Houlihan Lokey’s Strategic Expansion: A Catalyst for Enhanced Market Dominance in 2025

In the ever-evolving landscape of financial advisory services, Houlihan Lokey has emerged as a standout player in 2025, leveraging strategic leadership hires to solidify its dominance in high-growth sectors like IT services, technology, and capital solutions. By deploying a targeted approach to talent acquisition and sector specialization, the firm has not only expanded its global footprint but also demonstrated measurable financial performance, positioning itself as a key beneficiary of macroeconomic tailwinds.

Strategic Leadership Hires: Fueling Sector-Specific Expertise

Houlihan Lokey’s recent appointments in its Capital Solutions Group and Technology Group underscore its commitment to deepening expertise in niche markets. In the Capital Solutions Group, Kevin Ryan, a veteran with over 25 years of experience at institutions like Morgan Stanley and Better Home & Finance, joined as a Managing Director in Miami. His focus on GP-led transactions and financial sponsor-backed clients aligns with the firm’s push into secondary markets, a sector projected to grow as private capital demand for liquidity solutions intensifies [1]. Similarly, Sandro Galfetti, previously UBS’s EMEA Secondary Advisory head, brought his EMEA expertise to Zurich, where he now advises private capital sponsors on GP-led deals. These hires have already borne fruit: the Capital Solutions Group closed 15 GP-led transactions in 2024 and now boasts 170 professionals across 15 offices [2].

The Technology Group’s expansion has been equally aggressive. Craig Rogowski, a 20-year infrastructure software and cybersecurity specialist, joined in June 2025, bringing experience from BofA Securities and Baird. His addition complements earlier hires like Ryan Lund (Co-Head of U.S. Technology) and Billy Goldstein (digital infrastructure expert), who collectively strengthened the group’s ability to advise on AI-driven software transactions and digital infrastructure deals [3]. This leadership depth has translated into tangible results: the Technology Group closed 101 technology-related M&A transactions in 2024, securing its position as the No. 1 global technology investment banking team [4].

Financial Performance: A Clear Validation of Strategy

Houlihan Lokey’s strategic bets are reflected in its Q3 2025 financial results, which revealed a 24% year-over-year revenue increase to $634 million, driven largely by its Corporate Finance segment. This segment alone saw a 36% revenue jump, fueled by 170 closed transactions during the quarter [5]. Adjusted diluted earnings per share (EPS) rose 34% to $1.64, outpacing revenue growth and signaling operational efficiency [6].

The Capital Solutions Group’s impact is particularly noteworthy. In 2024, it advised on $23 billion across 115 transactions, with its Secondary Solutions team leveraging $19 billion in GP-led secondary transaction experience [7]. These figures highlight the group’s ability to capitalize on the maturing secondary market, where tailored liquidity solutions are in high demand. Meanwhile, the Technology Group’s focus on infrastructure software and digital infrastructure has positioned it to benefit from AI-driven innovation cycles, a trend that is reshaping enterprise software demand [8].

Sector-Specific Momentum and Future Outlook

The firm’s expansion into IT services and technology is further reinforced by its advisory capabilities in human capital management (HCM) technology and digital infrastructure. While specific IT services deal data post-hire remains opaque, the Technology Group’s 2024 transaction volume and global ranking suggest robust execution [9]. Additionally, the hiring of Geoff Rhizor, who specializes in the office of the CFO software and social impact sectors, reflects Houlihan Lokey’s ambition to address emerging niches within technology [10].

Looking ahead, Houlihan Lokey’s leadership appears poised to capitalize on structural trends. The firm’s CEO highlighted in Q3 2025 earnings calls that “favorable macroeconomic conditions and our sector-specific expertise will drive sustained growth,” a sentiment echoed by analysts at Bloomberg, who note the firm’s “disciplined approach to talent acquisition and market specialization” as key differentiators [11].

Conclusion: A Model for Strategic Growth

Houlihan Lokey’s 2025 expansion exemplifies how targeted leadership hires can accelerate growth in high-potential sectors. By aligning its talent strategy with macroeconomic tailwinds—such as the rise of secondary markets and AI-driven software innovation—the firm has not only enhanced its market share but also demonstrated financial resilience. For investors, this represents a compelling case study in how strategic human capital investments can translate into tangible, revenue-driving outcomes.

Source:
[1] Houlihan Lokey Strengthens Capital Solutions Group With Veteran Hire, [https://hl.com/about-us/newsroom/houlihan-lokey-strengthens-capital-solutions-group-with-veteran-hire/]
[2] Houlihan Lokey Strengthens Capital Solutions Group With Senior Hire in Europe, [https://hl.com/about-us/newsroom/houlihan-lokey-strengthens-capital-solutions-group-with-senior-hire-in-europe/]
[3] Houlihan Lokey Expands Global Technology Group With Senior Hire, [https://hl.com/about-us/newsroom/houlihan-lokey-expands-global-technology-group-with-senior-hire/]
[4] Technology, [https://hl.com/industries/technology/]
[5] Houlihan Lokey Reports Third Quarter Fiscal 2025 Financial Results, [https://investors.hl.com/news/press-and-earnings-releases/news-details/2025/Houlihan-Lokey-Reports-Third-Quarter-Fiscal-2025-Financial-Results/default.aspx]
[6] Houlihan Lokey, Inc. (HLI) Q3 FY2025 Earnings Call Transcript, [https://finance.yahoo.com/quote/HLI/earnings/HLI-Q3-2025-earnings_call-251210.html]
[7] Houlihan Lokey Strengthens Capital Solutions Group With Senior Hire in Europe, [https://hl.com/about-us/newsroom/houlihan-lokey-strengthens-capital-solutions-group-with-senior-hire-in-europe/]
[8] Houlihan Lokey Expands Global Technology Group With Senior Hire, [https://investors.hl.com/news/press-and-earnings-releases/news-details/2025/Houlihan-Lokey-Expands-Global-Technology-Group-with-Senior-Hire/default.aspx]
[9] HCM Technology Market Updates, [https://hl.com/insights/hcm-technology-market-updates/]
[10] Houlihan Lokey Expands Global Technology Group With Senior Software Hire, [https://investors.hl.com/news/press-and-earnings-releases/news-details/2024/Houlihan-Lokey-Expands-Global-Technology-Group-With-Senior-Software-Hire/default.aspx]
[11] Houlihan Lokey Reports Third Quarter Fiscal 2025 Financial Results, [https://investors.hl.com/news/press-and-earnings-releases/news-details/2025/Houlihan-Lokey-Reports-Third-Quarter-Fiscal-2025-Financial-Results/default.aspx]