MACCO Taps Military Strategist for New Corporate Crisis Unit

HOUSTON, TX – April 17, 2026 – In a move that underscores a significant shift in corporate crisis management, Houston-based MACCO Restructuring Group has launched a dedicated Crisis Communications and Special Situations practice. The award-winning financial advisory firm has appointed Ben Rosner, a former high-ranking military communications strategist and diplomat, as Senior Advisor to lead the new venture.

The initiative aims to embed strategic communications counsel directly into the complex and often volatile process of business restructuring, a domain where MACCO has built its reputation. The firm argues that in today's hyper-transparent world, managing a company's finances and its reputation are no longer separate endeavors.

"Restructurings don't happen in a vacuum. Creditors, employees, regulators, and the media are all watching, and what they believe shapes what happens next," said Drew McManigle, Founder and CEO of MACCO, in a statement announcing the launch. "Having a senior communications strategist at the table when it matters most is critical."

The New Blueprint for Restructuring

MACCO's strategic expansion reflects a broader industry trend where the line between financial advisory and reputation management is rapidly dissolving. While financial distress is a numbers game, the narrative surrounding it can dramatically influence outcomes. Stakeholder confidence, media coverage, and employee morale are now seen as critical assets that can either facilitate a smooth turnaround or accelerate a company's demise.

This convergence has created a competitive market for integrated advisory services. Major firms like Kroll and Kekst CNC have long offered restructuring communications, helping clients preserve credibility during high-stakes situations. Reevemark, another top-ranked firm, focuses on minimizing business disruption by managing media speculation and stakeholder engagement. These firms recognize that a well-managed narrative is essential to maintaining operational stability and maximizing value during a restructuring.

However, MACCO's approach appears to push for a deeper level of integration. By appointing a Senior Advisor to build the practice from within, the firm is signaling a commitment to making communications a core component of its financial advisory process, rather than an adjacent service. The goal is to ensure that every financial decision is weighed against its potential reputational impact from the very beginning, a strategy McManigle believes is essential for success.

From Global Conflict to Corporate Catastrophe

The choice of Ben Rosner to lead this effort is a clear statement of intent. His resume is unconventional for the world of middle-market financial advisory, boasting experience forged in some of the world's most intense geopolitical and corporate crucibles. Based in Chicago, Rosner brings a unique perspective on managing crises where the stakes involve far more than share prices.

Most notably, Rosner served as Head of Strategy and Crisis Communications for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), a role in which he led the military's international media strategy during multiple operations, including the initial response to the October 7 War. In this capacity, he was responsible for shaping the narrative and advising top military leadership in an environment of extreme pressure and global scrutiny. His career also includes diplomatic roles with the Permanent Mission of Israel to the United Nations and the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Beyond the battlefield and diplomatic corridors, Rosner has significant experience in the corporate world. He previously advised on major Fortune 500 crises and M&A transactions at a leading global strategic communications firm. He is also the founder of Anabasis Partners, a crisis advisory that counsels boards and executives on high-stakes situations where public perception can directly impact enterprise value. This blend of military, diplomatic, and corporate experience makes him a rare commodity—a strategist accustomed to making critical communication decisions when time is short and consequences are severe.

"Ben has spent his career operating in environments where the wrong message at the wrong time creates real damage," McManigle noted. The implicit bet is that the skills required to navigate international conflicts—rapid analysis, clear messaging under fire, and advising senior leaders—are directly transferable to the boardroom of a company facing bankruptcy, a hostile takeover, or a public relations disaster.

MACCO's Strategic Gambit in a Volatile Market

The launch of the new practice is a calculated strategic move for MACCO Group. Known for its "plain-spoken leadership style" and focus on the often-underserved middle market—companies with revenues between $30 million and $1 billion—the firm is positioning itself to offer a more holistic solution than many of its competitors.

While larger corporations often have in-house communications teams and can afford to retain multiple specialized advisory firms, middle-market companies facing distress are frequently less equipped to manage the dual onslaught of financial and reputational crises. By integrating this capability, MACCO can provide a more streamlined and potentially more effective service to its core clientele across sectors like healthcare, energy, manufacturing, and consumer products.

This move comes at a time of heightened corporate vulnerability. A complex landscape of geopolitical tension, regulatory pressure, cyber threats, and intense ESG scrutiny means that the potential for a crisis is ever-present. For companies undergoing financial restructuring, these external pressures are magnified. A poorly handled communication strategy can alienate creditors, trigger employee defections, and spook customers, complicating or even derailing a potential turnaround.

By building a practice dedicated to managing these narratives, MACCO is not just adding a new service line; it is adapting its business model to the realities of a new era of corporate risk. The firm is betting that in an economy where reputation is as tangible as any asset on a balance sheet, providing clients with a shield is just as important as providing them with a financial lifeline. As companies navigate this increasingly fraught landscape, the integration of financial and reputational strategy is no longer a luxury, but a fundamental necessity for survival.