Lazear Capital Partners (Lazear) announced that Andrew Kulesza has joined the firm to lead its post-closing advisory services nationwide and serve as Market Leader for the Greater Cincinnati Tri-State region. The expansion into Cincinnati marks Lazear’s 16th location nationwide.
In this dual role, Kulesza brings over two decades of ESOP experience to help business owners and leadership teams navigate the critical period following an ESOP transaction and build high-performing employee-owned companies.
“Every ESOP is tailored to a client’s specific goals and circumstances,” said Mike Morosky, Partner at Lazear. “But it’s after the transaction is complete that strong governance, informed leadership, and an intentional ownership culture truly shape outcomes. Andrew strengthens how we support our clients through that transition and guide conversations thoughtfully.”
In addition to his national post-closing role, Kulesza will lead Lazear’s ESOP development efforts in the Cincinnati Tri-State market, where he has deep roots in the business community.
“Cincinnati has a strong base of founder-led, middle-market companies that care deeply about independence, culture, and legacy,” said Kulesza. “Having lived inside a mature ESOP as a CEO, CFO, and internal trustee, I’ve seen what works—and what doesn’t—after the transaction is complete. I’m excited to bring that perspective to companies in this market, while also supporting ESOP leadership teams nationwide as they work to elevate ownership culture and unlock the long-term potential of their employee-owned companies.
Kulesza currently serves as an independent board member of a 100% ESOP-owned S-Corporation based in Kentucky. Prior to joining Lazear, he served as a Vice President in J.P. Morgan’s ESOP Advisory Group, where he advised management teams from across the lower Midwest to the Gulf Coast on all stages of ESOP ownership and transaction execution. Earlier in his career, he worked as a middle-market commercial banker at Fifth Third Bank.
Before returning to banking, Kulesza held successive roles as CFO, President/CEO, and internal trustee of a multi-state, 100% ESOP-owned S-Corporation.
Kulesza has also been an active leader within The ESOP Association, serving on its Board of Directors, Board of Governors, and Fiduciary Committee. As an advocate for employee ownership, he assisted in securing bipartisan co-sponsorship for H.R. 3586, the S-Corporation ESOP Promotion and Expansion Act of 2009.
The expansion of Lazear’s market presence and advisory services reflects the firm’s leadership and belief in ESOPs as a strategic exit strategy for business owners nationwide.
About Lazear
Lazear is a premier middle-market advisory firm specializing in business ownership transitions nationwide. Headquartered in Columbus, OH, with a growing presence, the firm is dedicated to helping business owners maximize wealth and preserve legacies through customized exit strategies, including ESOPs and 1042, M&A, and capital formation.
To learn more, visit www.lazearcapital.com and follow Lazear on LinkedIn.
Media Contact
Katherine Koon
Marketing Director
kk@lazearcapital.com
614-502-1411
