DANIELLE LEONE
Seasoned Investment Professional, Credit Analyst & Restructuring Specialist
Energetic and analytical finance professional with an entrepreneurial spirit and proven history of sourcing and managing opportunistic and troubled company investments across the capital structure. Broad relationship network in performing credit and distressed markets on the private and public side. Demonstrated leadership at building consensus in complex situations while serving as lead investor, board of director member, and advisor.
An exceptional communicator and team leader who can add value to any organization by:
• Building relationships and devising negotiation strategies with key company stakeholders for board decisions and financial transactions.
• Targeting alternative investment opportunities across diverse markets such as direct lending, syndicated loans, high yield, convertible, distressed, and private equity.
• Positioning companies for performance optimization and post-reorganizational turnarounds by evaluating and reassigning resource allocations to higher-impact operational and strategic initiatives and by recruiting company leadership capable of driving change.
Currently located in Chicago, IL. Open to Relocation.
EXPERIENCE
Feb 2017 - Present
Managing Partner
Co-founded investment advisory firm targeting underserved startups and industries needing capital raising, restructuring, and strategic advisory services. Educate debt investors about niche and emerging industries for opportunistic investment and coordinate debt placement activities across research, sales, and capital markets teams. Monitor capital markets to price and structure individual transactions. Negotiate in complex restructuring transactions and collaborate with external legal counsel to define creditor remedies beyond Chapter 11. Review financial records and prepare unaudited financial statements and projections for private small business clients.
Sep 2007 - Mar 2016
Director, Distressed Investing
Identified and managed distressed company investments, focusing on financial modeling, liquidity analysis, and valuation of assets and enterprises. Evaluated secured and unsecured bonds, loans, and trade claims. Scrutinized corporate structures, financial covenants, and legal terms. Became proficient in creditor negotiations and familiar with US and international court processes. Drafted and negotiated shareholder agreements and led formation of and participation on boards of portfolio companies.
Oct 2002 - Sep 2007
Credit Analyst and Portfolio Manager, Convertible Arbitrage Investing
Oversaw investments in high-yield and convertible markets in the US and Europe. Specialized in debt capital markets pricing. Developed expertise in quantitative modeling of convertible bonds, engaged in trading convertible bonds, stocks, and credit default swaps (CDS). Implemented fundamental screens to identify special situation investments spanning busted convertibles, directional hedge trading options, and straight bond investments.
RESULTS
Realized double-digit returns on opportunistic and distressed credit investments
Co-founded business that advised on hundreds of millions of financial transactions
Navigated complex negotiations spanning restructuring and corporate finance deals
EXPERTISE
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Credit Analysis
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Credit Risk
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Portfolio Management
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Direct Lending
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Distressed Investing
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High-Yield Investing
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Restructuring
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Capital Management
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Contract Negotiations
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Research-Based Investments
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Performing/Nonperforming Credit
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Risk Assessment
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Financial Operations
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Forecasting
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Business Transformations
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Turnarounds
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Boards of Directors
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Corporate Finance
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Liquidity Analysis
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M&A
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Capital Markets
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Business Performance
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Investment Strategies
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Operational Leadership
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Process Improvements
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Results-Focused Leadership
EDUCATION
(MBA) Finance
(ME) Fiction Writing
(BA) Communication
Q & A
Why did you choose your profession?
Raised in California and with no friends or family in the business, I started working on Wall Street uncertain whether it would fit me. I have sustained a career in the industry because it fulfills me on many levels. With capital market themes constantly changing, I am challenged intellectually, forced daily to retest assumptions and analysis that underpins investment decisions. Working in an industry that attracts high achievers representing diverse personalities, backgrounds, and approaches, I regularly self-evaluate and strive for professional growth. Finally, my work gives me access to executive leaders working at the intersection of macroeconomic trends and business development. It is especially rewarding when I can impact their success, whether as a result of an investment or hands-on involvement in navigating transformative points in the business.
Who are your main influences?
My father was the main influence on my professional life. While he and I pursued different types of careers (he was a sports writer and corporate communications specialist), he set an example by acting with integrity. Of professionals he encountered over his 40-year career, the consensus view of him was that he was truthful, honest, fair, and hard-working. Some echo his favorite Grantland Rice quote: “It’s not whether you win or lose; it’s how you play the game.” This approach to his day-to-day interactions earned him influence and respect at businesses that grew to prominence while he was working there. He continues to serve as my role model.
What advice would you give to someone just starting in your profession?
Seek out situations that not only represent a clear business strategy in which you have conviction but also a work environment that empowers employees to achieve successful outcomes. Connect with other professionals to gain insight into leadership’s vision for corporate culture, what policies are implemented to ensure it is routinely practiced, interpersonal dynamics of peers and teams, and whether personal growth and work life balance are supported. Corporate culture can make or break the performance of individuals who collectively impact overall business success.
INTERESTS & HOBBIES
SPOILING MY DOG
METS FAN
GOLF
TRAVEL