Michael O'Connor

Michael O'Connor serves as Portfolio Manager (PM) at Pentwater Capital Management LP, a Chicago-based alternative asset management firm. In his current role, he leads investment research and decision-making for specific assets and strategies within the firm's portfolio, focusing on risk-adjusted returns and contributing to the firm's overall investment process. At Pentwater, he is known to concentrate on event-driven strategies, covering asset classes such as equities, credit, and merger arbitrage, with particular emphasis on special situations and corporate actions in both U.S. and global markets.

Prior to Pentwater, Michael built foundational experience in investment analysis and deal structuring, including stints in investment banking and private equity. His background includes roles at Rock Ventures and Lincoln International, where he focused on M&A advisory and capital raises across various industries, supporting both private and public market transactions. This breadth has contributed to his expertise in transaction structuring and sector deep-dives—critical for Pentwater’s multi-strategy approach.

Michael earned a Bachelor of Business Administration with emphases in Finance and Accounting from the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business, graduating with High Distinction. He has rapidly established himself in the investment industry for his analytical rigor, collaborative approach, and his ability to identify value in complex corporate actions. These achievements, combined with his specialization in event-driven public market investing, distinguish him as a key contributor to Pentwater’s long-term performance.