Pepperdine MSAF Alumnus Troy Blakely Named Emerging Leader, Wins International Energy Deal Award

Troy Blakely, a Master of Science in Applied Finance (MSAF) alumnus of Pepperdine Graziadio Business School, has been recognized by The M&A Advisor as an Emerging Leader and co-recipient of the "International Energy Deal of the Year." These honors highlight Blakely’s growing influence in the mergers and acquisitions (M&A) industry and his dedication to guiding business owners through complex transactions.

Since graduating from Pepperdine, Blakely has held various roles in M&A, gaining experience in corporate valuations and investment banking before returning to Generational Equity, where he was promoted to Vice President in 2023. His work focuses on helping small- to mid-sized business owners achieve meaningful exits, blending analytical expertise with strategic guidance.

The International Energy Deal of the Year recognized Blakely and his Managing Director, Chris Heckert, for structuring a successful transaction for a specialized energy-sector company, demonstrating creativity, persistence, and cross-generational leadership. These awards underscore the impact of his Pepperdine Graziadio education, which continues to inform his professional growth and leadership approach.

Blakely credits his Pepperdine network for shaping his career and supporting his ongoing success. "My former finance professors were such great influences on me in my time at Pepperdine Graziadio. Additionally, I’ve kept up with classmates who have seen tremendous success on their own," he said.

Through these recognitions, Blakely exemplifies the caliber of Pepperdine Graziadio alumni driving innovation and excellence in finance.

Learn more about Pepperdine’s MS in Applied Finance here.