Advisory firm Friel Stafford unveils new strategic finance unit

John Donoghue, ifac CEO (centre), with Patrick D'Arcy, PJ O'Brien, Tom Murray and Anthony Glennon of Friel Stafford.

Business advisors Friel Stafford, part of the ifac Group, has appointed PJ O’Brien as head of the firm’s new strategic financing division.

PJ will lead the development of the firm's strategic financing division, working closely with clients and colleagues across the practice to deliver tailored funding and advisory solutions.

PJ said: “Having spent over 33 years working in Irish banking and commercial finance, I am looking forward to bringing that experience to bear in supporting clients with growth funding, acquisition finance, refinancing and banking negotiations.

“I look forward to working closely with colleagues across Friel Stafford and the ifac Group to deliver practical, tailored solutions for businesses and professionals throughout the country."

Friel Stafford provides specialist insolvency, restructuring, corporate finance, forensic accounting and advisory services, supporting clients across a wide range of sectors as part of the ifac Group offering.

PJ O'Brien joins Friel Stafford with significant experience in Irish banking and commercial finance. He was most recently an area manager with KBC Business Banking, advising Irish businesses, professionals, investors and entrepreneurs across multiple sectors and credit cycles.

Following the departure of KBC from the Irish market, PJ established OBP Consultants Ltd, a specialist commercial finance and advisory business focused on assisting SMEs, property investors and professional practices with debt structuring, strategic financing and banking negotiations.

PJ has built his career in the Irish financial services sector, working across retail banking, business banking, property finance and strategic debt advisory.