Brian Murphy
Group Co-Lead: Aerospace, Defense & Space, Manufacturing & Distribution
Professional Experience
Brian is the Managing Principal of Investment Banking for CLA Meridian Capital and head of the Industrials Practice. In this role, he leverages over 20 years of experience in investment banking and strategic consulting to lead the firm’s operations, growth, and strategic initiatives.
Brian has advised more than 100 business owners and entrepreneurs on sell-side and buy-side transactions, recapitalizations, growth equity, and strategic advisory engagements. His experience spans aerospace, manufacturing and distribution, industrial services, consumer products, technology, and telecommunications.
Prior to CLA Meridian Capital, Brian was a management consultant with Accenture in Washington, D.C. and New York, where he advised Fortune 100 companies on revenue assurance, sales and process improvement, and system integration.
Education & Certification
Brian is a graduate of the University of Redlands, where he earned a double major in financial economics and accounting in addition to a minor in mathematics. He holds Series 24, Series 79, Series 82, and Series 63 licenses with FINRA. In 2015, Brian was recognized by the Puget Sound Business Journal as one of Seattle’s “Top 40 Under 40” for his business leadership and community involvement.
Community Service and Involvement
Brian is a member of the University of Redlands Board of Trustees where he chairs the Governance Committee and serves on the Executive Committee. Brian is a native of the Pacific Northwest. He currently lives in Seattle with his wife, Kerri, and daughters, Tatum and Sloane. On the weekends, you will most often find him spending time with his family or on the tennis or basketball court.
“Brian exhibited a deep understanding of the M&A process. He quickly learned our culture and was able to communicate complex concepts quickly and succinctly. His leadership, intelligence and engaging personality were critical factors in the success of our transaction. We enjoyed working with Brian and the entire Meridian Capital team.”
Duncan McLean, Burton Saw – President & Shareholder


