Announces Senior-level Appointment of George O’Brien as Managing Director

DALLAS (November 14, 2011) - Barrier Advisors, a nationally recognized investment banking, restructuring and operational advisory firm based in Dallas, Texas, has announced the appointment of George O’Brien as Managing Director of its Strategic and Operational Consulting group.

Mr. O’Brien is joining the firm with over 35 years of investment banking, turnaround and restructuring experience in a wide range of industries, most notably in energy, natural resources, and forest and paper. He has a strategic, financial and operational background in both domestic and international markets, including Latin America, Asia, Australia and New Zealand. Throughout his career, Mr. O’Brien has made significant leadership contributions as board member, chief executive officer and chief financial officer that led to increased profitability in numerous businesses.

Mr. O’Brien currently serves on the board of several private and public companies, including Niska Gas Storage Partners, LLC, the largest publicly traded North American gas storage company. Mr. O’Brien’s past experience includes serving as Chairman of the Audit Committee for Magellan Midstream Partners, L.P., one of the largest publicly traded energy infrastructures, and President and CEO of Pacific Lumber Company, where he took the company through a successful Chapter 11 process. Mr. O’Brien’s experience also includes an 18-year tenure at International Paper Company, where he retired as Senior Vice President–Forest Products. There he held overall executive responsibility for the company’s forestry operations, fiber procurement, wood products and specialty chemicals businesses.

“We continue to expand our services and capabilities with key senior-level hires,” said Harrison Price, President of Barrier Advisors. “George has extensive experience in manufacturing and financial processes, operations restructuring, and financial improvements for both well performing and financially distressed companies. Our range of operations advisory services combined with his board and senior executive-level expertise provides our clients with valuable insight and solutions.”

This move represents another step in the development of Barrier Advisors’ service offering for the middle market. Along with the expansion of its operations advisory area, Barrier has strengthened its investment banking services through several senior-level appointments. In addition to operations advisory and investment banking services, the firm provides restructuring services for middle-market companies.

download (pdf 280k)