SAN FRANCISCO — The Blueshirt Group, which works with tech companies on IPOs and investor relations, has launched a new practice to help clients with corporate governance and managing the risk associated with activism.

Waheed Hassan will lead the practice as managing director, bringing more than a decade of experience working in corporate governance, shareholder engagement, M&A and activism defense. Hassan joins Blueshirt after more than seven years as an Alliance Advisors senior managing director.

Before that, Hassan managed the M&A/proxy contest research team at Institutional Shareholder Services, leading initiatives around major business moves such as Xerox’s acquisition of Affiliated Computer Services. He has been involved in more than 200 contested business deals, while also serving as an advisor to C-suite execs and boards of directors.

Managing partner Lisa Laukkanen said the new practice’s launch is in response to activism and corporate governance-related issues being on the rise. “The addition of Waheed to our team positions Blueshirt to expertly help our clients identify vulnerabilities and proactively prepare for any potential activist engagement,” Laukkanen said.

“Additionally, Waheed brings extensive corporate governance expertise to help company boards and management teams manage complex and contested shareholder matters and to build productive relationships with both passive and active investors.  We bring a long-term, relationship focus to clients, and these new capabilities will directly increase the value we deliver.”