Thomas Allison Joins Areté as Restructuring and Board Advisory Leader
This announcement was distributed via press release. Read the full release here.
Former CEO, CRO, and independent director brings decades of operating and board experience to moments of complexity and change
February 9, 2025 — Thomas Allison, one of the most respected turnaround and restructuring leaders in the market, has joined Areté, bringing decades of experience advising boards, leading complex restructurings, and serving as CEO, CRO, and independent director across industries including aviation, healthcare, and financial services.
Allison’s decision to join Areté reflects a shared belief in experienced, senior-led leadership and a culture grounded in trust, integrity, and accountability.
Shawn Hassel, Managing Partner of Areté, said Tom’s decision underscores the kind of firm Areté is building.
“Tom brings decades of experience leading companies through moments of significant complexity and change,” Hassel said. “As companies face increasing financial and operational pressure, leaders like Tom are choosing firms built for these moments. His decision to join Areté reflects our focus on experienced leadership, independent judgment, and real partnership with boards and management teams when it matters most. Tom understands that the best solutions come from accountability and momentum, not hours billed.”
A culture built on trust and experience
For Allison, culture was central to his decision.
For me, it really starts with culture. The people and how they interact are incredibly important. I have known several people at Areté for a long time, and I believe their integrity is beyond reproach. The best way to be successful is to do business with people you know, like, and trust, and that clearly exists at Areté.
Allison was also drawn to Areté’s strategy and service offering, particularly its focus on independent board leadership as a core capability. Over the last decade, he has built a successful practice serving as an independent director and fiduciary during moments when leadership and direction matter most, helping boards and stakeholders navigate distressed and complex environments.
“Areté’s focus on independent board members aligns directly with my experience,” Allison said. “I have been very successful in that role, and I am excited to expand that offering here. At the same time, Areté’s broader capabilities allow me to bring more solutions to my contacts in private equity and banking when situations become complex. Areté focuses on outcomes, not hours billed. Success is defined by what actually changes in the business.”
A career built in moments that matter
Allison’s career spans banking, investment banking, consulting, executive leadership, and board service. He began his career in bank workouts at First National Bank of Chicago and later helped build and lead restructuring practices at Arthur Andersen. He has served as financial advisor on some of the largest airline and healthcare restructurings in the country, including United Airlines, and has served as CEO of a major healthcare system. He has also acted as an independent director and fiduciary across numerous distressed and special situation engagements.
At Areté, Allison will work closely with boards, CEOs, lenders, and investors through moments of significant financial and operational change, bringing the experience and judgment required to determine the right path forward.
“The most valuable thing we bring is judgment under pressure,” Allison said. “We have been in the room when difficult decisions need to be made, and we know how to help leadership teams align, commit, and execute. Our focus is on what can be created in the future, not just analyzing the past.”
“At the end of the day, this work is about helping organizations move forward,” Allison added. “That requires clarity about what needs to happen and the conviction to make it happen. That is what Areté is built to deliver.”
About Areté
Areté is a leadership and advisory firm that works alongside boards, sponsors, and executives during moments of change. The firm brings experienced judgment, independent perspective, and hands-on involvement to help organizations navigate complexity, align around what matters most, and move forward with confidence.
We drive momentum when it matters most.
Media Contact:
Randi Siegel
rsiegel@aretecp.com