Experienced principals. Proven outcomes.
David has 30+ years of experience as a distressed and special situation executive effectuating numerous restructurings, sales, recapitalizations and refinancings both in and out of insolvency proceedings. He has served in various roles including as CEO, CRO, CFO, board member, and expert witness. Prior to Emeris, he was MD and Head of Restructuring at GMP Capital, MD and Head of Debtor Advisory at Raymond James, and MD – Restructuring at PwC Securities.
In the last 35 years, Jim has developed expertise in representing direct lenders, hedge funds, commercial banks, buyers, creditor committees and debtors during in and out-of-court workouts and bankruptcies across a variety of industries. He was named a Super Lawyer by Texas Monthly from 2004–2009 and a New York Super Lawyer from 2010 to 2026. Prior to Emeris, he was a Partner at Andrews & Kurth, Winston & Strawn, Baker McKenzie, and McGuireWoods.
Nate has almost 20 years of experience as a trusted advisor, investor, and solution architect. His experience includes executing 40+ transactions totaling $20+ billion, leading strategy, finance, and cash management functions for multiple companies, developing turnaround programs, and serving as a fiduciary. Prior to Emeris, he was Head of Finance & Restructuring at PA Consulting, an MD at RPA Advisors, Head of Finance for a technology company, an investment professional at Hilcorp, and a banker at Scotia Capital.
CRO of multiple funds of an energy PE sponsor which had aggregate debt of $1.5+ billion and were all in default. Renegotiated $200+ million of operating contracts with landlords, vendors, and service providers, established a reporting and communication process, and led stakeholder negotiations, including with 25+ lenders, to effectuate value-maximizing, out-of-court solutions for each fund. One fund was monetized via a SPAC transaction, another via an entity sale, and a third via an orderly asset sale process and negotiated settlement with multiple secured and unsecured creditors.
Advisor to creditors of a $250+ million credit facility to an underperforming public rail infrastructure company. Critically assessed the company's long-term financial forecasts, short-term cash flow forecasts, and business plan and assisted the creditors in negotiating a path which monetized the company's assets via multiple orderly sale processes while avoiding a costly in-court proceeding.
Advisor to a venture-backed, Public Benefit Corporation food company with fast casual restaurants, meal delivery/subscriptions, grab-and-go retail and institutional food service. Implemented a turnaround by: (i) exiting NYC and San Francisco markets and (ii) negotiating releases from approximately 60 landlords which created a financially viable go-forward business, and then assisted in completing the successful out-of-court restructuring by raising additional capital for the leaner and more profitable business.
Manager of a post-chapter 11 entity comprised of offshore operating oil and gas assets and encumbered by significant decommissioning and legacy liability issues. Responsible for all post-bankruptcy activities, including operations of various offshore oil and gas platforms, regulatory activities with BSEE and BOEM, oil and gas marketing agreements, managing various contract operators, treasury functions, legal matters, and managing negotiations with various oil and gas Majors with respect to decommissioning plans and funding.
Advisor to the unsecured creditors committee of a grower and supplier of plants and shrubberies to big box retailers whose assets were sold via a 363 sale process.
Advisor to a power company with $600+ million of credit facilities maturing in the next 6 months, which had spent almost a year unsuccessfully attempting to negotiate with its creditors. Reframed the unique issue facing the company during negotiations with creditors resulting in an out-of-court amendment and extension of the facilities. Compared to the terms prior to our retention, the final terms of the extension decreased rate by 50+ bps, added 2 years of tenor, and provided for potential distributions to equity.
Advisor to the CFO of an office products company with $3+ billion in US sales and 15,000+ employees on the productivity of his organization, structure of the finance division, and areas for improvement. Provided the analysis and roadmap to develop the division into an industry leader.
Advisor to a creditor of a bankrupt airline whose collateral was a fleet of depreciating 727 cargo aircraft. Discovered a document which provided the client amortization rights and payments during the proceedings resulting in a par recovery while similarly situated creditors received an approximately 60 percent recovery.
Advisor to a telecom company in bankruptcy whose core assets were wireless spectrum licenses that were subject to an ongoing dispute with the FCC. Prevailed in a fraudulent conveyance action against the FCC, saving the client $850 million and facilitating full repayment of creditors.
Manager of a bankruptcy litigation trust on behalf of certain creditors. Pursued preference and other claims including a claim against former executives eventually resulting in a judgment of $10+ million.
Advisor to the creditors of an underperforming soft commodity refining, distribution, and trading company in default. Assessed liquidity, potential misallocation of P&L amongst divisions, derivative portfolio and risk management procedures leading to a refinancing.
Case studies reflect engagements led by Emeris team members, including in prior roles before the founding of Emeris.