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Emily Harte
Partner, Oliver Wyman - Board of Directors, Center for Conflict Resolution
Emily Harte is a Partner at Oliver Wyman, a management consulting firm that is part of Marsh McLennan. She specializes in providing strategic advice and solutions to clients across various industries. With a strong background in consulting, she has developed expertise in areas such as risk management, organizational transformation, and operational efficiency.
Harte's role involves leading teams to deliver impactful results for clients, leveraging her analytical skills and industry knowledge. Her professional journey reflects a commitment to driving innovation and enhancing business performance through tailored consulting services.
For more specific details about her career trajectory and accomplishments, her LinkedIn profile may provide additional insights.
Highlights
The commercial real estate sector in the US is facing daunting challenges in the near term. There’s a squeeze from increases in interest rates and debt service obligations, which is underscored by persistent lower occupancy rates as well as climbing deferred maintenance costs and operating expenses. Many borrowers are struggling to refinance or raise new capital, in part because regional banks, which typically provide financing for commercial real estate, are hamstrung by their own financial constraints, regulatory pressures, and reputational risk resulting from high-profile bank failures. All told, almost $1.5 trillion of debt is coming due for repayment before the end of 2025, according to Bloomberg, and the specter of defaults is looming. The situation does present an opportunity for private credit and distressed investors who have been sitting on capital reserves and now can take advantage of low valuations. The shift from competition to collaboration between banking and private credit reinforces this scenario. However, the underlying real estate assets still face the same fundamental issues — diminished net operating income and the need for investment in maintenance and operational improvements, among others — so it’s vital that any recapitalization is accompanied by a strategic turnaround plan. Look for the next #RestructuringReflections post from Oliver Wyman Partner Bobby Gibbs, on inventory challenges for retailers.
