Houlihan Lokey hires Mark Ward to boost IT services

Houlihan Lokey has appointed Mark Ward as a Managing Director in its Business Services Group, where he will focus on IT services across Europe.

Ward will divide his time between the firm's Manchester and London offices. Houlihan Lokey stated that he will work alongside Malte Abrams, Managing Director and Head of IT Services for Europe, as well as other senior colleagues within the Business Services Group.

The hire adds to Houlihan Lokey's coverage of IT services businesses in the region as advisory firms compete for mandates linked to mergers and acquisitions activity in the sector.

Role and focus

Houlihan Lokey said Ward will concentrate on expanding its IT services coverage across Europe. The firm described that work as part of its Business Services Group.

Abrams linked the appointment to ongoing deal activity in the sector.

"Mark's appointment strengthens our European IT Services platform in a critical coverage area, at a time of accelerating sector consolidation," said Malte Abrams, Managing Director and Head of IT Services, Europe, Business Services Group, Houlihan Lokey.

"His extensive sector expertise in IT services across the entire value chain, coupled with his proven track record advising on complex transactions, will be invaluable as we support clients navigating an increasingly dynamic and competitive market," said Abrams.

Sector background

Ward joins from DC Advisory, where he served as a Managing Director. Houlihan Lokey said he advised clients across the IT services sector during his time there.

The firm said his experience covers IT consulting, software development, data analytics, and managed service providers. It also said he has more than 14 years of investment banking and corporate finance experience.

Before DC Advisory, Ward held roles at Clearwater International and PwC, according to Houlihan Lokey. The firm said those roles included work on M&A and corporate finance transactions.

Business services

Scott Sergeant, Managing Director and Head of Business Services, Europe, set Ward's arrival in the context of the wider Business Services Group. He said Ward's work spans IT and other services subsectors.

"Mark is an outstanding addition to Houlihan Lokey and to our global Business Services Group," said Scott Sergeant, Managing Director and Head of Business Services, Europe, Houlihan Lokey.

"His depth of subsector expertise and track record advising middle-market sponsors and businesses across the IT and broader services landscape will materially strengthen our European franchise," said Sergeant.

"His appointment further reinforces our commitment to delivering market-leading advice and outstanding outcomes for clients across the region," said Sergeant.

Ward's move

Ward said he viewed the role at Houlihan Lokey as an opportunity to work within a larger international platform with a sector specialism in IT services.

"Houlihan Lokey stood out as a compelling opportunity," said Mark Ward, Managing Director, Business Services Group, Houlihan Lokey.

"I am delighted to be joining a truly global platform that holds the deep IT services expertise that clients require in today's market," said Ward.

"I am excited to leverage the power of the firm for the benefit of our clients and to contribute to the continued growth and success of the Business Services Group," said Ward.

Houlihan Lokey said its Business Services Group advises on M&A, capital raising, restructuring, and financial and valuation advisory services. The firm said it ranked as the No. 1 business services M&A advisor for all global transactions in 2025, with 92 deals.

Ward will work across Manchester and London as he takes up the Managing Director role within the Business Services Group.