Tiger Group announced the appointment of Stuart Kessler to its Board of Advisors on March 31, 2026. Kessler brings 50 years of experience as a consultant, senior executive, and turnaround specialist to the New York-based asset services firm. The move strengthens Tiger Group's capacity to guide clients through distressed situations and capital-structure challenges.
Tiger Group Expands Its Advisory Bench
Kessler will support Tiger Group teams across three core service areas. These include Valuation Services, which delivers asset-value insights to lenders in distressed and special situations. He will also advise the Investment Banking division, which serves clients facing capital-structure challenges, and the Finance unit, which acts as a capital partner to retail, wholesale, and ecommerce borrowers.
"Stu has a 50-year track record of managing complexity, from running businesses as an entrepreneur to pulling off game-changing turnarounds," said William J. Mayer, Tiger Group Executive Managing Director. "He will be an outstanding resource for Tiger and our clients."
Five Decades of Restructuring and Consulting Experience
Kessler cofounded the restructuring, bankruptcy, and management consulting firm Clear Thinking Group in 2001. Over the following 25 years, his workout expertise benefitted a diverse array of clients across the U.S. economy.
One standout achievement was his turnaround and sale of Knights Apparel to HanesBrands. Former Knights Apparel CEO Joe Bozich praised the results directly. "By instilling disciplined processes and systems, Stu drove efficiencies that positioned us for a nine-figure sale to a Fortune 100 company," Bozich said. He later served as CEO of Fanatics Vertical Brands.
The Pittsburgh native spent the first 25 years of his career in senior merchandising and C-suite roles at leading retail and consumer products companies. Key highlights of his career include:
- Cofounded Clear Thinking Group in 2001
- Led the turnaround and nine-figure sale of Knights Apparel to HanesBrands
- Served as CEO of PKF Clear Thinking LLC, a division of PKF O'Connor Davies
- Held senior merchandising and executive roles across major retail brands
Flexibility as a Strategy for Uncertain Markets
Kessler shared his perspective on how businesses can navigate today's significant uncertainties. "In a word, it's flexibility," he said. "That is exactly what Tiger's services provide."
He expressed enthusiasm about joining the firm during a period of expanding reach. "I'm excited to contribute at a time when Tiger Group is helping more industries than ever navigate special situations, transition and growth," Kessler added.
His appointment signals the firm's commitment to deepening advisory expertise. Tiger Group continues to serve clients across retail, wholesale, ecommerce, and other sectors with valuation, banking, and finance solutions. For more corporate updates across the textile and apparel value chain, visit the textilezon.com Info Center.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Stuart Kessler?
Stuart Kessler is a restructuring and management consulting veteran with 50 years of experience. He cofounded Clear Thinking Group in 2001 and most recently served as CEO of PKF Clear Thinking LLC, a division of PKF O'Connor Davies.
What role will Kessler play at Tiger Group?
Kessler joins the Board of Advisors. He will support teams across valuation services, investment banking, and finance, with a focus on distressed and special situations.
How does this appointment impact the textile and apparel sector?
Tiger Group serves retail, wholesale, and ecommerce borrowers, including apparel companies. Kessler's proven track record with firms like Knights Apparel and HanesBrands strengthens the firm's ability to guide textile and apparel businesses through transitions and growth.
