Expert Spotlight: Meet Kroll's Restructuring Expert Jackie Walsh

A well-established practitioner, Jackie has become a cornerstone of Hong Kong’s insolvency and restructuring community. She is the 'Walsh' in Borrelli Walsh, the firm that later became part of Kroll. As the co-chair of the INSOL Hong Kong Conference, Jackie continues to showcase her unwavering dedication to the industry.

Jackie's commitments outside the courtroom also define her. With achievements in marathons (boasting a personal best of just over 4 hours), charity work, and raising her rugby-playing children, Jackie exemplifies an impressive work-life balance. Using INSOL as a platform, she offers a sneak peek into her career highlights and shares her journey.

Championing the INSOL Hong Kong Conference

As the co-chair of the INSOL Hong Kong committee, Jackie has played a pivotal role in shaping the agenda. She delivered the opening remarks alongside her friend and fellow co-chair, Ian Mann of Harneys. Reflecting on the event, Jackie shared, "The speakers represent a mosaic of expertise from across the globe, and it's incredibly rewarding to be part of a team that unites such diverse and pioneering perspectives.” adds Jackie.

A Career Built on Expertise and Dedication

Jackie’s journey into insolvency began almost by chance, starting at the Department of Justice in the U.S. Trustees’ Office. The casework inspired a career shift and further studies. 'I took a bankruptcy course in law school, but I never expected to build my career around it. Yet here I am, deeply entrenched, reflecting on my path,' she shares with a smile. After moving to Hong Kong in 2000, Jackie continued her work in insolvency, quickly establishing herself as a leading expert in the region.

Her commitment to the field is evident in her daily engagement with the INSOL committee and her role as an INSOL board member. "It's an honor to be part of a team that really is pushing to make a difference in the industry," Jackie shares.

Balancing Professional and Personal Passions

Outside the professional realm, Jackie is an avid marathon runner. "I started running marathons in my 30s. It was a way to stay active and explore new places," she says. With ten marathons under her belt, including the Boston and Paris Marathons, and one ultramarathon in South Africa, her dedication to the sport is impressive. "I'm scheduled to run the London Marathon next year. Training for it keeps me motivated," she adds.

Jackie's love for sports extends to her family. Her children are deeply involved in rugby, a sport that's a significant part of Hong Kong's culture. "My eldest, Sam, plays for the Chicago Hounds in the U.S., Charlie, my second child, is the captain of the Berkeley rugby team, and Tom, my youngest, played rugby up to high school, playing for Hong Kong at a junior level," she proudly recounts. Her involvement with sport doesn’t end there, she is on the board for Rugby for Good, a non-profit organization, which further exemplifies her commitment to giving back to the community. "Rugby for Good combines my passion for sport and my desire to contribute to society. It's incredibly fulfilling, and we have made a considerable impact on communities in Hong Kong," she explains.

Giving Back and Inspiring Others

Jackie's influence extends beyond her professional achievements and family life. She is a well-loved and respected figure in the community, known for her dedication to mentoring young professionals and advocating for women in the workplace. "Hard work and entrepreneurial spirit are crucial, but having a supportive network and male allies is equally important," she emphasises. Her partner in crime, Cosimo Borrelli, would be the first to provide a glowing testament to how much of a trailblazer she was when setting up their firm, where she played a critical role in their success.

One of the standout moments in Jackie's career is her involvement in the Akai case, a complex litigation-prone case that put her and the team on the map. "The Akai case was a turning point. It was a lot of hard work, but it highlighted our team's capabilities," she recalls. The Joule and Komaro case was another - cross-border asset recovery in multiple countries. "Traveling to places like Frankfurt, Cyprus and Italy to secure different assets was an intense but rewarding experience," she shares.

Hobbies and Hidden Talents

In addition to her professional and sports-related endeavors, Jackie has a passion for painting. "It's my way of calming my mind. I focus on floral scenes, and it's a soothing contrast to the high-energy demands of my work and sports," says Jackie. She is also learning Mandarin, a skill she has continued to develop even after her teacher moved to the US. "Learning Mandarin has been a fascinating journey. It keeps my mind sharp. I love it,” shares Jackie.

Kroll Sponsorship

Kroll is a proud sponsor of the INSOL Hong Kong Conference, where Jackie played a critical role in its success as part of the organizing committee and delivered the welcome remarks as the co-chair. Our sponsorship underscores our commitment to supporting the insolvency and restructuring community.