Rich Kottmeyer

Rich Kottmeyer

Managing Director
rich.kottmeyer@pivotgrp.com

Rich Kottmeyer serves as a Managing Director at Pivot > Group, leading the Food, Agriculture, and Beverage (FAB) practice. A globally recognized thought leader with over 30 years of experience, Rich has driven transformation across the food and agricultural value chain, specializing in turnarounds, strategy, and performance improvement.

Rich has held leadership positions at prominent firms like FTI Consulting, Accenture, IBM, and KPMG, where he built and led some of the largest agriculture and food production practices in professional services. His expertise encompasses private equity due diligence, performance improvement, ESG initiatives, investment banking, and technology strategy.

Most recently, Rich served as Senior Advisor at Michael Best Strategies, providing strategic guidance on government affairs, food security, and agricultural policy. He has advised global private equity firms and led high-impact projects across sectors including dairy, controlled environmental agriculture, and animal health.
Rich’s career highlights include advising the U.S. Administration and USDA, spearheading innovative food security initiatives, and managing complex global M&A transactions. He is also a sought-after keynote speaker and contributor to major publications on topics ranging from agricultural technology to global food trends.

Rich holds a Juris Doctor from Saint Louis University and a Bachelor of Arts from Washington University. His leadership, vision, and extensive industry knowledge position him to drive impactful results at Pivot Group.

Our Story

Pivot > originated from a conversation between friends, Lance Miller and Peter Elkin, both veterans of restructuring and turnaround industries, and former company leaders. Frustrated with the traditional advisory firm model, they sought a better approach centered on client interests and results. Over dinner, they envisioned a best-in-class value proposition, which eventually became Pivot >, attracting like-minded individuals who shared their mission and industry distinctions.

Our core principles include delivering bespoke solutions tailored to each situation, prioritizing long-term client relationships over fees, and fostering the growth and well-being of our employees. Unlike many firms in the industry, we operate under a shared compensation model, ensuring everyone is invested in our clients’ success. As we continue to grow, we remain committed to providing exceptional service and building lasting relationships with our clients.

– Co-Founders Lance Miller & Peter Elkin