THE AEROSPACE EVENT –
Mergers & Acquisitions

Mr. Michael Richter focuses on companies in the defense, commercial aerospace, and New Space markets. With more than three decades of investment banking experience, he is one of the most accomplished aerospace & defense dealmakers, having closed more than 350 transactions, valued at north of $100B in total transaction value. Previously, he served as Global Head of A&D Investment Banking at Lazard. Prior to Lazard, he was President of Jefferies Quarterdeck, the Aerospace & Defense business of Jefferies & Co. Prior to Jefferies, he was a Managing Director and Head of CIBC Oppenheimer's Aerospace & Defense Investment Banking Group and Head of their SF office. Mr. Richter started his professional career focused on the technology sector, holding roles at IBM and the technology investment banking groups of Kidder, Peabody & Co., and Montgomery Securities.

Joanna Speed specializes in uniting prominent and influential aerospace industry leaders to illuminate pressing issues, proactively confront industry challenges, and deliver answers to stakeholders. She recently served as Chief Growth Officer of an alliance of distribution companies, providing supply chain solutions to the A&D industry, and previously was the Managing Director, Aerospace and Defense Events for the Aviation Week Network — which included the SpeedNews Legacy — where she led the launch and execution of multiple events, marketing strategies and audience engagement platforms. During her prior tenure, she emerged as a thought leader for pioneering forecasting and intelligence forums in the A&D arena. In 2022, she played a pivotal role in the successful launch of AeroOne — a groundbreaking initiative for the Aerospace Industry Association of Michigan, to unite aerospace OEMs and suppliers in the Midwest region. Also, she advised the Association for Corporate Growth - Los Angeles, particularly through the successful curation and launch of the Aerospace & Defense Middle Market Leadership Forum, a program strategically designed for dealmakers within the sector. Joanna is a recipient of the Service to the Flag Award for Industry by Women In Defense and served as President for the Women In Defense Greater Los Angeles Chapter — a subsidiary organization under the National Defense Industrial Association. She is a member of the Board of Directors of LeFiell Manufacturing. Recently, she was recognized by Business Insider as one of the top 15 most influential women in aerospace.