Expert Spotlight: Meet Kroll's Restructuring Expert Simon Stibbons

Beyond work, Simon is a proud Arsenal fan, though, as he jokes, “Sometimes it doesn’t feel that way.” Sport is woven into the workplace, creating a friendly camaraderie with a team ranging from golfers to very good marathon runners. Simon is married into an Italian culture, and together, they are raising their young family in London. While he jokes about his football allegiance, it’s clear that family comes first, and he enjoys balancing his career and personal life.

As Simon dives into his second year at Kroll, it’s clear that the firm’s culture, combined with his wealth of experience, has positioned him for success in a rapidly changing market.

A Unique Approach to Complex Advisory

Simon’s approach to restructuring and advisory is grounded in a simple but powerful philosophy: to look beyond the obvious solutions. “Every client is different, and every project brings its own complexities,” shares Simon. He believes that Kroll’s unique platform, offering a combination of expertise and agility, enables the team to adapt, collaborate and deliver customized solutions that can address even the most complex challenges.

This approach is particularly important as Simon works across various sectors, including government, education and utilities. Simon has been instrumental in offering Kroll’s services to these sectors, recognizing the evolving needs of government departments and public sector bodies, which require a tailored approach to restructuring and advisory services.

Seizing Opportunities in a Changing Market

In Simon’s view, the market today is full of both challenges and opportunities, particularly within the public sector and infrastructure. As Kroll’s leadership in restructuring and advisory continues to grow, Simon remains proactive in identifying emerging trends, helping to deliver value-driven solutions to clients.

While the business environment remains challenging, Simon sees plenty of potential, particularly in the wake of shifting government priorities. “There are always pressures, but there are also great opportunities—especially for businesses and government departments looking for strategic restructuring,” says Simon. He highlights the increasing demand for Kroll’s services in areas like education, healthcare and utilities, where restructuring or advisory services are becoming increasingly critical.

Supporting Government and Public Sector Challenges

Simon’s career spans over 27 years of working in restructuring and advisory. Simon is an insolvency practitioner with experience across multiple sectors. His experience includes supporting government departments like the Department for Transport, the Ministry of Justice and the Department for Education. With his deep understanding of both operational and financial levers, Simon has played a key role in helping these institutions navigate complex challenges.

“The government sector requires a unique combination of expertise and flexibility,” explains Simon. “Our role at Kroll is not just to provide solutions, but to help these institutions articulate their needs and create bespoke strategies that meet those needs.”

Simon comments that the new Government is seeking to make its mark and address multiple issues across various sectors where key public services and matters of national importance are involved. He believes that over the coming 12-18 months the number of restructuring mandates involving the public sector will increase and he sees this as a great opportunity for the growing public sector team at Kroll. He believes that he can leverage his team’s deep knowledge of how Government departments operate to help in a number of these mandates.

Empowering Teams and Building Collaboration

At the heart of Simon’s leadership style is a commitment to collaboration, transparency and empowerment. He believes that building a strong, supportive environment within his team is key to success. “If we can foster an environment where everyone feels supported and encouraged to share ideas, we will deliver the best possible outcomes for our clients,” says Simon.

His leadership approach ensures that his team has the autonomy to excel. “Everyone has different strengths, and I want my team to know that their contributions matter,” he adds. By creating a culture of accountability and innovation, Simon ensures that each team member is empowered to give their best, which ultimately benefits both the team and the clients they serve.

Looking Ahead: A Bright Future for Kroll

With one successful year at Kroll under his belt, Simon is optimistic about the future. He acknowledges that the journey has only just begun and there is still much to accomplish. “The work we’re doing across sectors, including our work with the UK Government is just the beginning. I’m excited to see how we can continue to grow as a team and as a business in the coming years,” says Simon.

Simon’s experience, leadership and passion for the firm’s values give him confidence in Kroll’s future in the restructuring and advisory space. “The future looks bright, and I’m incredibly excited for what’s to come. With the strength of our team and platform, there’s no limit to what we can achieve,” he concludes.

Simon’s first year at Kroll has set a strong foundation for continued success. As he looks to the future, he remains committed to leading with purpose, empowering those around him and delivering impactful solutions that drive positive change. With a growing client base, strong leadership and an expanding service offering, Kroll is poised for even greater success in the years to come.