Terence “Terry” Kawaja, is the Founder and CEO of LUMA Partners, a strategic advisory firm with a singular focus on digital media and marketing. He is a seasoned investment banker with more than 20 years’ experience and has advised on more than $300 billion of transactions, including some of the most pivotal deals in the media and tech industries. Throughout his career, Terry has leveraged his deep industry knowledge to take a strategic approach to deal-making rather than chase transactions. The best compliment people say is that he thinks like a principal.
At LUMA, Terry advises both established media and technology companies as well as digital growth companies. He is a recognized expert in the Internet and digital media sectors and is a popular speaker at leading industry conferences. Terry has a straightforward style and is never afraid to tell it like it is. He also likes to keep things light by using humor to aid substantive presentations.
Prior to founding LUMA, Terry was Co-Head of Digital Media at GCA; Global Head of Media M&A at Citigroup and Credit Suisse First Boston; and CFO of Raindance Communications (publicly traded). He received an MBA from the Schulich School of Business of York University, a JD from Osgoode Hall Law School, and a BA in Economics from the University of Western Ontario.
When not negotiating deals or telling jokes, Terry enjoys a variety of activities from skiing to water sports. He lives in New York City with his wife and their two sons.