Incoming Moelis CEO on M&A, Private Capital and Hiring

Strategy & Leadership Transition - The firm is in an incredible spot given its talent base, investments in staying cutting edge, and phenomenal culture, signaling a new era under new leadership [1][2] - The core strategy of putting clients first, hiring and developing the best bankers, and creating a supportive culture will remain intact despite a change in leadership style [3][4] Market Dynamics & M&A Outlook - The firm remains optimistic about the return of M&A activity and its steady improvement since April, despite monitoring the fluid situation in the Middle East [6] - There's pent-up energy and a desire among clients, including private equity and corporate clients, to do transactions as they see them as tools for growth, efficiency, and innovation [11][12] - The firm anticipates a potential pickup in announced transaction activity if conditions improve, driven by available capital and a desire to transact [14] Restructuring & Private Capital - The firm has a top franchise in Restructuring, Liability Management, and Capital Solutions, seeing a steady stream of activity, particularly in pushing out maturities for over-levered balance sheets created post-COVID [16][17][18] - The firm welcomes the growth of alternative asset managers with flexible pools of money, viewing it as beneficial for the economy, businesses, and the firm's ability to advise clients [19][20] Talent Acquisition & Expansion - The firm is opportunistic in hiring great talent, even during crises, leveraging opportunities like the Credit Suisse situation and the Silicon Valley Bank demise to build teams [21][22][23][24] - The firm is expanding into primary fundraising for private equity vehicles and servicing them in GP-led and LP-led secondaries, and continuation vehicles [25][26] Sports & Technology - The firm has a major effort and a big franchise in sports, seeing astounding transaction velocity in teams and the broader sports ecosystem [27][28] - The firm views AI as critical for staying on the cutting edge of technology, with massive potential to improve efficiency, present better ideas to clients, and execute those ideas on their behalf [31][32]