OKLAHOMA CITY--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Acorn Growth Companies, a private equity firm investing exclusively in aerospace and defense, announced Hal Chrisman will join the firm on Nov. 1. Chrisman will focus on the entire acquisition process from identification through integration and governance, as well as work with the current portfolio companies to develop and execute growth strategies, driving organic and inorganic growth globally.
“Hal brings 30 plus years of experience to Acorn in aerospace and defense with strong expertise in diligence, deep market analysis and strategic planning,” said Rick Nagel, managing partner of Acorn Growth Companies. “Hal is a strategic thinker and as we continue to grow our portfolio of businesses, he will be a catalyst for planning and executing our growth agenda.”
Chrisman brings three decades of aerospace and defense experience with expertise in mergers and acquisitions, marketing and business development, business-to-business e-commerce, consultative and solutions sales, business plan development and international business. Chrisman most recently served as a vice president for ICF International / AeroStrategy since 2005 where he played a key role in a successful consulting start-up that was acquired by ICF and led more than 150 projects within aerospace and defense for customers globally. Prior to ICF he worked in strategic roles driving growth in existing and new markets with several well-known brands including Pemco Aviation Group, Aerospan and Oracle Corporation.
“I am honored to work with Acorn and its businesses knowing their reputation in the industry,” Chrisman said. “Acorn has a strong track record of success in selecting companies to acquire and driving double-digit profitable growth and success for the companies, the employees and investors through their collaborative approach.”
Chrisman received an MBA from the University of Michigan and bachelor’s degrees in engineering from Texas A&M University and biology from Hanover College. He is frequently called upon to speak at aerospace and defense industry conferences and contributes to articles on trends for trade publications such as Aviation Week, Defense News and others.
Acorn Growth Companies is a middle market private equity firm focused exclusively on Aerospace & Defense. Acorn invests solely in operating companies that strive to enhance global mobility and protect national interests. Acorn has a formidable reputation in the industry and is recognized for its deep understanding of the Aerospace & Defense markets, with proprietary access to the best companies within these sectors. With operational expertise and its ability to lead and manage investments through variable economic and industry cycles, Acorn works in tandem with management to build its portfolio companies into significant market leaders. AcornGrowthCompanies.com