Scott Adelson
Scott Adelson | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1961 (age 63–64) |
| Alma mater | University of Southern California University of Chicago Booth School of Business |
| Occupation | Business executive |
| Years active | 1987–present |
| Spouse | Ashley Adelson |
Scott Adelson (born 1961) is an American business executive who has served as the chief executive officer (CEO) of Houlihan Lokey since June 2024.[1] Prior to this role, he served as co-president and global co-head of corporate finance.[2][3]
Early life and education
[edit]Scott Adelson was born in 1961 in Los Angeles, California.[1][4] He earned a Bachelor of Science in business and entrepreneurship from the University of Southern California in 1984 and an MBA in finance from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business in 1987.[1][5]
Career
[edit]Adelson joined Houlihan Lokey in 1987.[6][7] He became a senior associate within three years and a year later appointed as a vice president in the corporate finance division.[6] In 1993, he was given the role of senior vice president and in 1995 managing director.[1][6] In 2000, he became the global co-head of corporate finance.[1][6]
In 2006, Adelson was named senior managing director and joined the board of directors.[1][6] He became co-president and global co-head of corporate finance in 2013.[8][9] During his tenure as co-president and global co-head of corporate finance, Adelson contributed to Houlihan Lokey's growth, including its expansion into international markets. Under his co-leadership, the firm pursued acquisitions, notably the 2021 acquisition of GCA Corp., which expanded Houlihan Lokey’s presence in Asia and Europe.[1][10]
In June 2024, Adelson was appointed as the CEO of Houlihan Lokey, succeeding Scott Beiser.[11][12][13]
In June 2025, Adelson was included in the LA500 2025 list.[14]
Personal life
[edit]Scott Adelson is married to Ashley Adelson; the couple met in 2012 and married in 2019.[4] In 2020, they moved from Los Angeles to Montecito, California, where they reside on a historic property and share interests in wine and gardening.[4] Adelson co-owns Antica Terra, a winery located in Oregon's Willamette Valley known primarily for Pinot Noir, which he and two colleagues acquired in the mid-2000s.[1][15]
Adelson's charitable activities are influenced in part by his family background. His mother, Renee Adelson Kass, previously worked as an early childhood educator, and together they have supported causes related to education and poverty alleviation.[16]
In 2016, Adelson founded the Adelson Foundation in collaboration with an initiative known as 7Sherpas. One notable project was a collaboration with the University of Chicago's Poverty Lab, where Adelson’s philanthropy funded research on homelessness and early childhood interventions in Chicago public schools.[16]
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d e f g h Clarke, Paul. "Houlihan Lokey CEO Scott Adelson: 'This is a Goldilocks moment for us'". Financial News.
- ^ "Houlihan Lokey's Adelson Gets $7.6 Million as 2013 Loan Forgiven". bloomberg.com. 2016-09-09. Retrieved 2025-05-16.
- ^ Monks, Matthew; Baker, Liana (2021-12-06). "Houlihan's Adelson Talks About Making Its Biggest Acquisition Yet". bloomberg.com. Retrieved 2025-05-16.
- ^ a b c "Something to Crow About". Santa Barbara Magazine.
- ^ "Alumni Event Details | The University of Chicago Booth School of Business". The University of Chicago Booth School of Business.
- ^ a b c d e "News - The banker - S. Adelson" (PDF). Retrieved 2025-05-16.
- ^ "Mid-cap focus brings Houlihan Lokey stability and success". The Banker.
- ^ Green, Daniel (July 12, 2021). "Houlihan Lokey Acquires Advisory Firm Baylor Klein".
- ^ "Houlihan Lokey Is the Investment Bank Built for Hard Times". bloomberg.com. 2020-05-28. Retrieved 2025-05-16.
- ^ Maio, Pat (November 8, 2021). "Houlihan Lokey Expands to Asia in Blockbuster Deal".
- ^ Brock, James (March 25, 2024). "New Leader for Houlihan Lokey".
- ^ "Houlihan Lokey Names Scott Adelson CEO as Scott Beiser Steps Down". bloomberg.com. 2024-03-04. Retrieved 2025-05-16.
- ^ DÍAS, CINCO (March 5, 2024). "Houlihan Lokey nombra a Scott Adelson como su nuevo consejero delegado". Cinco Días.
- ^ "LA500 2025: Scott Adelson". Los Angeles Business Journal. June 2, 2025.
- ^ "Marvelous Night for Superheroes of L.A. Business". April 2, 2006.
- ^ a b "Finding Purpose, Fighting Poverty: A Mother and Son Make a Difference Through Giving". The University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy. February 28, 2025.