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Candid Therapeutics Recognized as a 2025 Endpoints 11 Honoree

Vida Ventures

SAN DIEGO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Candid Therapeutics, Inc. (“Candid”), a clinical-stage biotechnology company redefining the treatment of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases through novel T-cell engagers (TCEs), today announced that it has been named to the prestigious 2025 Endpoints 11 list. The Endpoints 11 annually recognizes the most promising private biotech companies in the world driving innovation and shaping the future of the industry.

“We are thrilled to receive this recognition after just one year of officially launching the company,” said Dr. Ken Song, Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Candid. “We believe T-cell engagers represent a transformative modality for patients with debilitating inflammatory conditions, and this recognition underscores the progress our team has made advancing potentially first-in-class and best-in-class programs into the clinic.”

Candid is advancing a comprehensive pipeline of T-cell engagers, anchored by cizutamig, a first-in-class and potentially best-in-class BCMA-targeting TCE currently in clinical evaluation across multiple autoimmune indications. In addition, the company is progressing next-generation CD19- and CD20-targeting programs, including CND261 and CND319, alongside a robust discovery engine designed to expand TCE applications across a broad range of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.

About Candid Therapeutics

Candid Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on transforming the treatment of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases through novel T-cell engager (TCE) platforms. Candid is advancing two lead B-cell depleting TCE antibody drug candidates, with a goal to broadly explore the potential of TCEs across multiple autoimmune diseases by targeting different B-cell protein targets, as well as evaluating different depths of B-cell depletion. Established in 2024 and headquartered in San Diego, CA, Candid is led by a team of entrepreneurial executives who have a track record of advancing programs into and through development and is supported by a distinguished syndicate of premier life science investors.

 

Contacts

Arvind Kush
info@candidrx.com

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Blackstone Real Estate Announces Key Leadership Appointments

Blackstone

Katie Keenan appointed CEO of BREIT and Global Head of Core+ Real Estate

Tim Johnson appointed CEO of BXMT

New York – September 19, 2025 – Blackstone (NYSE: BX) today announced several senior leadership updates within its Real Estate business.

BREIT and Core+ Leadership
Katie Keenan has been appointed Chief Executive Officer and a Director of Blackstone Real Estate Income Trust, Inc. (“BREIT”) and Global Head of the Core+ Real Estate business.  She succeeds Wesley M. LePatner, who served in both roles until her tragic passing on July 28, 2025.

Ms. Keenan is a long-tenured Blackstone executive and has held numerous leadership positions since joining the firm in 2012.  She currently serves as Global Co-Chief Investment Officer of Blackstone Real Estate Debt Strategies (“BREDS”) and Chief Executive Officer of Blackstone Mortgage Trust, Inc. (NYSE: BXMT), a publicly-traded commercial mortgage REIT managed by a subsidiary of Blackstone.  Ms. Keenan has been integral to the success of BXMT and the broader BREDS business, helping grow the BREDS platform to $77 billion today.

Zaneta Koplewicz, currently BREIT Head of Shareholder Relations, has been named Co-President and Director of BREIT with current Co-President, Blackstone veteran A.J. Agarwal.  BREIT Interim CEO Rob Harper will resume his long-time role as BREIT Head of Asset Management.

Ms. Keenan said: “Thanks to the dedication of Wesley and many others, BREIT represents some of Blackstone’s finest work.  Its strong performance is driven by a portfolio that is ~90% concentrated in sectors that are benefitting from long-term, secular megatrends, particularly data centers.  BREIT is incredibly well-positioned and I am looking forward to working with the team to capitalize on the ongoing real estate recovery, with new supply falling sharply, the cost of debt capital coming down, and transaction activity picking up.”

BREIT’s highly differentiated portfolio positioning has led to a 9.2% annualized net return on Class I since inception over 8 and a half years ago, over 60% higher than the public REIT index on a cumulative basis.

BXMT Leadership
Tim Johnson has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of BXMT, succeeding Ms. Keenan.  As the Global Head of BREDS and Chair of BXMT’s Board, Mr. Johnson has played an active role in overseeing BXMT for over a decade and has deep expertise across Blackstone’s commercial real estate credit investment strategies.  Mr. Johnson is a seasoned investor and has been with Blackstone since 2011.  He will continue as the Global Head of BREDS and Chair of BXMT’s Board.

Austin Peña, currently Executive Vice President, Investments of BXMT, has been named President and Director, and will continue leading the company’s investment, capital allocation, and balance sheet strategy.

Mr. Johnson said: “I’ve had the honor of serving as BXMT’s Chair and I am looking forward to building on BXMT’s momentum, including $2.6 billion in new investments last quarter and a nearly 20% YTD total return.  The team’s breadth and creativity enable us to source investments across channels and markets, unlocking value during a particularly compelling period.  The entire BREDS platform, which includes BXMT, has been incredibly active capturing this real estate credit environment, having deployed $38 billion since the beginning of 2024, and we expect that activity to continue across the business.”

Nadeem Meghji and Kathleen McCarthy, Global Co-Heads of Blackstone Real Estate, said: “The resilience demonstrated by our team in recent weeks has been nothing short of extraordinary.  We are fortunate to have a deep bench of talented colleagues with a relentless focus on delivering for our investors.  Katie and Tim both have invaluable leadership and investing experience that we believe will continue to drive strong performance across both businesses.”

All changes are effective November 10, 2025, with the exception of Ms. Keenan’s appointment as Global Head of Core+ Real Estate, which is effective immediately.

About Blackstone Real Estate
Blackstone is a global leader in real estate investing. Blackstone’s real estate business was founded in 1991 and has US $325 billion of investor capital under management. Blackstone is the largest owner of commercial real estate globally, owning and operating assets across every major geography and sector, including logistics, data centers, residential, office and hospitality. Our opportunistic funds seek to acquire undermanaged, well-located assets across the world. Blackstone’s Core+ business invests in substantially stabilized real estate assets globally, through both institutional strategies and strategies tailored for income-focused individual investors including Blackstone Real Estate Income Trust, Inc. (BREIT). Blackstone Real Estate also operates one of the leading global real estate debt businesses, providing comprehensive financing solutions across the capital structure and risk spectrum, including management of Blackstone Mortgage Trust, Inc. (NYSE: BXMT).

Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the federal securities laws. You can identify these forward-looking statements by the use of words such as “outlook,” “objective,” “indicator,” “believes,” “expects,” “potential,” “continues,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “seeks,” “predicts,” “intends,” “plans,” “estimates,” “anticipates” or the negative version of these words or other comparable words. These may include financial estimates and their underlying assumptions, statements about plans, objectives, intentions, and expectations with respect to positioning, including the impact of macroeconomic trends and market forces, future operations, and future performance and statements regarding identified but not yet closed acquisitions. Such forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties. Accordingly, there are or will be important factors that could cause actual outcomes or results to differ materially from those indicated in these statements. We believe these factors include but are not limited to those described under the section entitled “Risk Factors” in the Annual Reports on Form 10-K of Blackstone Inc., BREIT and BXMT for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, as such factors may be updated from time to time in their respective periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) which are accessible on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. These factors should not be construed as exhaustive and should be read in conjunction with the other cautionary statements that are included in this release and in the filings. Except as otherwise required by federal securities laws, we undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.

Contacts
Jeffrey Kauth
Jeffrey.Kauth@Blackstone.com
(212) 583-5395

Categories: People

Onex Partners to Acquire Integrated Specialty Coverages from KKR

KKR

Transaction Highlights Successful Employee Ownership Model with All Employees to Earn Significant Cash Payouts

NEW YORK & CARLSBAD, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Leading global investment firms KKR and Onex today announced that Onex Partners will acquire Integrated Specialty Coverages (“ISC” or “the Company”), a tech-enabled insurance platform dedicated to designing, underwriting, and distributing insurance solutions. All ISC employees will receive substantial cash payouts on their ownership stakes in the Company.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250918990358/en/

ISC employees celebrate news of cash payouts at ownership eventISC employees celebrate news of cash payouts at ownership event

“It’s been an extraordinary journey partnering with ISC’s employees and leadership team, including Founder & CEO Matt Grossberg, who has been instrumental in bringing ownership culture to life and shepherding the Company’s next era of growth and innovation,” said Chris Harrington, Partner at KKR. “Together, we’ve significantly expanded ISC’s market presence, enhanced its product offerings, and accelerated its mission to transform the underwriting and operation of complex insurance programs, creating a best-in-class network that supports the entire insurance ecosystem. This transaction represents a terrific result for ISC’s employee-owners and our investors in KKR’s Americas XII Fund, underscoring our commitment to serving as a catalyst for growth and value creation.”

Since KKR’s initial investment in 2021, ISC has scaled into an industry-leading platform driven by targeted investments in technology and data, expansion of its specialty retail and wholesale capabilities, and formation of its first ever national sales and marketing team.

Matt Grossberg, Founder and CEO of ISC, added, “The ownership mindset fundamentally transformed our organization at every level, cultivating an exceptional workforce of true stakeholders. This powerful shift inspired our team of owners to approach their responsibilities with heightened purpose and commitment, knowing they play a firsthand role in the company’s success. This alignment of individual and organizational interest has been vital to our achievements during our strategic partnership with KKR. We look forward to our next chapter in partnership with Onex.”

Adam Cobourn, a Managing Director at Onex Partners, said, “We are thrilled to be partnering with Matt Grossberg and all of ISC’s employee-owners in this next phase of the Company’s growth. ISC operates in a market sector that we understand very well, and we see tremendous opportunities to leverage our industry experience and network to help drive value creation. Alignment of interests between all stakeholders is a cornerstone of Onex Partners’ investing philosophy, and we look forward to continuing ISC’s highly successful employee ownership program.”

During its strategic partnership with KKR, ISC has cultivated an entrepreneurial, ownership-oriented culture that has delivered measurable results across the organization:

  • Employee Engagement: Advanced from the 76th to the 91st percentile in Gallup assessment scores
  • Ownership Culture: Achieved top-decile performance on the Ownership Works index, with employee ownership sentiment increasing by 23%
  • Talent Retention: Realized a 50% reduction in voluntary employee attrition since 2022

These outcomes were achieved through targeted workforce development initiatives including training, seminars, and employee-led committees.

As a result of ISC’s employee ownership program, all of the Company’s nearly 400 employees will receive cash payouts upon closing of the transaction, with payouts ranging from three months to over two years of annual pay, depending on tenure.

“ISC exemplifies the power of ownership cultures in creating value for both employees and companies,” said Pete Stavros, Co-Head of Americas Private Equity at KKR and Founder of the nonprofit Ownership Works. “The proof is in the data, which shows that over the last three years, ISC’s ownership culture and engagement scores have risen from the 60s and 70s respectively to the top decile in both, while the quit rate was more than halved from 18% to 6%. ISC will be in great hands with Onex, which shares our commitment to ownership and will continue an employee ownership program at the Company following the close of the transaction.”

Since 2011, KKR has implemented broad-based employee ownership and alignment programs throughout its portfolio, first pioneered by KKR’s U.S. Industrials private equity team and more recently expanding across all control investments within KKR’s Americas Private Equity franchise. To date, 71 KKR portfolio companies have awarded billions of dollars in equity to nearly 180,000 non-senior management employees.

KKR and ISC were advised by Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC as lead financial advisor and Kirkland & Ellis as legal advisor on the transaction.

About ISC
Integrated Specialty Coverages (ISC) is a leading, multi-line program administrator dedicated to underwriting excellence, client service, and customer experience. ISC has built an end-to-end insurance platform by connecting a broad network of insurance markets and distribution channels with proprietary data analytics capabilities. The firm uses sophisticated technology and analytics to revolutionize how complex programs are underwritten and operated. They are joined by experienced professionals from all spheres of the insurance ecosystem. ISC’s strategy is focused on a combination of strategic M&A, data-driven decision-making, and an innovative means of delivery. Please visit: https://iscmga.com/.

About KKR
KKR is a leading global investment firm that offers alternative asset management as well as capital markets and insurance solutions. KKR aims to generate attractive investment returns by following a patient and disciplined investment approach, employing world-class people, and supporting growth in its portfolio companies and communities. KKR sponsors investment funds that invest in private equity, credit and real assets and has strategic partners that manage hedge funds. KKR’s insurance subsidiaries offer retirement, life and reinsurance products under the management of Global Atlantic Financial Group. References to KKR’s investments may include the activities of its sponsored funds and insurance subsidiaries. For additional information about KKR & Co. Inc. (NYSE: KKR), please visit KKR’s website at www.kkr.com. For additional information about Global Atlantic Financial Group, please visit Global Atlantic Financial Group’s website at www.globalatlantic.com.

About Onex
Onex invests and manages capital on behalf of its shareholders and clients across the globe. Formed in 1984, we have a long track record of creating value for our clients and shareholders. Our investors include a broad range of global clients, including public and private pension plans, sovereign wealth funds, banks, insurance companies, family offices and high-net-worth individuals. In total, Onex has approximately $55.9 billion in assets under management, of which $8.4 billion is Onex’ own investing capital. With offices in Toronto, New York, New Jersey and London, Onex and its experienced management teams are collectively the largest investors across Onex’ platforms. Onex is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol ONEX. For more information on Onex, visit its website at www.onex.com.

Media Contacts

KKR
Brooke Rustad / Sarah Moon
media@kkr.com

ISC
Hadar Raz
hadar.raz@iscmga.com

Onex
Jill Homenuk
jhomenuk@onex.com

Source: KKR

 

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KKR Expands Boston Presence with First Downtown Office at International Place

KKR
  • Leading global investment firm signs 15-year lease at Two International Place to bolster capabilities and support global operations
  • 132,529-square-foot commitment marks major milestone for Boston’s office market

BOSTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)– The Chiofaro Company, in partnership with PGIM’s real estate business, today announced that KKR, a leading global investment firm, has signed a 15-year lease for 132,529 square feet at Two International Place, representing a significant milestone for Boston’s office market. KKR will relocate to the new office space to accommodate its growth in Boston, expanding its U.S. footprint, and bolstering its capabilities across key strategic areas to support its global operations. Currently, more than 300 KKR employees are based in the Boston area, primarily serving the firm’s insurance business.

This signing coincides with a major milestone for the property, the $100 million reinvestment of International Place, a transformative project designed to enhance the tenant experience and further cement the property’s standing as one of the most vibrant and sought-after destinations in New England. Two International Place offers tenants expansive views of Boston’s waterfront with access to a private roof deck.

“We are excited to establish our new Boston office at International Place and intend to grow this location over time to help us deliver on the firm’s future goals,” said Ryan Stork, Chief Operating Officer, KKR. “We see great potential for Boston to support the broader firm like our offices in Gurugram and Dublin. Our investment in Boston is consistent with our desire to have a U.S.-based location in a similar vein.”

Burke Malek, Head of KKR’s Boston office, commented: “As we’ve outgrown our existing space, this strategic move downtown positions us to invest in local talent and expand our operating platform to support our U.S. and global operations. The combination of a top-tier office space with world-class amenities and unmatched location made this the ideal choice for our growing team.”

The transaction was brokered by Jones, Lang LaSalle, Newmark and Cushman & Wakefield, reflecting a collaborative effort to complete one of Boston’s most significant recent transactions.

“KKR’s decision to plant a substantial flag at International Place is a major milestone for both the building and Boston’s business community,” said Don Chiofaro Jr., Vice President of The Chiofaro Company. “As one of the most prominent investment firms in the world, KKR’s arrival further validates our vision for International Place as the preeminent address for global business leaders. This move reflects the resurgence of office demand in the downtown market, and the value tenants continue to place on locating in the highest-quality work environments. We are proud to have partnered with PGIM Real Estate to elevate International Place to deliver a best-in-class office location for today and tomorrow’s business leaders.”

“International Place with its best-in-class location and amenities fits the profile that high-caliber tenants continue to seek,” said Joanna Mulford, Managing Director and Senior Portfolio Manager for PRISA, PGIM’s flagship core equity real estate strategy. “We remain confident in the long-term strength and appeal of Boston’s office market, and through this opportunity, we look forward to cultivating new tenant relationships and supporting exceptional workplace experiences.”

KKR’s commitment comes as PGIM and The Chiofaro Company near completion of the $100 million reinvestment in their flagship 1.8 million-square-foot office property. The redevelopment includes a complete transformation of the ground level’s lobbies and entrances, and the Aries Club – a 25,000-square-foot, state of the art amenity center.

About International Place

Developed by The Chiofaro Company and designed by renowned architect Philip Johnson, International Place is among Boston’s most recognized office addresses, offering 1.8 million square feet of Class A office and retail space across two towers. Situated along the Rose Kennedy Greenway across on the city’s downtown waterfront, the dual towers have maintained a prominent profile on the city’s skyline for decades. In 2024 The Chiofaro Company and PGIM Real Estate with the help of global architecture firm Gensler embarked on a significant reinvestment in International Place to create an unparalleled workplace experience.

About The Chiofaro Company

The Chiofaro Company is a privately held, independent firm engaged in the development, investment, leasing, management, and ownership of high-quality real estate properties. As one of New England’s leading developers and operators of first-class commercial projects, our success is driven by an uncompromising focus on creating and maintaining workplaces of extraordinary value that enhance the competitiveness of our tenants and clients.

About PGIM

PGIM, the global asset management business of Prudential Financial, Inc. (NYSE: PRU) is built on a 150-year legacy of strength, stability, and disciplined risk management through more than 30 market cycles. Managing more than $1.44 trillion in assets,1 PGIM offers clients deep expertise across public and private asset classes, delivering a diverse range of investment strategies and tailored solutions — including fixed income, equities, real estate and other retail investment vehicles. With 1,450+ investment professionals across 42 offices in 19 countries, we serve retail and institutional clients worldwide. For more information visit pgim.com.

PGIM’s real estate business is the world’s third-largest real estate investment manager, with $213 billion in gross assets under management and administration2, and real estate professionals located in 30+ cities worldwide. Through our full suite of real estate equity and debt solutions, we aim to achieve exceptional outcomes on behalf of investors and borrowers. Our uncompromising commitment to building lasting relationships with our clients is founded on trust, transparency, and mutual respect.

Prudential Financial, Inc. (PFI) of the United States is not affiliated in any manner with Prudential plc, incorporated in the United Kingdom, or with Prudential Assurance Company, a subsidiary of M&G plc, incorporated in the United Kingdom. For more information please visit news.prudential.com.

About KKR

KKR is a leading global investment firm that offers alternative asset management as well as capital markets and insurance solutions. KKR aims to generate attractive investment returns by following a patient and disciplined investment approach, employing world-class people, and supporting growth in its portfolio companies and communities. KKR sponsors investment funds that invest in private equity, credit and real assets and has strategic partners that manage hedge funds. KKR’s insurance subsidiaries offer retirement, life and reinsurance products under the management of Global Atlantic Financial Group. References to KKR’s investments may include the activities of its sponsored funds and insurance subsidiaries. For additional information about KKR & Co. Inc. (NYSE: KKR), please visit KKR’s website at www.kkr.com. For additional information about Global Atlantic Financial Group, please visit Global Atlantic Financial Group’s website at www.globalatlantic.com.

1 As of June 30, 2025.

2 As of June 30, 2025. Net AUM is $138 billion and AUA is $47.5 billion. PGIM Real Estate is the third-largest real estate investment manager (out of 72 firms surveyed) in terms of global real estate assets under management based on Pensions & Investments’ “Largest Real Estate Investment Managers” list published October 2024. This ranking represents AUM as of 6/30/24. Participation in the ranking is voluntary and no compensation is required to participate in the ranking.

Media Contacts:

For The Chiofaro Company:
Carolyn Spicer
(617) 908-7701
carolyn@mcdvent.com

For PGIM:
Josette Thompson
Pro-PGIMRE@prosek.com

For KKR:
Kenny Juarez or Liidia Liuksila
(212) 750-8300
media@kkr.com

Source: KKR

 

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Bencis partners with Omega Group

Bencis

Limbach-Oberfrohna – 18.  September 2025

Omega Group partners with Bencis to build the leading European system supplier of large and complex metal assemblies for the Industrial Technology and Defense sector

BBOF VI Holding C.V. (“Bencis”) has partnered with Omega Group, a leading specialized system supplier of large and complex metal components and modules. Omega Group consists of five companies in Saxony, Germany, offering a wide range of advanced metal processing technologies.

For decades, Omega has been a trusted partner to top-tier Industrial Technology and Defense OEMs, building on long-standing, recurring customer relationships. The company distinguishes itself by its ability to cover the full value chain – from engineering and manufacturing to coating and final assembly – delivering mission-critical solutions at the highest quality standards.

Omega Group offers extensive technological capabilities such as welding, glueing, drilling, milling, cutting, bending and coating which enable the company to provide clients with a holistic offering from a single source. It further stands out through its ability to assemble complex modules bringing together internally and externally sourced components.

Omega Group has continuously invested in its state-of the art machine park and highly skilled employees resulting in today’s strong positioning. Bencis will now support Omega in capturing the unique growth opportunities in the current market environment. As a joint ambition, the partners aim to create a leading pan-European system supplier for the Industrial Technology and Defense sector.
About Omega Group

Omega Group is a producer of complex metal components and modules serving clients from the Industrial Technology and Defense industries. It consists of five entities with complementary capabilities and specialisations, thereby covering a wide range of metal processing technologies. The group headquartered in Limbach-Oberfrohna, Saxony, Germany operates four locations around Chemnitz.
About Bencis

Bencis is an independent investment company with advisory offices in the Netherlands, Germany, and Belgium that supports business owners and management teams in achieving their growth ambitions. Managing six funds totalling €2.2 billion, Bencis has invested in over 80 companies and completed more than 330 follow-on acquisitions since 1999. For more information, visit: www.bencis.com

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Acuity Knowledge Partners acquires Ascent

Equistone

Acuity Knowledge Partners (Acuity), a leading global provider of bespoke research, data management, analytics and AI solutions to the financial services sector, has announced that it has exchanged on the acquisition of Ascent. The transaction is expected to close on 30th September 2025.

This strategic move is expected to significantly expand Acuity’s Data and Technology Services (DTS) division and its offering of technology and AI services and solutions.

Ascent, a leading European provider of AI-powered digital transformation services, supports over 170 clients globally, with 550 data, software, and cloud specialists operating across seven European jurisdictions.

“Our acquisition of Ascent is a transformative moment,” said Robert King, Chief Executive Officer at Acuity. “Acuity has invested in and built a fast-growing practice delivering data management and technology led services and solutions. By acquiring Ascent, we are taking our expertise and ability to offer our clients innovative AI-led solutions to another level. We are turbo-charging the way we can assist Acuity and Ascent clients with their digital transformations and AI adoption. This acquisition also takes us into new sectors such as reinsurance, pharma, manufacturing and retail for the first time. The acquisition enables Acuity to deliver from, and into, new markets. I am really excited at the prospect of what we can achieve together, and we warmly welcome the Ascent staff to the Acuity family.”

Jon O’Donnell, Chief Operating Officer at Acuity, said, “The Ascent business is a great addition to Acuity and will build on the progress we have made with our AI solutions following the launch of our Agentic AI platform, Agent Fleet. The acquisition of Ascent will boost our capacity to provide best-in-class technology advisory services to our clients. I am excited to partner with Stewart and the Ascent team to significantly grow our DTS business.”

Stewart Smythe, Chief Executive Officer at Ascent, commented, “Combining Ascent’s market-leading data and AI capability in Europe with Acuity’s industry-leading AI innovation and deep domain expertise is exciting. Acuity’s strategic aim to build a global technology services business unit to complement its capabilities and build broader relationships with its existing clients is exactly the opportunity my team were looking for, and we are excited to work with Robert King, Jon O’Donnell and the entire Acuity team.”

In recent years, Acuity has identified a compelling opportunity to build a technology services and solutions division that is complementary to its core capabilities in research, analytics and data management.

This acquisition enhances Acuity’s capabilities and expands the firm’s global network of delivery locations. Furthermore, Acuity will continue to build on Ascent’s strong alliance with Microsoft. Acuity was advised on the transaction by DC Advisory and Ascent by Canaccord Genuity.

Equistone acquired a majority stake in Acuity in November 2019 through its Fund VI, carving the business out of Moody’s Inc. Following a period of strong organic growth, Equistone completed the exit of its majority stake to funds advised by Permira in April 2023. As part of the transaction, Equistone reinvested in a minority position and remains involved through board representation.

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Wrike Appoints George Saadeh as Chief Revenue Officer

Stg Partners

Wrike, the intelligent work management platform, today announced the appointment of George Saadeh as Chief Revenue Officer (CRO). This announcement comes as Wrike accelerates its mission to deliver measurable ROI for enterprises by driving scalable growth and lasting customer value.

“Enterprises today don’t just want software. They want measurable outcomes that transform how they work,” said Thomas Scott, CEO of Wrike. “George is a proven leader who knows how to scale revenue engines while keeping customer success at the center. With his leadership, Wrike will deliver even greater value from the first idea to enterprise-wide execution.”

“My teams are with customers every day, hearing what challenges they face and understanding what is needed to realize true business transformation,” said Saadeh. “They’re asking for solutions that eliminate bottlenecks, reduce project delays, and help their teams deliver faster. My role is to empower our sales and customer success teams to deliver solutions while guiding customers to realize value faster — through smooth implementation, confident adoption, and ongoing growth. We’re building a revenue engine that’s as focused on customer outcomes as it is on growth.”

Categories: People

Emerald Welcomes Back Cédric Mutz as Partner and Head of Portfolio Performance

Emerald

Zurich, Switzerland – Emerald Technology Ventures, a global leader in climate-tech venture capital, has announced the appointment of Cédric Mutz as Partner and Head of Portfolio Performance, marking his return to the firm at a pivotal stage in its growth.

Cédric is a seasoned professional with extensive experience in venture capital, corporate finance, and entrepreneurship. Having previously worked at Emerald early in his career, he rejoins the firm after holding senior positions in industry and M&A advisory.

In his new role, Cédric will be responsible for overseeing portfolio performance across Emerald’s funds, supporting founders and management teams. His appointment comes as Emerald has surpassed €1 billion in assets under management and advisory and expanded its suite of funds targeting climate technologies.

“Returning to Emerald feels both natural and energizing,” said Cédric Mutz. “The firm is at an exciting inflection point, with new funds, new mandates, and a growing international footprint. I look forward to helping our portfolio companies scale their impact while delivering strong performance for our investors.”

Emerald Managing Partner Gina Domanig welcomed the appointment, stating:

“We are delighted to have Cédric back at Emerald. He brings a unique combination of investment expertise, operational know-how, and international perspective. His leadership will be instrumental in ensuring the success of our portfolio companies and accelerating the commercialization of sustainable industrial innovation.”

Cédric’s appointment reinforces Emerald’s commitment to driving portfolio success through senior leadership. The enhanced management team also reflects Emerald’s rapid growth and its leading position in the expanding climate tech sector. With this team expansion, Emerald continues to evolve, staying well positioned as a trusted partner for corporates and startups worldwide.

Find out more about Emerald’s growth:

25 Years of Emerald: A Journey of Grit, Trust and Growth

Veralto Commits €20M to Emerald’s New Fund to Accelerate Water Innovation Solutions

How to Pick Winners for a Climate Tech Portfolio

About Emerald Technology Ventures

Emerald is a globally recognized venture capital firm, founded in 2000, that manages and advises assets of over €1 billion from its offices in Zurich, Toronto and Singapore. The firm invests in start-ups that tackle big challenges in climate change and sustainability, with four current funds, hundreds of venture transactions and five third-party investment mandates, including loan guarantees to over 100 start-ups.

This is Emerald.

Bold Ideas. Bright Future.  www.emerald.vc

CONTACT FOR EMERALD:

info@emerald.vc

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Steve Varley Joins Warburg Pincus as Senior Advisor

Warburg Pincus logo

Former Chairman and Managing Partner, UK&I, EY, Joins to Support European Industrials and Business Services Group

London, 17 September 2025 – Warburg Pincus, the pioneer of private equity global growth investing, today announced the appointment of Steve Varley as Senior Advisor. Mr. Varley will support the firm’s Industrials and Business Services group, with a focus on professional services opportunities, and companies at the intersection of services and technology. He will also engage across the broader Warburg Pincus platform globally, contributing to the firm’s value creation and deal origination capabilities.

Mr. Varley brings over three decades of experience in professional services, with a proven track record of leading and transforming multi-billion-dollar businesses. He currently serves as Chairman of Unity Advisory, a next-generation CFO advisory firm and Warburg Pincus portfolio company. Most recently, he served as Global Vice Chair, Sustainability at EY, advising some of the world’s largest companies on long-term value creation through sustainability initiatives. Prior to that, he was Chairman and Managing Partner, UK&I at EY, leading over 20,000 professionals and driving the firm’s growth and innovation. He also held several other senior leadership roles across EY, including Managing Partner for Consulting in Northern Europe, the Middle East, India and Africa, and served on both the EMEIA Executive Board and the Global Practice Group, helping to shape the firm’s global strategy.

“I have long admired Warburg Pincus’s thesis-led approach, global and growth-oriented mindset, and long-term investment philosophy,” said Steve Varley. “Having worked with the team first-hand through my role in Unity Advisory, I’m excited to continue working with Warburg Pincus to identify and grow exceptional businesses in the services space, particularly as technology and innovation continue to reshape the industry.”

“Steve’s deep sector expertise, global leadership experience, and strong relationships across the services ecosystem make him an invaluable addition to Warburg Pincus,” said David Reis, Managing Director, Industrials and Business Services, Warburg Pincus. “He has been a trusted advisor to CEOs, Boards and government, and his insights will help shape our investment theses and deepen our reach in high-growth segments of the services ecosystem.”

Mr. Varley has held numerous advisory and non-executive positions throughout his career, including as a business advisor to two Prime Ministers and a Special Advisor to the United Nations. In addition to serving as Chairman of Unity Advisory, he also chairs the boards of DWF Group and Liverpool Football Club Foundation.

Media contact:

Alice Gibb
Director, Europe Communications
Alice.gibb@warburgpincus.com
+44 207 306 3090

About Warburg Pincus

Warburg Pincus LLC is the pioneer of global growth investing. A private partnership since 1966, the firm has the flexibility and experience to focus on helping investors and management teams achieve enduring success across market cycles. Today, the firm has more than $86 billion in assets under management, and more than 220 companies in their active portfolio, diversified across stages, sectors, and geographies. Warburg Pincus has invested in more than 1,000 companies across its private equity, real estate, and capital solutions strategies

The firm is headquartered in New York with offices in Amsterdam, Beijing, Berlin, Hong Kong, Houston, London, Luxembourg, Mumbai, Mauritius, San Francisco, São Paulo, Shanghai, and Singapore. For more information, please visit www.warburgpincus.com or follow us on LinkedIn.

Categories: People

Wrike Appoints George Saadeh as Chief Revenue Officer

Stg Partners

Wrike, the intelligent work management platform, today announced the appointment of George Saadeh as Chief Revenue Officer (CRO). This announcement comes as Wrike accelerates its mission to deliver measurable ROI for enterprises by driving scalable growth and lasting customer value.

“Enterprises today don’t just want software. They want measurable outcomes that transform how they work,” said Thomas Scott, CEO of Wrike. “George is a proven leader who knows how to scale revenue engines while keeping customer success at the center. With his leadership, Wrike will deliver even greater value from the first idea to enterprise-wide execution.”

“My teams are with customers every day, hearing what challenges they face and understanding what is needed to realize true business transformation,” said Saadeh. “They’re asking for solutions that eliminate bottlenecks, reduce project delays, and help their teams deliver faster. My role is to empower our sales and customer success teams to deliver solutions while guiding customers to realize value faster — through smooth implementation, confident adoption, and ongoing growth. We’re building a revenue engine that’s as focused on customer outcomes as it is on growth.”

Categories: People