Category Archives: 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

Advent International appoints Susan Gentile to Chief Financial Officer

Advent International

Eileen Sivolella to remain at firm as strategic advisor to support transition

BOSTON, September 6, 2022 – Advent International (“Advent”), one of the largest and most experienced global private equity investors, today announced the appointment of Susan Gentile as Chief Financial Officer and Managing Director, effective October 1st. Ms. Gentile will succeed Eileen Sivolella, who has served in the role since 2009 and will assume the role of strategic advisor on an interim basis to provide continuity and ensure a seamless transition.

Ms. Gentile brings nearly two decades of experience across financial services. She most recently served as Chief Financial & Administrative Officer at H.I.G. Capital, where she was responsible for leading the strategic direction of the global private investment firm since 2018, including managing its development and growing assets.

“Susan is a talented leader who combines financial, strategic and operational expertise with hands-on experience growing innovative businesses. Her impressive set of leadership skills will be invaluable as we seek to continue accelerating Advent’s growth and capabilities,” said John Maldonado, Managing Partner. “We are thrilled for Susan to join the firm and are confident that the impact of her commitment and guidance will extend beyond Advent, creating sustainable value for our management teams and portfolio at large.”

Prior to joining H.I.G. Capital, Ms. Gentile spent almost five years at Oaktree Capital Management, where she served as Chief Accounting Officer and Managing Director, overseeing more than $100 billion in assets and 200 professionals across offices globally. Before joining Oaktree in 2013, Ms. Gentile held senior-level accounting roles at The Clorox Company and Levi Strauss. She began her career in the audit and assurance practice of Deloitte.

“I’m very excited to be joining Advent’s outstanding management team and to be returning to Boston,” said Ms. Gentile. “Advent has long employed a strategy of investing that capitalizes on its strengths: global reach, strong operational resources and the deep expertise and entrepreneurial approach of the firm’s professionals. I look forward to supporting the continued leadership of the firm and its various partnerships and engagements.”

Ms. Gentile serves as the Audit Committee Chair for the Honest Company. She holds a Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts degree in Finance from Boston University and is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA).

“As we welcome Susan, we also to want to recognize the instrumental role Eileen has played over the last 13 years. Her contributions have been integral to the success, growth and evolution of the firm,” added Maldonado. “We are incredibly grateful for Eileen’s outstanding leadership and for her willingness to serve in an advisory position, and we wish Eileen and her family the very best in this exciting next chapter.”

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
Zachary Tramonti 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

Alberto Fasja Cohen Joins General Atlantic as Senior Advisor

General Atlantic

August 31, 2022 – General Atlantic, a leading global growth equity firm, announced today that Alberto Fasja Cohen has joined the firm as a Senior Advisor. Mr. Cohen will provide strategic counsel and serve as a valuable resource on General Atlantic’s investments in Mexico and the broader Latin America region.

Mr. Cohen joins General Atlantic with over two decades of entrepreneurial experience, having co-founded Grupo Axo, a General Atlantic portfolio company since 2017 and a leading multi-brand and multi-channel company with roots in fashion, accessories, footwear, beauty, personal care and household products. Cohen co-led Grupo Axo’s expansion efforts, which have resulted in the company carrying over 30 brands across 5,500 points of sale in both Mexico and Chile. He also serves on the board of Endeavor Mexico, a non-profit that promotes high-impact entrepreneurship in the country.

“As we expand our footprint in Latin America and Mexico in particular, Alberto’s deep industry knowledge and hands-on experience in the region will provide invaluable insights and expertise to both our deal teams and our entrepreneurs,” said Martín Escobari, Co-President, Managing Director and Head of Latin America at General Atlantic. “I am confident he will provide a unique, entrepreneur-first perspective that will help us continue to identify and scale some of the most transformative and disruptive growth companies across Latin America.”

“I am excited to expand my work with General Atlantic in Mexico and Latin America,” said Alberto Fasja Cohen. “As the co-founder of a General Atlantic-backed company myself, I look forward to advising the firm on both supporting our current portfolio companies and approaching new potential investments in the region through the lens of how we can best support exceptional Latin American entrepreneurs in realizing their growth ambitions for their innovative companies.”

General Atlantic has invested more than $5.3 billion in Mexico and Latin America since the firm entered the region in 2000. The firm has 21 portfolio companies across Latin America, as of August 30, 2022.

About General Atlantic

General Atlantic is a leading global growth equity firm with more than four decades of experience providing capital and strategic support for over 445 growth companies throughout its history. Established in 1980 to partner with visionary entrepreneurs and deliver lasting impact, the firm combines a collaborative global approach, sector specific expertise, a long-term investment horizon and a deep understanding of growth drivers to partner with great entrepreneurs and management teams to scale innovative businesses around the world. General Atlantic currently has over $73 billion in assets under management inclusive of all products as of June 30, 2022, and more than 215 investment professionals based in New York, Amsterdam, Beijing, Hong Kong, Jakarta, London, Mexico City, Mumbai, Munich, Palo Alto, São Paulo, Shanghai, Singapore, Stamford and Tel Aviv. For more information on General Atlantic, please visit the website: www.generalatlantic.com.

Media Contacts
Casey Gunkel
media@generalatlantic.com

Categories: People

David Krancenblum joins KKR as Head of France for Credit & Markets

KKR

Appointment reflects strong growth momentum in KKR’s Credit & Markets segment in France and growing Paris-based team

Paris, 30th August, 2022 – KKR, a leading global investment firm, today announced the appointment of David Krancenblum as Head of France for Credit & Markets, effective immediately. David Krancenblum will be based in Paris.

Mr. Krancenblum will cover all credit and capital markets transactions in France, including senior and junior private debt, structured capital and capital markets solutions for French financial sponsors and corporates.

Prior to joining KKR, Mr. Krancenblum was in the Leveraged & Acquisition Finance team at Morgan Stanley, focusing on the origination and execution of sub-investment grade financings in France across a wide range of credit profiles and situations. Mr. Krancenblum started his career at Credit Suisse where he successively worked in the Leveraged Finance Origination & Restructuring team, and the Leveraged Finance & Sponsors Group. Mr. Krancenblum holds a Master’s Degree in Management from HEC Paris.

Matthieu Boulanger, Partner and Co-Head of Private Credit, said: “David is an exceptional addition to the team. His arrival will bolster an already strong momentum, testimony to KKR’s commitment to France, one of Europe’s most dynamic credit markets.”

Jérôme Nommé, Partner and Head of KKR France, said: “We continue to grow our team in Paris across KKR’s full range of strategies, and are delighted to welcome David and the expertise he brings. David’s appointment will help us to further deepen our credit and capital markets offering in this market, reinforcing KKR’s ability to provide tailor-made solutions to French founders and entrepreneurs.”

David Krancenblum, Head of France for Credit & Markets, said: “The breadth of KKR’s credit product offering is a strong fit for the French client universe: our versatile private debt range, combined with our capital markets solutions, offers the agility they need for their strategic transactions across cycles.”

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.

Contacts

FGS Global
Nathalie Falco
+33 (0)6 30 64 90 15
nathalie.falco@fgsglobal.com		 Xavier Mas
+33 (0)6 82 52 76 42
xavier.mas@fgsglobal.com

Categories: People

Cottonwood recruited Sabine Bijker for Corporate & Investor Relations

Cottonwood Technology Fund gladly like to announce a new hire: Sabine Bijker joined the team and will be responsible within Cottonwood for Corporate & Investor Relations and Finance.

With corporate investors from USA to Taiwan and personal relationships with corporates all over the world Cottonwood Technology Fund has a unique approach which brings a lot of added value to our portfolio companies. “So, investing in a role for corporate and investor relations will help contributing to our success.”, said Alain le Loux.

Sabine Bijker: “I am delighted to have been selected and happy to join Cottonwood Technology Fund. I’m impressed by the portfolio companies and the dynamics within Cottonwood during the first working days. I hope to be able to contribute to the success of Cottonwood’s impact investments in deeptech”.

Sabine will join Cottonwood’s Startup Festival on the 15th of September in Groningen and support hosting the Cottonwood LP-days on 7th and 8th of October.

Categories: People

Jesper Lien new CEO of Plantasjen Group

Ratos

Jesper Lien has been appointed as the new CEO of Plantasjen Group (“Plantasjen”) and will assume the role on 22 August 2022. Jesper most recently served as Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) of the company.  He has an extensive track record with broad experience from various senior positions at Nordic and European retail companies, including CEO of Coop Denmark and CCO of B&Q, the UK’s largest DIY chain.

“Plantasjen is in an exciting phase, and I am delighted that Jesper Lien has agreed to lead the company’s continued development. With his solid background in senior retail positions, Plantasjen is gaining an experienced CEO with a strong operational know-how,” says Anders Slettengren, Chairman of the Board of Plantasjen and President Business Area Consumer at Ratos.

“I’m very much looking forward to leading Plantasjen on its continued journey of growth. I am pleased to humbly accept this role as the company’s new CEO. Plantasjen’s vision is to be the most inspiring Nordic garden centre. This entails offering inspiration, expertise and tools to succeed in a growing life, ensuring customers choose us over the competition. We have made good progress, and I am optimistic about Plantasjen’s future. Now I look forward to shifting up a gear together with my colleagues,” says Jesper Lien, incoming CEO of Plantasjen.

Current CEO Nina Jönsson will be moving on to new challenges outside the Ratos Group.

“We would like to thank Nina Jönsson for her time as CEO of Plantasjen as well as the seven years she spent as CEO of various companies in the Ratos Group. She is a strong leader who has improved profitability while maintaining a focus on customers and employees. We wish her all the best in the future,” says Jonas Wiström, President and CEO of Ratos.

About Plantasjen
Plantasjen is the Nordic region’s leading retailer of plants and gardening accessories, with more than 128 stores in Norway, Sweden and Finland as well as online sales. The company has approximately 2,400 employees and sales of approximately SEK 4.5 billion for the rolling 12-month period ending 30 June 2022. Ratos acquired Plantasjen in 2016.

For further information, please contact
Anders Slettengren, Chairman of the Board of Plantasjen and President Business Area Consumer, Ratos, +46 72 589 89 00
Jesper Lien, incoming CEO, Plantasjen, +45 51 593 601
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