HOUSTON, TX — Encompass Services Corporation has announced that, in connection with its exploration of options to strengthen the company’s financial position, the board of directors has appointed Michael F. Gries to the newly created position of chief restructuring officer. Gries will report to Joe Ivey, president and chief executive officer of Encompass.

“We’re delighted to have Michael join our team,” stated Ivey. “I am certain that his proven success in business restructuring will prove very beneficial to Encompass as we move forward.”

For more than 20 years, Gries has specialized in providing business and financial advice to companies, investors, and other parties in both distressed and turnaround situations in diverse domestic and international businesses, including construction; heavy industrial products; light manufacturing, including apparel and food processing; retail; advertising; newspaper publishing; and broadcasting. He is one of the founders of the financial advisory firm, Conway, Del Genio, Gries & Co. (CDG).