Category Archives: People

Advent International appoints Shar Dubey and Mandy Ginsberg as Operating Partners

Former Match Group executives bring 54 years of collective experience to further strengthen Advent’s consumer technology practice

BOSTON, October 20, 2022 – Advent International (“Advent”), one of the largest and most experienced global private equity investors, today announced the appointments of Shar Dubey and Mandy Ginsberg as Operating Partners. Dubey and Ginsberg will play key roles in further building out Advent’s consumer technology practice and work collaboratively with the firm’s consumer and technology investment teams and the management teams of its portfolio companies.

Dubey and Ginsberg bring substantial experience in building digital communities and scaling disruptive global businesses, having each previously served as Chief Executive Officer of Match Group (NASDAQ: MTCH), a leading provider of digital technologies designed to help people make meaningful connections. Dubey and Ginsberg were instrumental in developing the online dating category, growing the business and leading the preparation and spin off of Match Group from international consumer internet conglomerate InterActiveCorp (“IAC”) in 2020. Ginsberg served as CEO from 2018-2020 before transitioning the role to Dubey, who held the position until May 2022. During the combined four plus years under their leaderships, Dubey and Ginsberg helped grow Match Group’s revenue and adjusted operating income by approximately 125%, respectively.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Shar and Mandy as advisors to Advent as we continue to bolster the breadth and depth of our Operating Partners, who play a critical role in the evolution and growth of our portfolio companies around the world,” said Tricia Glynn, Managing Director on Advent’s consumer team. “Both executives have an innate understanding of how to build market leaders and digital communities, and as technology becomes a greater part of our lives, community is now more important than ever. Moreover, consumer technology is a high-growth sector that we have closely followed for a number of years and one which we believe is a strategic fit for our investment strategy and operating model, especially with the guidance and partnership of Shar and Mandy.”

“I’m excited to work with Advent alongside one my closest personal and professional friends in Mandy,” said Dubey. “As one of the largest and most recognized alternative investors, I have been impressed with the well-thought-out strategy and executed steps Advent has taken to scale some of the world’s most prominent companies across the retail, consumer, leisure and technology spaces. I am eager to begin working closely with portfolio companies to help strategize, identify and implement meaningful growth opportunities.”

“The consumer technology industry is a highly attractive and evolving sector that offers innovative products, services and experiences that can meaningfully improve and impact lives in a variety of categories from health and relationships to travel and entertainment,” said Ginsberg. “After working hand in hand with Shar for many years, it’s a pleasure to have the opportunity to partner with her again in a new venture and to provide our collective insights to dynamic digital businesses. Advent is a powerful and exciting platform where we can bring our industry knowledge, operational expertise and leadership experience to help create even further value at the firm’s portfolio companies.”

“Both Shar and Mandy maintain impeccable track records and, more importantly, are highly respected professionals who we believe will provide significant value add to our portfolio companies and their management teams while also serving as key advisors to our investment staff,” said Bryan Taylor, Managing Partner and head of Advent’s technology team. “We welcome them and look forward to their future contributions to the firm and our growing portfolio of leading consumer technology companies.”

Prior to serving as CEO of Match Group, Dubey held a number of roles within IAC and its brands, including President of Match Group, Chief Operating Officer of Tinder, President of Americas at Match Group, Chief Product Officer of the Princeton Review and Tutor.com and Chief Product Officer at Match.com and Chemistry.com. Before joining Match Group and IAC, Dubey served as a Director of Product Marketing and Management at i2 Technologies (NKA: Blue Yonder Group) and as an engineer at Texas Instruments. Dubey currently serves on the Board of Directors at Naspers Limited (JSE: NPN), Prosus N.V. (JSE: PRX), Fortive Corporation (NYSE: FTV), Match Group and MyFitnessPal. In 2021, she was named one of Fortune’s “Most Powerful Women in Business” and was the recipient of Tech Leader of the Year for Vogue’s “Women of The Year” awards. Dubey earned a MS in Engineering from The Ohio State University and a BS in Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology.

Before leading Match Group as global and North America CEO, respectively, Ginsberg served in numerous roles at IAC over 14 years, including CEO of the Princeton Review and Tutor.com and President of Match.com. Ginsberg previously served as a Vice President of Marketing at i2 Technologies and advised consumer technology clients as a Vice President at public relations firm, Edelman. She began her career in marketing in the high-tech sector in Tel Aviv, Israel. Ginsberg currently serves on the Board of Directors at Uber Technologies (NYSE: UBER) and ThredUp (NASDAQ: TDUP). She previously served as a director at Match Group, J.C. Penney Company and Care.com. Ginsberg earned an MBA from The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and a BA in English and Spanish Literature from the University of California, Berkeley.

ABOUT ADVENT INTERNATIONAL

Founded in 1984, Advent International is one of the largest and most experienced global private equity investors. The firm has invested in over 400 private equity investments across 41 countries, and as of June 30, 2022, had $96 billion in assets under management. With 15 offices in 12 countries, Advent has established a globally integrated team of 285 private equity investment professionals across North America, Europe, Latin America and Asia. The firm focuses on investments in five core sectors, including business and financial services; health care; industrial; retail, consumer and leisure; and technology. For over 35 years, Advent has been dedicated to international investing and remains committed to partnering with management teams to deliver sustained revenue and earnings growth for its portfolio companies.

For more information, visit
Website: www.adventinternational.com
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/advent-international

 

Media contacts

US
Kerry Golds or Sophia Templin
FGS Global
Tel: +1 212 687 8080
Adventinternational-US@fgsglobal.com

UK
Graeme Wilson or Harry Cameron
Tulchan Group
Tel: +44 20 7353 4200
Advent@tulchangroup.com

Categories: People

Bluegem opens Luxembourg office and expands team

Bleugem

Bluegem Capital Partners LLP, a consumer specialist private equity firm, is pleased to announce that it has established an office in Luxembourg, expanded its artificial intelligence and portfolio management resources, and recruited new joiners to its investment and operations teams.

Establishing the Luxembourg office strengthens our senior operations team and ensures post-Brexit continuity of the provision of fund management services within the EU. Claire Burke, Managing Director Luxembourg, takes responsibility for Finance and IT functions in Luxembourg. Ben Crivelli, Managing Director Luxembourg, takes responsibility for Compliance and Risk Management functions in Luxembourg.  Maximilian Fritz, Legal Counsel Luxembourg, supports our in-house legal team with matters related to Luxembourg. Claire, Ben and Maximillian bring collectively 35 years of experience from Luxembourg financial services roles including legal counsel, ESG, finance and compliance. Additionally, Stephen Cooper, Financial Controller, joins the London-based operations team from Montagu where he was since 2012, working in the Investor Reporting and Portfolio & Insights teams.

Bluegem has strengthened its investment team with the recruitment of Marie Teissedre and Sebastian Bjeldskov who join the Pan European Team, highlighting Bluegem’s continued momentum in deploying its latest fund. Bluegem is currently investing from its third-generation fund which closed in February 2022 and is already nearly 60% invested in a diverse portfolio of five assets. Bluegem is focused on opportunities for investment in the consumer staples sector underpinned by strong secular megatrends.

Bluegem has built proprietary artificial intelligence tools to underpin investment decisions and accelerate value creation. Adding to this portfolio of digital expertise, Bluegem have engaged Farid Sarwari who is focused on data insight across the portfolio and Chris Hammond who brings over a decade of experience leading ecommerce transformations at leading consumer brands.

With the growth of the portfolio, Bluegem have also enhanced the portfolio management function focused on value creation and performance improvement. Pierre-Arthur Chatard brings experience from the Goldman Sachs Foundation, Alvarez & Marsal and Roland Berger, will predominantly consult across the French based portfolio companies. Meanwhile Carsten Steinburg, brings experience from Alvarez & Marsal and KPMG, and will predominantly consult across the DACH based portfolio companies. Pierre and Carsten join the Bluegem network of consultants and industry veterans from blue chip firms such as Amazon, Google and P&G to help partner companies scale sustainably.

Commenting on these appointments, Emilio Di Spiezio Sardo, Founding Partner, Bluegem said:

“We are delighted to welcome all our new joiners, who bring extensive experience and expertise which will enhance the Bluegem platform and position us well for long term growth. We are particularly excited to continue advancements in development of our Artificial Intelligence and Digital toolkit, which is an integral part of our investment lifecycle.”

About Bluegem Capital Partners LLP

Bluegem is a specialist consumer-focused private equity firm that partners with management teams and founders to accelerate growth of strong consumer brands. With a track record of investing across Europe through different economic cycles, industry and market conditions, Bluegem has refined their investment strategy to focus on resilient consumer segments benefiting from secular megatrends, including Beauty and Personal Care; Household Care; Food and Beverage; Baby Care; Pet Care; Home Décor; and Hobby and Craft. More information about Bluegem can be found at www.bluegemcp.com.

Categories: People

Balance Point Announces Kellyn Riccitelli has Joined the Firm as a Managing Director and Head of Investor Relations

Balance Point Capital
Westport, CT – October 5, 2022. Balance Point Capital Advisors, LLC (“Balance Point”), a leading provider of flexible capital to lower middle market companies, is pleased to announce that Kellyn Riccitelli has joined the firm as a Managing Director and Head of Investor Relations. Prior to joining Balance Point in September, Ms. Riccitelli was the Director of Investor Relations at Onex Falcon, a private credit asset manager, and a member of Onex’ Client and Product Solutions team where she focused on the company’s fundraising and investor relations efforts across the platform. Prior to Onex Falcon, Ms. Riccitelli began her career in KPMG’s financial services group. Ms. Riccitelli holds a B.S. in Finance and Accounting and an MBA from Bentley University and is a Certified Public Accountant.
“I am delighted to join Balance Point. With its demonstrated track record and competitive position within the U.S. lower middle market, Balance Point has established itself as a premier private credit franchise and attracted a strong investor base.” said Ms. Riccitelli. “I look forward to working with our valued partners and engaging with the broader LP community on behalf of the leadership at Balance Point.”
“We are excited to have Kellyn join our team and lead our investor relations function” said Seth W. Alvord, Balance Point’s Managing Partner.  He continued, “Kellyn brings a wealth of experience in communicating to LP constituents and is a wonderful addition to our broader Balance Point team.”
Justin Kaplan, a partner at Balance Point, commented, “We are pleased to welcome Kellyn to the Balance Point platform.  Kellyn provides valuable expertise and insights that will help us continue to grow and improve both our firm and our engagement with not only our limited partners but the broader investor ecosystem as well.”
About Balance Point Capital
Balance Point Capital is an alternative investment manager focused on the lower middle market. With approximately $1.7 billion in assets under management as of September 2022, Balance Point invests debt and equity capital in select lower middle market companies across a variety of investment vehicles.  We take a long-term, partnership approach to investing and are committed to building lasting relationships with our partners, management teams and intermediaries.
Balance Point Capital Advisors, LLC (referred to herein as Balance Point Capital) is a registered investment advisor. Further information is available at www.balancepointcapital.com.

Categories: People

Jan Krepp appointed new CEO of KVD

Ratos

Ratos has appointed Jan Krepp as the new CEO of KVD. He joins the company from his role as CEO of SSEA AB, a subsidiary of SSEA Group AB. He will assume his new position immediately.

Jan Krepp has held leading operational and strategic roles in a number of companies in the Ratos Group since 2019. Current CEO Lars Nykvist has chosen to move on to new challenges outside Ratos.

“Jan Krepp is a goal-oriented, strong leader who has performed well in his previous positions both within and outside Ratos. With his distinct leadership, solid experience of company development and strong focus on sales, he is a very suitable new CEO for KVD. Ratos would also like to thank Lars Nykvist, who has now chosen to move on, for his four years as CEO, and wish him the best for the future,” says Anders Slettengren, Chairman of the Board of KVD and President Business Area Consumer at Ratos.

“I am very proud of the trust placed in me to lead KVD, Sweden’s largest online marketplace offering valuation and broker services for second-hand vehicles. In an increasingly complex business world in which all second-hand vehicle players are being challenged by strained supply chains in general and component shortages in particular, KVD’s brand remains strong. Combined with a unique business model and skilled employees, this creates excellent fundamental prerequisites for continued positive development,” says Jan Krepp, incoming CEO of KVD.

Jan Krepp will remain a Board member of SSEA AB.

About KVD
KVD is Sweden’s largest online marketplace offering valuation and broker services for second-hand vehicles (company cars and private cars), machines and heavy vehicles as well as sales of related products and services. KVD handles the entire transaction from client order to end customer and guarantees the quality of the brokered car by means of testing. KVD consists of Kvdbil, Sweden’s largest digital second-hand vehicle broker; Forsbergs Fritidscenter, Sweden’s largest mobile home retailer; Kvdpro, a broker of machines and heavy vehicles; and the car valuation companies Bilpriser and Smart 365. Each year, more than 26,000 second-hand vehicles, 1,600 mobile homes and 3,000 machines and heavy vehicles are sold using KVD. The company has approximately 200 employees and sales of approximately SEK 1,900m for the rolling 12-month period ending 30 June 2022. Ratos acquired KVD in 2010 and owns 100% of the company. www.kvd.se

For further information, please contact
Anders Slettengren, Chairman of the Board of KVD and President Business Area Consumer, Ratos, +46 72 589 89 00
Jan Krepp, incoming CEO, KVD, +46 70 146 32 47
Josefine Uppling, VP Communication, Ratos, +46 76 114 54 21

About Ratos
Ratos is a business group consisting of 15 companies divided into three business areas: Construction & Services, Consumer and Industry. In total 2021, the companies have approximately SEK 26 billion in net sales. Our business concept is to own and develop companies that are or can become market leaders. We have a distinct corporate culture and strategy – everything we do is based on our core values: Simplicity, Speed in execution and It’s All About People. We enable independent companies to excel by being part of something larger. People, leadership, culture and values are key focus areas.

 

 

Categories: People

Bridgewater’s Completed Transition

Bridgewater

The first email below was sent to Bridgewater’s clients on October 4, 2022, referencing the second email which was sent to employees earlier that day.

Below please find a note we sent earlier today to the company announcing that we finalized our transition. As you may recall, in February we informed you that we had finalized the transition agreement, and between then and now, the firm and Ray worked to complete the necessary and required legal, regulatory and investor requirements. With this final step now complete, I wanted you to be among the first to know.

As we’ve done all along, we have updated you on the steps we’ve taken toward completing our multiyear journey to evolve from a founder-led boutique to a lasting, employee-driven institution. Over the years, Ray has transitioned day-to-day management to new leaders, investment oversight to the Investment Committee that he mentored as CIO the past two years, and majority ownership of the firm to a broader set of shareholders, while remaining a meaningful owner. This last mile of the transition was a culmination of several important milestones which made this possible — most notably, in December, we announced the formation of our Operating Board of Directors (made up of our co-CIOs, Outside Directors, Employee Directors and CEOs) and in January we announced the Board’s selection of Nir Bar Dea and Mark Bertolini as our co-CEOs. With this transition now complete, coupled with our strong alpha performance, this year has been a very rewarding time for the firm; one which we are privileged to share with you.

Bridgewater’s strength has and will always remain a deep bench of investment and advisory talent. The sum of those individuals, led by our co-CEOs and co-CIOs, Greg Jensen and Bob Prince, and the systematization of our investment process, is bigger and more impactful than any individual. As Bridgewater embarks on its newest chapter, we are honored to write it with you.

Kind regards,
Kyle Delaney, President and Chief Commercial Officer

***

Team –

The transition of Bridgewater from Ray is done!

Since our February announcement below, we’ve been working through the many legal steps needed to close the transaction. On Friday, we finished the work, signed the papers, and closed. The control of the company now sits with our Operating Board. There is nothing left to do on Ray’s transition. It’s done.

Friday’s step followed Ray’s transition out of management in 2017, the formation of our Investment Committee in the summer of 2020 (led by Greg, Bob, and several other key investors and asset class leads) and Ray’s shift to focus on mentoring that group then. Since we formed the Investment Committee, we’ve had strong performance across our alpha strategies, delivering for those clients when they needed it, with our next generation leading the charge.

It’s hard to overstate the importance of this moment for Bridgewater and Ray. Ray founded Bridgewater 47 years ago and, over a decade ago, set out on this journey to transition it. This process wasn’t easy and we didn’t always agree, but together, we’ve now finished something that very few firms or founders have accomplished, shifting from being a founder-led boutique to being an enduring institution led successfully by the next generation. Looking forward, Ray will continue as a CIO mentor, an Operating Board member, and will remain an important part of our community. On a personal note, on behalf of our entire community, we’d like to thank Ray for all that he’s done and is doing for Bridgewater and to assure him that we’re all going to work our hearts out to make the next chapter at least as good as the previous.

For new employees who don’t know what all this is about or for long-tenured employees who want to go down memory lane, we just updated our website to include a page about Our Founder.

Cheers!

Nir Bar Dea & Mark Bertolini, Co-CEOs

***

Categories: People

Advent International to appoint Amanda McGrady Morrison as General Counsel and Chief Legal Officer

Advent International

BOSTON, September 22, 2022 – Advent International (“Advent”), one of the largest and most experienced global private equity investors, today announced the appointment of Amanda McGrady Morrison as Managing Director. Ms. Morrison will assume the roles of General Counsel and Chief Legal Officer, effective at year end. She will succeed James Westra, who has served as Managing Partner and Chief Legal Officer for Advent since 2011 and will retire at the conclusion of 2022.

Ms. Morrison joins from Ropes & Gray LLP (“Ropes & Gray”), where she most recently served as Head of the Global Private Equity Transactions Group. With more than two decades of experience, she is recognized as one of the industry’s premier private equity, corporate and M&A lawyers, advising leading private equity firms and corporate clients on complex transactions across diverse sectors. She has also advised private equity firms and their portfolio companies on a variety of corporate and strategic matters. Ms. Morrison’s leadership included serving as Co-Chair of Ropes & Gray’s Women’s Forum and as a member of the firm’s Diversity Committee.

“Amanda is a talented lawyer and leader who has been a trusted advisor to our firm for many years,” said David Mussafer, Chairman and Managing Partner at Advent. “Her guidance, expertise and experience will be invaluable to Advent’s continued growth and innovation. We are delighted to welcome her to Advent and have her build seamlessly on Jim’s tremendous legacy.”

“I’m thrilled to join Advent and support its mission of building great businesses,” said Ms. Morrison. “From my work alongside Jim and the Advent leadership team, I have seen firsthand how they lead with vision, passion and collegiality in all they do. I look forward to contributing to the firm’s continued success.”

Mussafer continued: “Jim’s positive contributions to Advent over the last 11 years are too many to list. He has been an important force in Advent’s success and is well recognized within the firm and out for his partnership, leadership and mentorship. His influence has been felt at the firm far beyond his legal counsel and we are grateful that he will work closely with Amanda in the coming months to ensure a smooth transition.”

Ms. Morrison has received numerous accolades for her work, including recognitions by Chambers USA, The Deal and American Lawyer. She earned her J.D. from Harvard Law School and a B.A. from Wake Forest University.

ABOUT ADVENT INTERNATIONAL

Founded in 1984, Advent International is one of the largest and most experienced global private equity investors. The firm has invested in over 395 private equity investments across 41 countries, and as of March 31, 2022, had $75.9 billion in assets under management. With 15 offices in 12 countries, Advent has established a globally integrated team of 270 private equity investment professionals across North America, Europe, Latin America and Asia. The firm focuses on investments in five core sectors, including business and financial services; health care; industrial; retail, consumer and leisure; and technology. For over 35 years, Advent has been dedicated to international investing and remains committed to partnering with management teams to deliver sustained revenue and earnings growth for its portfolio companies.

For more information, visit
Website: www.adventinternational.com
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/advent-international

 

Media contacts

US
Kerry Golds or Sophia Templin
FGS Global
Tel: +1 646 805 2000
Adventinternational-US@fgsglobal.com

UK
Graeme Wilson or Harry Cameron
Tulchan Group
Tel: +44 20 7353 4200
Advent@tulchangroup.com

Categories: People

Alexander Thams joins KKR’s European Real Estate team as Head of Nordics

KKR

Appointment strengthens KKR’s growing presence in the Nordics region 

Stockholm, 22 September 2022: KKR, a leading global investment firm, has appointed Alexander Thams as Head of Nordics within KKR’s European Real Estate team, effective immediately. Based in KKR’s Stockholm office, Thams will drive all KKR’s real estate investing activities in the Nordics, while also building out the team within the region.

Thams joins KKR from Pictet Alternative Advisors where he was Head of Nordics, Real Estate, responsible for all real estate investments in the region. Thams has previous experience from working at Alma Property Partners and Niam. He studied Law and Finance at Stockholm University as a double degree, and also holds a Masters in Public Policy and Finance from Northwestern University.

Commenting on his appointment, Guillaume Cassou, Partner and Head of European Real Estate at KKR, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Alex to KKR at an exciting time for our European Real Estate business. The Nordics is a priority growth market for our team, and Alex brings highly relevant expertise and an extensive network that will help build on the strong existing momentum we have across Europe.”

Seb d’Avanzo, Managing Director, Head of Real Estate Acquisitions, Europe, at KKR, added: “Alex is an excellent addition to our European team. His investment experience across the region and asset classes will prove extremely valuable as we accelerate our regional investment strategy and continue to build out the team.”

Alexander Thams, Director and Head of Real Estate Nordics, said: “I’m excited to join such a well-renowned investment firm and to join a team that continues to grow across the region. We are seeing a lot of opportunity in the Nordics, where the economies are stable and showing resilience amid the changing macro environment. I look forward to combining on-the-ground expertise with KKR’s global platform and network to provide a strong foundation for sustainable investments in the region.”

KKR operates a number of real estate strategies in Europe, with the ability to invest across the risk spectrum from Core+ to value-add, including from the firm’s US$2.2 billion fund, KKR Real Estate Partners Europe II, dedicated to value-add and opportunistic real estate investments in Western Europe, which closed in June 2021. The firm has a long history of investing in the Nordics across the different KKR businesses, and an ambition to continue growing the firm’s presence in the region.

—ends—

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 and on Twitter @KKR_Co.

Media Enquiries

FGS Global

Alastair Elwen / Sophia Johnston
Telephone: +44 20 7251 3801
Email: KKR-Lon@FGSGlobal.com

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Industrifonden strengthens the team with four new recruits – including Karolina Bjurehed from Volvo Cars Technology Fund and Mala Valroy from Ericsson ONE

Industriefonden

We’re happy to kick off the fall by welcoming four new members to the team! Karolina Bjurehed, who has been recruited from the Volvo Technology Fund, joins as Investment Director and Mala Valroy from Ericsson ONE joins as Investment Manager. The talents Clara Norgren and Sara Jawad joins Industrifonden as analysts.

Karolina Bjurehed joins as Investment Director at Industrifonden and will focus on Transformative Tech. She’s been recruited from Volvo Cars Technology Fund and brings more than 10 years of experience from the automotive industry. She previously held roles spanning from innovation and partnerships to business development and venture investments. Karolina holds a M.Sc. in Information and Computer Science from the University of Borås.

” We are proud to welcome Karolina as Investment Director at Industrifonden. She brings extensive corporate venture experience and adds important know-how in mobility and digitalization to our Transformative Tech practice,” says Peter Wolpert, CEO at Industrifonden. He continues:” Karolina lives in the Gothenburg-Borås area, a perfect location to facilitate contacts with tech companies in the western part of Sweden.”

Mala Valroy joins Industrifonden as Investment Manager with a focus on Deep Tech and was previously the Head of Ericsson ONE for Europe and EMEA, scaling and commercializing deep tech innovations with ICT application, and VP of Corporate Responsibility at Atlas Copco. Mala has served in different roles at several tech start-ups, as founder as well as board director. Mala holds a M.Sc. in General Management from the Stockholm School of Economics, and a M.Sc. in Biochemistry from Dartmouth College, an ivy league institution in the United States.

” We are excited that Mala has chosen to join Industrifonden’s Deep Tech practice. Mala brings important corporate venture and industry experience from leading Swedish multinationals, including digital communications as well as sustainable industry solutions,” says Peter Wolpert, CEO at Industrifonden. He continues: “We are so excited to kick off this fall with so many new stars in the team, not least the talents Clara and Sara joining as analysts.”

Industrifonden also strengthens the team with two analysts, Clara Norgren and Sara Jawad. Clara will focus on Transformative Tech and holds a B.Sc. in Industrial Engineering, with focus on Computer Science and Communications from KTH as well as a B.Sc. in Business Administration and Economics from Lund University. Sara Jawad will work in the Life Science Team and holds a B.Sc. and M.Sc in Chemical Engineering from KTH and brings pharmaceutical development experience from positions at AstraZeneca.

Read more (in Swedish) in Realtid.

Categories: People

Markus Rech was appointed CEO of LoQu, one of Germany’s leading optical chains.

argos wityu

The LoQu Optical Group, company supported by Argos Wityu, appointed Markus Rech as CEO as of August 2022. Together with Christoph Wein, they will form the group’s management team in the future.

“With Markus Rech, we were able to gain a colleague with many years of experience in the retail sector,” commented Frank Hermann, Managing Partner at Argos Wityu and member of LoQu’s Advisory Board. “For the future of the group’s development, we are focusing on an omnichannel strategy. Markus Rech is very experienced in this area, and we look forward to further expanding LoQu’s market position together with him.”

Previously, Markus Rech was notably Managing Director for SportScheck and Engelhorn. He successfully led both stationary retail companies into the digital age and established them as omnichannel companies. “All of LoQu’s brands offer potential to further shape them and take them to the next level, especially in the digital area. This is an exciting task that I am very happy to take on,” says Markus Rech about his start.

Markus Rech succeeds Tammo Bruns, who left the company in July 2022. Ruth-Anna Gräff-Weißmann, currently also a member of the Management Board, will also leave the company at the end of the year as she wants to join her family’s business. Christoph Wein will remain CFO of the Group and will manage the company together with Markus Rech.

Argos Wityu

Coralie Cornet
Head of Communications
ccc@argos.fund
+33 (0)6 14 38 33 37

DACH Press

Sara Günnewig
sg@sguennewig.de
+ 49 178-854 9636

LoQu Optical Group GmbH, headquartered in Bad Kreuznach, is one of Germany’s leading optical chains, with more than 670 employees, around €60 million in sales and over 90 stores. Independent private equity firm Argos Wityu acquired a majority stake in aktivoptik Group in 2018 as part of a succession plan and renamed it LoQu Optical Group. The group combines the brands aktivoptik (opticians in the checkout areas of large supermarkets), Optikhaus (traditional premium opticians) and smykker (young brand, vertical concept) and is growing both by opening new stores and through selective acquisitions.

About Argos Wityu / www.argos.wityu.fund
Argos Wityu is an independent European investment fund that supports companies in the transfer of business ownership. It has assisted more than 80 entrepreneurs, focusing its investment strategy on complex transactions with emphasis on transformation, growth, and close collaboration with management teams. Argos Wityu seeks to acquire majority interests and invest between €10m and €100m with each transaction. With more than €1bn under management and 30 years of experience, Argos Wityu operates from offices in Brussels, Frankfurt, Geneva, Luxembourg, Milan and Paris.

Categories: People

Update in EQT AB’s Executive Committee

eqt

Starting Q4, 2022, Caspar Callerström will step down from the Group Executive Committee. He will remain dedicated to the firm and move into internal advisory roles where his experience and expertise remain valued.

Caspar served as Group COO for six years, before securing his succession in Christina Drews, who joined in June 2022.

Categories: People