Michaela Kuelbs `27

Michael Kuelbs is an MBA candidate at Columbia Business School and an incoming Associate at Lazard in Consumer, Retail & Leisure investment banking. Previously she was at KPMG, where she advised private equity portfolio companies across industries on M&A integrations, operational improvements, and enterprise transformation. Passionate about consumer brands, health and wellness, and investing.

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During my time at Columbia Business School, I have deepened my interest in private equity through coursework, case competitions, and hands-on investment analysis. I participated in a KKR private equity case competition, where my team evaluated an investment in an automotive company, developed an LBO model, and identified key value creation opportunities and investment risks. Through Columbia’s Private Equity Field Study, I have also had the opportunity to gain practical exposure to the investment process and work alongside industry professionals. These experiences have strengthened my financial modeling, investment judgment, and understanding of how private equity firms identify and create value.