Matthew Sherman
President
As a founding member of the Firm, Matt’s nearly 30-year career has been defined by transformative transactions, shareholder activism defense and bet-the-company situations—moments that shape industries, corporate trajectories and executive reputations alike. From special situations support to defining what best-in-class means for investor relations and strategic communications programs, Matt is a go-to counselor for Boards of Directors and management teams.
As President of Joele Frank, Matt guides the Firm’s strategy and embodies our unique blend of strategic insight, hands-on execution and relentless client service.
Recent Highlights
Select Experience
Shareholder Activism Defense and Deterrence
Matt has unparallelled experience advising companies facing activist investors, proxy contests and short attacks. He understands the temperaments and strategies of both prolific and emerging activists, and is frequently sought out for his expertise when the stakes are highest. Matt has counseled clients approached by Elliott, Starboard, JANA, Third Point, Trian, Icahn, Ancora, Sachem Head, D.E. Shaw and countless others. In addition, Matt counsels numerous clients in planning, preparation and execution of proactive, robust investor engagement and media relations strategies to preempt an activist or a contest.
M&A and Capital Markets Transactions
Matt has advised Boards and C-suite executives on some of the most complex and highest-profile transactions during the last three decades. His experience spans industries, geographies and deal types, including negotiated transactions and hostile M&A, as well as corporate separations and reorganizations. He brings a seasoned perspective to transaction communications with a keen understanding of the importance of a multi-stakeholder approach.
Investor Relations, Corporate Governance and Financial Communications
Matt advises on and oversees the development and implementation of comprehensive investor relations, corporate governance and financial communications programs tailored to each client’s unique circumstances and needs. Whether navigating planned initiatives or responding to unexpected material events, including CEO and senior executive transitions, Matt helps clients communicate across key stakeholders with precision and authority.
In Conversation
What makes Joele Frank different from other strategic communications firms?
Our culture is collaborative, rigorous and client-first. That’s what drives our results. For nearly three decades, we have guided companies through their most critical moments by bringing judgment, creativity and an obsession with quality and speed. As an independent, partner-led and owned firm, we are able to move quickly and decisively with purpose and intention, always seeking to build long-term, mutually supportive relationships with our clients.
How has Joele Frank evolved over the years?
While we’ve grown in size, scope and reputation, the Firm’s commitment to excellence and our client-first mindset remains unchanged. What began as a firm known for superior transaction support and crisis counsel has evolved into a valued partner for Boards and leadership teams navigating defining moments and day-to-day challenges. I am proud of the team we’ve built—more than 200 talented colleagues who consistently earn the trust of the world’s most respected companies. Despite our success, we never sit still and for us, it’s all about a growth mindset, constantly striving to be the best partners and counselors for our clients.
What makes Joele Frank different from other strategic communications firms?
Our culture is collaborative, rigorous and client-first. That’s what drives our results. For nearly three decades, we have guided companies through their most critical moments by bringing judgment, creativity and an obsession with quality and speed. As an independent, partner-led and owned firm, we are able to move quickly and decisively with purpose and intention, always seeking to build long-term, mutually supportive relationships with our clients.
How has Joele Frank evolved over the years?
While we’ve grown in size, scope and reputation, the Firm’s commitment to excellence and our client-first mindset remains unchanged. What began as a firm known for superior transaction support and crisis counsel has evolved into a valued partner for Boards and leadership teams navigating defining moments and day-to-day challenges. I am proud of the team we’ve built—more than 200 talented colleagues who consistently earn the trust of the world’s most respected companies. Despite our success, we never sit still and for us, it’s all about a growth mindset, constantly striving to be the best partners and counselors for our clients.
Personal Side
In the News
Credentials
Matt is regularly invited to contribute written thought leadership and speak at leading industry forums for Board members, CEOs, CFOs, General Counsels, Chief Communications Officers and Investor Relations Officers. Matt has been recognized as a Top-10 “Power Player” by The Observer, and earned “40 Under 40” honors from both PRWeek and M&A Advisor. He received an MBA from Columbia Business School and BAs in international relations and communications from the University of Pennsylvania.