Tess Oxenstierna Named Investment Banker of the Year by Global M&A Network

Rhea-AI Summary

Tess Oxenstierna, Managing Director and Head of Aerospace, Defense, Government & Security Group at Capstone Partners, has been named Investment Banker of the Year by the Global M&A Network at the 16th Annual Americas M&A Atlas Awards in February 2025.

With over 35 years of defense experience, Oxenstierna brings extensive expertise from roles in government, corporate strategy, and investment banking. She recently led the successful sale of Spin Systems, a data analytics and AI/ML-driven intelligence visualization firm, to Diné Development

Appointed as Head of Aerospace, Defense, Government & Security in 2024, Oxenstierna oversees industry insights publication and is expanding the group's operations. She holds a PhD in War Studies from King's College London and previously served in key positions at Lehman Brothers, Raytheon, the Reagan White House, U.S. Department of State, and NATO Headquarters.

Positive

• Successful execution of strategic M&A deal with Spin Systems
• Expansion of aerospace and defense division with new talent acquisition planned
• Recognition through multiple industry awards strengthening firm's reputation

Negative

• None.

Award Recognizes Outstanding Leaders and Dealmakers with Notable Impact on the Industry

BOSTON, Feb. 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Capstone Partners, a leading middle market investment banking firm, is pleased to share that Tess Oxenstierna, Managing Director and the firm's Head of Aerospace, Defense, Government & Security Group, has been named Investment Banker of the Year by the Global M&A Network. Presented at the 16th Annual Americas M&A Atlas Awards in New York on February 6, 2025, this award recognizes outstanding leaders and dealmakers who demonstrate exceptional industry expertise and impact each year.

With more than 35 years of experience in the defense space—spanning roles in government, corporate strategy, and investment banking—Oxenstierna brings deep domain insight to her work with clients. In her time at Capstone, she has led multiple key transactions in high-growth markets such as Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C4ISR), and Air, Land, Sea & Space (ALSS) Systems.

Oxenstierna holds a PhD in War Studies from King's College London, as well as a Master's degree in Law & Diplomacy from the Fletcher School at Tufts University and the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. Previously, she served as Global Head of Equities Strategy at Lehman Brothers and Director of Corporate Development and Strategy at Raytheon. Prior to joining the private sector, she served in the Reagan White House, U.S. Department of State, and NATO Headquarters, and holds the rank of Commander, U.S. Navy Reserve (ret.).

Oxenstierna serves on the Board of the National Medal of Honor - Center for Leadership and the U.S. Navy League and is also a member of the National Defense Industry Association and National Security Space Association. She is a consistently featured speaker at industry events, including the Satellite Show, MILSAT Symposium, Thompson Reuters' A&D Summit, and more. This recognition builds on several others Oxenstierna has garnered in recent years, including Top Woman Dealmaker, Industrials Deal of the Year (Mid-Market), and Corporate/Strategic Deal of the Year.

Oxenstierna commented, "As a former U.S. Navy officer and government and defense industry representative, I feel honored to continue contributing to our national security mission, by supporting a robust industry for our warfighters."

Oxenstierna was appointed Capstone's Head of Aerospace, Defense, Government & Security in 2024. Since the recent appointment, she has overseen the publication of regular industry insights—including Capstone's annual Aerospace, Defense, Government & Security M&A Report—and expanded her leadership role to enhance the industry group's operations in tandem with the broader firm's strategy. This includes plans for continued growth of its sector coverage in 2025 with the addition of exceptional talent to expand upon Capstone's domain expertise.

She recently led the successful sale of Spin Systems—a data analytics and AI/ML-driven intelligence visualization firm—to Diné Development Corporation, a Navajo Nation owned company, highlighting how technology modernization is increasingly integral to government IT and defense operations. For her work leading this transaction, Oxenstierna also took home M&A Deal of the Year—alongside colleague and Capstone's Co-Head of Industrials Ted Polk, who received Government IT Services Deal of the Year award for his work advising AstreaX on its sale to DC Capital Partners.

John Ferrara, Founder & President of Capstone Partners, added, "Tess is a highly respected leader within our firm and the industry; we're proud to see this well-deserved recognition and have her represent Capstone amongst our peers. With Tess at the helm, Capstone's Aerospace, Defense, Government & Security Group is a vibrant practice that has a prominent role in our strategic growth plans."

ABOUT GLOBAL M&A NETWORK
Global M&A Network is a diversified news, information media, and forums company, as well as the host of various prestigious awards ceremonies honoring top talent in the M&A space. The Network produces high-quality "Intelligence Forums" and the world's most prestigious M&A, Turnaround, and female leadership "Atlas Awards." For more information, visit www.globalmanetwork.com.

ABOUT CAPSTONE PARTNERS
For over 20 years, the firm has been a trusted advisor to leading middle market companies, offering a fully integrated range of investment banking and financial advisory services uniquely tailored to help owners, investors, and creditors through each stage of the company's lifecycle. Capstone's services include M&A advisory, debt and equity placement, corporate restructuring, special situations, valuation and fairness opinions, and financial advisory services. Headquartered in Boston, the firm has 175+ professionals across the U.S. With 12 dedicated industry groups, Capstone delivers sector-specific expertise through large, cross-functional teams. Capstone is a subsidiary of Huntington Bancshares Incorporated (NASDAQ: HBAN). For more information, visit www.capstonepartners.com.

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SOURCE Capstone Partners

FAQ

What significant transaction did Tess Oxenstierna recently lead at Capstone Partners?

She led the sale of Spin Systems, a data analytics and AI/ML-driven intelligence visualization firm, to Diné Development , a Navajo Nation owned company.

What are Tess Oxenstierna's expansion plans for Capstone's Aerospace & Defense division in 2025?

Plans include growing sector coverage and adding exceptional talent to expand domain expertise.

What is Tess Oxenstierna's current role at Capstone Partners?

She serves as Managing Director and Head of Aerospace, Defense, Government & Security Group, appointed in 2024.

What notable awards has Tess Oxenstierna received in recent years?

She has received Investment Banker of the Year (2025), Top Woman Dealmaker, Industrials Deal of the Year (Mid-Market), and Corporate/Strategic Deal of the Year.