Investment bank Houlihan Lokey has hired Joel Simkins to serve as a Managing Director covering the gaming sector.

Simkins’ new role as part of the firm’s Technology Group will see him advise and support clients as they navigate the crossroads of gaming and tech.

In this regard, he will need to leverage his industry experience. Prior to joining Houlihan Lokey, Simkins held a similar role at Truist Securities. There, he served as Head of Gaming & Leisure Investment Banking, a position he occupied for over six years.

Before joining Truist, Simkins was a Senior Gaming, Lodging & Leisure Analyst for Swiss banking giant Credit Suisse. Other career highlights include a three-year tenure at Macquarie Group as a Managing Director and Senior Gaming & Leisure Analyst, as well as a period at Prudential Financial.

Phil Adams, Global Head of Houlihan Lokey’s Technology Group, welcomed Simkins on board. He remarked: “We are delighted to add Joel to our market-leading Technology Group.

“His depth of industry knowledge, market relationships and rare track record of success advising both sell-side and buy-side clients are all outstanding.

“These qualities, coupled with his commitment to client service, mentorship and leadership, make Joel an excellent fit with Houlihan Lokey’s corporate culture.”

Simkins was likewise enthused, commenting: “I’m excited to be a part of the largest and most active Technology Group in investment banking, particularly during such an active and dynamically evolving period in the gaming technology sector.

“Houlihan Lokey is well positioned to serve as a trusted advisor within the sector given its global capabilities, particularly as sports betting and online digital ecosystems have emerged as substantial businesses within the US in the past two years.”