In the high-stakes world of finance and corporate restructuring, where fortunes are made and lost with the stroke of a pen, Richard stands as a beacon of resilience, expertise, and visionary leadership. With over 25 years of experience across banking, finance, and management consulting, Richard has carved out a legacy as one of Nigeria’s foremost business turnaround strategists. A man of numbers, negotiations, and niche expertise, he has redefined what it means to lead organizations from the brink of collapse to sustainable success.
Richard’s journey began in the bustling academic corridors of the University of Lagos, where he honed his skills in accounting. His thirst for excellence led him to the prestigious International Graduate School of Management (IESE), University of Navarra, Spain, where he earned an MBA in General Management. But his most valuable education came from the battlefield of real-world financial crises, where he proved his mettle time and time again.
His early career saw him serve as an Assistant Manager and Bank Examiner at the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), intervening in the affairs of over 100 commercial, merchant, and community banks. It was here that Richard discovered his passion and talent for corporate restructuring and risk mitigation skills that would later define his career.
Richard is not just a financial expert; he is a business savior. As the Managing Partner of Reeks Corporate Services, he has led groundbreaking initiatives to reposition struggling companies for profitability. His expertise has been sought by organizations in various sectors, from healthcare to finance, where he has provided interim C-suite leadership and financial restructuring strategies.
One of his most notable roles was as the Interim CEO of Pilot Finance, where he spearheaded a comprehensive business turnaround, optimizing risk mitigation strategies, re-evaluating the company’s vision, and restoring investor confidence. His work at St. Nicholas Hospital as an Interim CFO in 2023 saw him secure rapid government healthcare intervention funding, resolving a two-year-long financial impasse within just two months of his appointment.
Richard’s ability to orchestrate high-value deals sets him apart as a financial maestro. As CEO of Halkon Investment Limited, he successfully raised over $500 million across multiple sectors, including financial services, manufacturing, logistics, and tourism. He secured a $350 million mandate for a major oil and gas company in West Africa and led the restructuring of $160 million in debt while raising additional equity for an IT infrastructure development firm.
His expertise has also been instrumental in mergers and acquisitions. He has advised and closed the sale of a mortgage bank, and two health management organizations (HMOs), and facilitated a $35 million debt fundraising for a publicly listed company. His work has not gone unnoticed, earning him numerous accolades, including the prestigious Best Equity Investment Advisory – Emerging Markets award in 2023 by Capital Finance International (CFI.co).
Richard’s impact is not limited to Nigeria. In 2023, he founded AcquireEdge Partners LLC, an initiative aimed at driving turnaround, restructuring, and acquisitions in the U.S. market. This move cements his reputation as a global thought leader in corporate strategy and financial engineering. Additionally, he serves as a member of the Forbes Finance Council, where he leads discussions on business restructuring, further amplifying his influence in the international finance community.
Beyond the boardroom, Richard is passionate about knowledge transfer and professional development. His work with the Cross River State Internal Revenue Service saw him train over 300 juniors to mid-level executives over three years. He is a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (FCA) and an esteemed member of the Harvard Business Review Advisory Council.
His influence extends to policy development, having contributed to the 30-year development plan framework for Kaduna State, Nigeria. His strategic foresight and unwavering commitment to economic development make him more than just a corporate strategist; he is a nation-builder.
For all his achievements, Richard remains a man of humility and dedication. His story is one of tenacity, vision, and the power of expertise in navigating the ever-evolving world of finance and business strategy. His career trajectory from intervening in struggling banks to orchestrating billion-dollar deals serves as an inspiration to young professionals looking to make their mark in the world of finance.
As Nigeria continues to embrace economic transformation, leaders like Richard will undoubtedly remain at the forefront, shaping the future of business and investment. Whether in Lagos, London, or New York, his name is synonymous with financial acumen and corporate success. And for those seeking a masterclass in business turnarounds, one name stands above the rest—Richard Okon.
