BDO Capital Advisors Announces Promotions for ESOP Advisory Division

Boston, MA – August 1, 2024 - BDO Capital Advisors, LLC (BDO Capital), trusted investment bankers for the middle market, recently announced the promotion of Scott Leach to Managing Director, Jacob Cook to Director, Hayden Smith to Senior Associate, and Stone Brown to Experienced Associate, effective August 1, 2024. “These promotions reflect our commitment to aligning our talent and experience with our expanding deal execution capabilities and industry-focused platform,” said Blake Head, Managing Director, and ESOP Advisory Group Head. “We are thrilled to recognize Scott, Jacob, Hayden, and Stone for their significant contributions to our success, exceptional client service, and outstanding results.”

Scott Leach, Managing Director
Scott has more than 11 years of experience in banking, lending, and accounting along with six years of ESOP-specific consulting work. At BDO Capital, Mr. Leach assists with business development for the ESOP Advisory Group and the execution of transactions.

Mr. Leach joined BDO after serving as a Senior Consultant with another firm, where he helped lead the ESOP consulting and transaction execution efforts. He was responsible for initial ESOP education, feasibility studies, financial modeling, and transaction execution for newly formed ESOPs and second-stage transactions.

During his tenure, Mr. Leach has been involved in a wide array of ESOP transactions, working closely with business owners to design and implement ESOP structures that align with their strategic goals. His comprehensive understanding of ESOP regulations and best practices has enabled him to guide clients through the complexities of establishing and maintaining ESOPs. He has successfully managed transactions across various industries, ensuring that each ESOP is tailored to meet the specific needs of the business and its employees.

Jacob Cook, Director
Jacob joined the ESOP Advisory team in the fall of 2019. Over the past several years, Jacob has been instrumental in the execution of numerous complicated ESOP transactions. He has played a key role in structuring and closing deals across a wide range of industries, including manufacturing and professional services. Jacob's expertise in financial modeling, valuation, and transaction structuring has been pivotal in ensuring the successful implementation of ESOPs tailored to meet the unique needs of each client.

Jacob has taken on more responsibilities and has been a catalyst in improving the operations and knowledge base of the group. From the beginning, Jacob has been a key resource in the development of the group’s internal processes, which has improved efficiency at all levels. His deep understanding of ESOP regulations and best practices has enabled him to provide invaluable guidance to clients throughout the transaction process, from initial feasibility studies to post-transaction support.

Jacob has earned the trust of his team members and clients by playing a significant role in the projects that he participates in. His dedication to client service and his ability to navigate complex financial landscapes have made him a respected and reliable advisor within the ESOP community.

Hayden Smith, Senior Associate
Hayden joined the ESOP Advisory team in 2022. Since then, Hayden has played a key role in supporting the execution of ESOP transactions. He is responsible for conducting detailed financial analyses, preparing valuation models and offering materials, and assisting in the structuring of ESOP deals. Hayden's strong analytical skills and attention to detail have been critical in ensuring the accuracy and reliability of transaction-related documents. He also collaborates closely with senior team members to develop client presentations and manage project timelines, demonstrating his commitment to delivering high-quality advisory services.

Stone Brown, Experienced Associate
Stone joined BDO Capital as an Analyst in 2023 and has since advanced to the role of Experienced Associate within the ESOP Advisory team. In this capacity, Stone supports the team by performing comprehensive financial analyses, conducting due diligence, and preparing key transaction documents. His ability to efficiently manage multiple tasks and his strong quantitative skills have been instrumental in the successful execution of ESOP transactions. Stone works closely with both senior associates and directors to ensure that all aspects of the transaction process are handled meticulously, from initial feasibility studies to final deal closure.