August Vlak

August M. Vlak is a seasoned investment professional currently serving as Managing Director at Barington Capital Group, L.P., where he leverages his expertise in strategic consulting and operational performance improvement to identify and implement value-enhancing strategies for portfolio companies. His responsibilities include conducting deep-dive due diligence, collaborating with management teams, and driving activist campaigns focused on unlocking shareholder value across small and midcap publicly traded companies.

Vlak’s career spans senior roles in management consulting and investment banking, including positions as Partner at Katzenbach Partners, Senior Executive Advisor at Booz & Company, and Consultant at McKinsey & Company, as well as Vice President in the Health Care Banking Group at Lehman Brothers. He has worked extensively in industries such as manufacturing, industrials, consumer services, and healthcare, deploying an activist strategy to improve operations, capital allocation, and governance at more than 50 companies globally.

August M. Vlak holds a B.A. in Economics from Amherst College and an M.B.A. from Stanford University, reflecting both academic distinction and expertise in corporate strategy and finance. His notable achievements include leading turnaround initiatives, advising on complex transactions, and serving as a director of several public companies, with a reputation for adding long-term shareholder value through disciplined research, boardroom engagement, and operational improvements.