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Gregory Klassen

Managing Director

Gregory Klassen

Managing Director

Greg provides strategic communications counsel to companies across industries and in a wide range of special situations, including transactions, crises, and shareholder activism defense. His areas of expertise include:

Mergers and Acquisitions

He advises companies on communications in both friendly and unsolicited M&A transactions. Notable assignments include: Barnes & Noble in its sale to Elliott Advisors (UK) Limited; Cabela’s in its sale to Bass Pro Shops; CBOE in its acquisition of Bats Global Markets; Exact Science in its acquisition of Genomic Health; Matlin & Partners Acquisition Corporation and U.S. Well Services on their merger; Norfolk Southern in its defense against Canadian Pacific; PDC Energy in its acquisition of SRC Energy; Pilgrim’s Pride in its acquisition of Moy Park; Sabra Healthcare REIT in its merger with Care Capital Properties; and Snyder’s-Lance in its sale to Campbell Soup Company.

Crisis Preparedness and Communications

He assists and advises companies facing a variety of crises and special situations, including large-scale corporate reorganizations, defense against short-sellers, data breaches, earnings surprises, litigation, and unplanned leadership changes.

Shareholder Activism and Defense Preparedness

He has experience in activism situations and proxy situations, including: AmTrust (Carl Icahn); Ashland (Cruiser); Bed Bath & Beyond (Legion, Macellum, Ancora), Chico’s FAS (Barington); Magellan Health (Starboard);  Papa John’s (John Schnatter); PDC Energy (Kimmeridge); and Taubman Centers (Land & Buildings).

Public and Investor Relations

He has worked closely with management teams to develop and enhance overall corporate communications strategies. He regularly assists companies executing profile-raising and thought leadership opportunities, employee communications, quarterly earnings preparation, and investor days.

Greg joined Joele Frank in 2014. He received a BS in Human and Organizational Development from Vanderbilt University.