Rachel Chesley provides counsel to companies, boards of directors, lenders, creditors, and buyers as they prepare for, execute, and emerge from financial restructuring or reorganization.
Ms. Chesley frequently leads complex mandates involving international operations, workforce reductions, litigation-related cases and/or transactions executed through a 363 sale process. In these cases, strategic planning and communications tactics are used to frame the client’s actions within the context of its stated goals, ensuring that messages reach stakeholders in order to preserve value and maintain business continuity.
Notable restructuring engagements include LATAM Airlines, GNC, McClatchy, Akorn, TNT Crane & Rigging, INAP, iQor, Carbo Ceramics, Techniplas, Fusion Connect, Sizmek, PHI, and Imerys. Ms. Chesley regularly serves as an on-the-record media spokesperson for her clients.
Outside of restructuring, Ms. Chesley has led strategic transactions, merger integration processes, executive transitions, and issues management for companies including CF Industries, Cincinnati Bell, Greenyard, Imerys, Mitsui & Co., Monsanto, Motivate, Perrigo, Shire, Surgery Partners, Thai Union, Wellpath, and Windstream.
Previously, Ms. Chesley was an Associate at Sitrick And Company, where she worked on restructuring, crisis management, and litigation support. Before joining the Communications field, Ms. Chesley served as a 2011 Teach For America corps member in Newark, NJ. She holds a B.A. in English and Political Science from Dickinson College.
Ms. Chesley serves as the Communications Co-Chair of the International Women’s Insolvency & Restructuring Confederation New York Chapter. She was the 2018 recipient of PR Week’s Outstanding Young Professional Award and was named a 2020 Rising Star of the Profession by Consulting Magazine. Business Insider recently named Ms. Chesley to its list of 15 Top Financial Public Relations Experts.