to watch him grow as a private equity professional; to see – firsthand – how his business savvy and impeccable character combine to achieve excellence in even the everyday activities.”
The awards recognize professionals under the age of 40 from across the U.S. for their leadership in M&A, financing, and restructuring. The winners were chosen from a competitive field for their accomplishments in business and community service by an independent panel.
For a complete list of the 2022 Emerging Leaders Award winners, click here.
