Thomas Kamm appointed as Partner and Head of Communications at Antin Infrastructure Partners

Antin

Categories: People

Hans Sahlin new CEO of Speed Group

Ratos

Ratos has appointed Hans Sahlin as the new CEO of Speed Group (Speed), a leading logistics and staffing company in the Nordics. Hans Sahlin previously served as Deputy CEO of the company. He took over his new role today, 8 January 2025, succeeding Jesper Andersson, one of Speed Group’s founders and CEO since 2022. Jesper Andersson will move into an advisory role.

Hans Sahlin has a solid background in leadership and business development at logistics and property companies. Since his recruitment as Deputy CEO, he has played an important role in driving strategic initiatives and ensuring Speed’s continued positive development. With a clear focus on growth, innovation and sustainability, he is now ready to lead the company into its next phase.

“Hans Sahlin has made very positive contributions, so we are delighted that he has accepted the offer to become the company’s new CEO. Now that we’ve secured a new multi-billion deal with our major customer Ericsson, and with an overall stable performance in the company, this is great timing for a new CEO to take the reins. I look forward to our future collaboration. I would also like to thank Jesper Andersson for his outstanding and important contributions to Speed over all these years,” says Christian Johansson Gebauer, Chairman of the Board of Speed Group and President, Business Area Construction & Services, Ratos.

“I’m pleased and honoured to be entrusted to lead Speed into its next phase. The company has a strong position in the market and a unique business model that I look forward to continuing to develop together with our employees and customers,” says Hans Sahlin, incoming CEO of Speed Group.

Jesper Andersson, who has played a key part in Speed’s journey from startup to one of the leading providers of logistics and staffing solutions in the Nordics, is now passing the baton. However, he will remain at Speed Group in an advisory role.

“Speed has been a part of my life for two decades and I’m incredibly proud over what we’ve achieved together. I look forward to continuing to contribute in my new role and to following the company’s development under Hans Sahlin’s leadership,” says Jesper Andersson.

About Speed Group
Speed offers sustainable, flexible and innovative solutions to complex logistics and staffing challenges. Sustainability permeates the entire business, and the aim was to become carbon neutral by 2025, something that was already achieved by 2023. Speed has its head office in Borås, Sweden, and logistics centres in Borås, Gothenburg, Stenungsund and Stockholm covering a combined total of more than 220,000 square metres. The company has sales of approximately SEK 1 billion and employs around 1,000 people.

For more information, please contact:
Josefine Uppling, VP Communication, Ratos, +46 76 114 54 21
Hans Sahlin, incoming CEO, Speed Group, +46 76 607 30 87

Categories: People

Jensen Hughes Names Marc Kaplan New President & Chief Operating Officer

Gryphon Investors

ensen Hughes, a global leader in safety, security, and risk-based engineering and consulting, today announced the appointment of Marc Kaplan as its new President & Chief Operating Officer (COO). The appointment follows an extensive search that attracted top talent from around the world.

With more than 25 years of executive leadership experience, Kaplan has a distinguished track record of driving operational excellence, innovation and growth across a diverse array of organizations — from dynamic startups to multibillion-dollar global enterprises — with notable success in professional services consulting. Most recently, Kaplan served as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of CIBT, a global mobility services leader, where he revitalized the business post-pandemic.

Kaplan previously held executive roles at Deloitte, including Principal and Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer, where he led one of the firm’s fastest-growing business units and drove transformational initiatives. He has also held key positions at The Associated Press and ChekMarc, Inc., a digital software company he co-founded in 2020.

“Marc brings a rare combination of people focus, strategic thinking and a collaborative, hands-on approach to Jensen Hughes,” said Raj Arora, CEO of Jensen Hughes. “With his expertise in operational efficiency and growth, culture-building and talent management in professional services, his leadership will be invaluable as we continue to innovate and expand into new regions and service lines.”

In his new role as President & COO, Kaplan will oversee Jensen Hughes’ global operations, leading a diverse team of professionals and managing multiple business units. His responsibilities will include guiding top operational leaders, implementing strategic growth-driven initiatives, optimizing performance metrics and fostering employee engagement and retention.

Kaplan assumes this critical role at an exciting time for the company, as 2025 marks a decade of the Jensen Hughes brand and its continued expansion. Since 2014, strategic acquisitions have broadened the company’s expertise in fire and life safety, code consulting, risk analysis, process safety management, security risk, emergency management and forensics while strengthening its global presence. Jensen Hughes is backed by middle market private equity firm Gryphon Investors.

“I’m honored to join Jensen Hughes at such a pivotal time in the company’s journey,” Kaplan said. “Raj and the team have built an incredibly strong business foundation and culture, seamlessly blending experience in legacy services, innovative solutions, industry-leading expertise and cutting-edge technology. My focus will be on enhancing and executing our existing strategies in order to unlock new opportunities for growth while continuing to deliver exceptional value to our clients and communities.”

About Jensen Hughes

Jensen Hughes is the global leader in engineering, consulting and technology that make our world safe, secure and resilient. Worldwide, we are recognized most widely for our leadership in fire protection engineering while also specializing in other critical competencies core to our purpose – strategic capabilities we have been expanding for years. These include accessibility consulting, risk and hazard analysis, industrial process safety, forensic investigations, security risk, and emergency management, as well as digital innovation across many of our services. Today, our 1,700+ engineers, consultants, analysts and strategists work from over 100 offices, supporting clients in over 100 countries across all markets – from government, healthcare, science and technology to energy, mission-critical and transportation. For more information, visit www.jensenhughes.com.

About Gryphon Investors

Gryphon Investors is a leading middle-market private investment firm focused on profitably growing and competitively advantaged companies in the Business Services, Consumer, Healthcare, Industrial Growth, Software and Technology Solutions & Services sectors. With approximately $9+ billion of assets under management, Gryphon prioritizes investments in which it can form strong partnerships with founders, owners and executives to accelerate the building of leading companies and generate enduring value through its integrated deal and operations business model. Gryphon’s highly differentiated model integrates its well-proven Operations Resources Group, which is led by full-time Gryphon senior operating executives with general management, human capital acquisition and development, treasury, finance and accounting expertise. Gryphon’s three core investment strategies include its Flagship, Heritage and Junior Capital strategies, each with dedicated funds of capital. The Flagship and Heritage strategies target equity investments of $50 million to $500 million per portfolio company. The Junior Capital strategy targets investments of $10 million to $25 million in junior securities of credit facilities, arranged by leading middle-market lenders, in both Gryphon-controlled companies, as well as in other private equity-backed companies operating in Gryphon’s targeted investment sectors. For more information, visit www.gryphoninvestors.com.

Categories: People

TA Announces Global Promotions

TA associates

BOSTON, MA – TA Associates (“TA”), a leading global private equity firm, today announced several promotions across the Firm’s global offices, effective January 1, 2025.

Ajit Nedungadi and Hythem El-Nazer have been named Co-Managing Partners, further reinforcing their firmwide leadership roles.

Ajit will continue as CEO, a position he has held since 2021, and remain Chair of TA’s Executive Committee and the Core Investment Committee. Hythem will continue as co-head of TA’s North America Technology Group and assume the role of Chair of the Firm’s Management Committee. Together, Ajit and Hythem will guide TA’s investment strategy and oversee all aspects of Firm management, underscoring the Firm’s commitment to fostering strong, collaborative leadership as it navigates future opportunities.

On TA’s investment team, Max Cancre and Clara Jackson have been promoted to Managing Director; Yash BahetiHunter FortneyDylan HallmanJack Laszlo and Kevin Leu have been promoted to Senior Vice President; Davide Vitrò and Jerry Zhou have been promoted to Vice President; and Anirudh Goel has been promoted to Associate. Within the Strategic Resource Group, Akshay Srimal has been promoted to Senior Director.

“We are proud to begin 2025 by announcing these well-earned promotions,” said Ajit Nedungadi, CEO and Co-Managing Partner at TA. “These individuals truly embody TA’s core values and have consistently proven their ability to drive value for the Firm, our portfolio companies and investors. We are pleased to recognize their hard work and look forward to their continued success at TA.”

INVESTMENT STAFF PROMOTIONS

Max Cancre earned the promotion to Managing Director. Based in TA’s London office, Max focuses on investments in technology companies across Europe. He currently sits on the Board of Directors of Epassi Group, esPublico, Harvest, Hubexo, ITRS, Netrisk Group and Orisha, and is actively involved in the Firm’s investments in IFS, Interswitch and WorkWave. Prior to joining TA in 2010, he worked in the Investment Banking Division, Structured Finance Group at Barclays Capital.

Clara Jackson earned the promotion to Managing Director. Based in TA’s Boston office, Clara focuses on investments in financial services, financial technology and other services companies in North America. Currently, she sits on the Board of Directors of AffiniPay, AGA Benefit Solutions, Caprock, and Fintech, and is a Board Observer of Russell Investments. She is an active investor in Orion Advisor Solutions and Rectangle Health. Prior to joining TA in 2014, Clara was an Associate at TPG Growth and an investment banking Analyst at Goldman Sachs.

Yash Baheti earned the promotion to Senior Vice President. Based in TA’s Mumbai office, Yash focuses on investments in healthcare and financial services companies across India. Yash is actively involved in TA’s investments in Synokem Pharmaceuticals and Vastu Housing Finance, and was involved in TA’s prior investment in Indira IVF. Before joining TA in 2020, Yash worked as an Investment Professional at Multiples Private Equity.

Hunter Fortney earned the promotion to Senior Vice President. Based in TA’s Boston office, Hunter focuses on investments in business and financial services companies. He currently sits on the Board of Directors of Edmunds GovTech and PMA and is actively involved in TA’s investment in Benecon. Prior to joining TA in 2022, Hunter worked in the Industrials and Business Services Group at Warburg Pincus.

Dylan Hallman earned the promotion to Senior Vice President. Based in TA’s Menlo Park office, Dylan focuses on investments in financial and technology-enabled services companies in North America. He is actively involved in TA’s investments in Cliffwater and Wealth Enhancement Group and was previously an active investor in Procare Solutions. Prior to joining TA in 2017, Dylan was an Associate Consultant at Bain and Company.

Jack Laszlo earned the promotion to Senior Vice President. Based in TA’s Menlo Park office, Jack focuses on investments in technology companies in North America. He is actively involved in TA’s investments in Conservice, DigiCert, IGEL, Netwrix, PowerGEM and Technosylva. Prior to joining TA in 2022, Jack was an Associate at The Carlyle Group and an Analyst at Evercore.

Kevin Leu earned the promotion to Senior Vice President. Based in TA’s Boston office, Kevin focuses on investments in consumer brands, retail, consumer services and related companies in North America. He is actively involved in TA’s investments in Death Wish Coffee, Petcurean and PurposeBuilt Brands. Prior to joining TA in 2017, Kevin was in the Mergers & Acquisitions Group at BlackArch Partners.

Davide Vitrò earned the promotion to Vice President. Based in TA’s London office, Davide focuses on investments in business services, financial services and consumer companies across Southern Europe. He is actively involved in TA’s investments in esPublico, Nactarome and Surfaces Group. Prior to joining TA in 2020, he was in the Mergers & Acquisitions Group at Jefferies International Ltd.

Jerry Zhou earned the promotion to Vice President. Based in TA’s Hong Kong office, Jerry focuses on investments in companies in the Asia-Pacific region. He is actively involved in TA’s investments in Betashares and Yarra Capital Management. Prior to joining TA in 2020, he was in the Investment Banking Division at Goldman Sachs.

Anirudh Goel earned the promotion to Associate. Based in TA’s Mumbai office, Anirudh focuses on investments in financial services, consumer and technology companies in India and the Middle East. He is actively involved in TA’s investment in Vastu Housing Finance. Prior to joining TA in 2022, he was in the Capital Markets Practice at Bain & Company.

STRATEGIC RESOURCE GROUP PROMOTIONS

Akshay Srimal earned the promotion to Senior Director, Head of Europe, Strategic Resource Group (SRG). Based in TA’s London office, Akshay heads SRG’s activities across EMEA, focusing on identifying and driving value creation opportunities for TA’s portfolio companies. Since joining TA in 2015, Akshay has played a critical role in structuring SRG, expanding the team and consistently enhancing its operating model, particularly in Europe. Previously, Akshay was a Manager at Bain & Company.

About TA
TA is a leading global private equity firm focused on scaling growth in profitable companies. Since 1968, TA has invested in more than 560 companies across its five target industries – technology, healthcare, financial services, consumer and businesses services. Leveraging its deep industry expertise and strategic resources, TA collaborates with management teams worldwide to help high-quality companies deliver lasting value. The firm has raised $65 billion in capital to date and has more than 160 investment professionals across offices in Boston, Menlo Park, Austin, London, Mumbai and Hong Kong.

Categories: People

Bart Price appointed Chief Executive Officer of Lendlease-Warburg Pincus life sciences, R&D and innovation joint venture

Warburg Pincus logo

The JV platform, with S$2 billion of assets under management, aims to capitalize on the attractive opportunities in APAC’s life sciences, R&D and innovation sector

Singapore, January 2, 2025 – Warburg Pincus and Lendlease are pleased to announce the appointment of Bart Price as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of their life sciences, R&D and innovation real estate joint venture platform, effective immediately. Bart, who is based in Singapore, will oversee the platform’s strategic growth plans, identifying opportunities to further scale the platform and generate outsized returns for its investment partners.

Bart brings with him extensive experience and wide-spanning industry relationships, built over his two decades of career experience in real estate / infrastructure investments and capital markets across multiple markets in Asia Pacific. Prior to this appointment, Bart was most recently Head of Growth Markets Real Assets at the Abu Dhabi Investment Council (ADIC), where he oversaw Asia Pacific real estate and Asia Pacific / Latin American infrastructure.  Prior to joining ADIC, he held the position of Senior Vice President for Real Estate Investments covering Asia Pacific at GIC for six years.

Established in July 2024, the joint venture between Warburg Pincus, a pioneer of global growth investing, and Lendlease, a market-leading Australian integrated real estate group, is the industry-leading life sciences, R&D and innovation real estate platform in the Asia Pacific with over S$2 billion of assets under management. The platform, alongside its managed investment vehicle LINO, acquired a ~S$1.6b portfolio of assets in Singapore in August 2024, marking one of the largest private portfolio transactions for industrial assets in the country.

As the largest pan Asia Pacific pure-play real estate investment platform for life sciences, R&D and innovation, the platform is well-positioned to capture the strong growth of the sector in the region. It combines a high barrier-to-entry life sciences project and construction management business, with a specialized investment management business backed by sophisticated institutional investors. Leveraging the proven track records and extensive network of resources and relationships of both Warburg Pincus and Lendlease, the platform is committed to generating high-performance returns for its investors.

Bart Price, CEO of the life sciences, R&D and innovation real estate joint venture said,“It is a privilege to be appointed as CEO of Asia Pacific’s industry-leading life sciences, R&D and innovation real estate platform. The platform has deep relationships and a differentiated capability in the sector, with the platform (through its prior history within Lendlease) having worked on more than 200 projects for over 100 life sciences and pharmaceutical companies over the past 20 years. In addition, the platform’s investment management business has delivered strong returns for its investors.

“The Asia Pacific life sciences and R&D industry is gaining significant momentum, underpinned by multiple tailwinds such as demographic shifts, increasing healthcare demand, growing wealth, supply chain realignment and strong government support driving robust demand for facilities. I believe there are tremendous opportunities to grow the platform and deliver outsized returns to investors. I look forward to working with the team to execute on our strategy, as we build on the solid foundation established by Lendlease and Warburg Pincus.”

Justin Gabbani, CEO, Investment Management, Lendlease said,“I am pleased to welcome Bart as CEO, following a comprehensive search.  Bart has over 20 years of experience and leadership in real estate, having led real asset transactions valued at more than US$20b across multiple markets in Asia Pacific and across multiple formats. His expertise in the region and deep understanding of real estate are invaluable as we look to build momentum and further scale the business.”

Takashi Murata, Managing Director, Co-Head of Asia Real Estate and Head of Japan at Warburg Pincus said,”We are excited to have Bart to spearhead our joint venture with Lendlease. Bart’s wealth of experience and proven track record in the industry, make him the ideal leader to drive the joint venture’s growth. His strategic vision and leadership will be instrumental in advancing our commitment to building a leading real estate platform in Asia Pacific to focus on life sciences, R&D and innovation, and delivering exceptional value to our stakeholders. We look forward to a successful partnership ahead.”

About Lendlease

Lendlease is a market-leading Australian integrated real estate group. Headquartered in Sydney, we are listed on the Australian Securities Exchange. Our core capabilities are reflected in our operating segments of Investments, Development and Construction. The combination of these three segments provides us with a sustainable competitive advantage in delivering innovative integrated solutions for our customers. For more information, please visit: www.lendlease.com

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 230 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.

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Categories: People

Spectrum Equity Announces 2025 New Year Team Promotions

Spectrum Equity

Boston, San Francisco, and London, December 31, 2024 – Spectrum Equity is thrilled to ring in the new year with a round of well-deserved team promotions.

Three members of our investment team have been promoted to the role of Principal: Emily CalkinsKevan Olander, and Annaliesa Routh. Two additional members of our team have also been promoted – Chanel Andre to Director, Talent, and Johnathon Broekhuizen to Director of IT Services.

Emily Calkins to Principal

Emily joined Spectrum in August 2021 as a Vice President from Stanford’s Graduate School of Business. Since joining Spectrum, Emily has dedicated extraordinary energy and creativity to our origination efforts, developing substantive relationships with our future portfolio leaders, acting as a key member of our deal team, and creating value across the portfolio through her ongoing support of companies like SponsorUnitedLitmusPresence and Prezi. Emily also plays a pivotal role mentoring members of our investment team, and fostering collaboration across our whole firm.

Kevan Olander to Principal

Kevan joined our San Francisco office in May 2020 as a Senior Associate and was subsequently promoted to Vice President in January 2021. Kevan hit the ground running early in his Spectrum tenure by stepping into active portfolio company work across ExamSoftTeachers Pay Teachers and Headspace, where he demonstrated his much-relied-upon technical transaction execution skills. He has since expanded his impact across a range of new investments including Ease, and now Employee Navigator, as well as Rover and Otter.ai.

Annaliesa Routh to Principal

Annaliesa joined Spectrum in the summer of 2020 as an MBA intern, returning after graduation to become an indispensable member of our team. Upon her return, she has taken active board roles at RapidRatingsTenstreet and Seamless. Annaliesa’s natural curiosity, analytical rigor, and exceptional rapport building with management teams has been particularly noteworthy on her transaction work. Beyond that, she’s a trusted advisor to her portfolio companies and a natural leader, lending her guidance and mentorship to our investment team.

Chanel Andre to Director, Internal Recruiting & Talent Management

Chanel joined Spectrum in September 2022 as a Senior Manager on our Talent Team, where she primarily focuses on Investment Team recruiting and professional development. During her tenure, Chanel has improved our internal processes, enabling the firm to scale Investment Team hiring, particularly across Associate, Analyst, and Intern positions. Beyond recruiting, she coordinates Investment Team onboarding, modeling and technical skills training, and performance review processes. Chanel brings professionalism and positive energy to her role at Spectrum as we continue to attract the best and brightest talent in our industry.

John Broekhuizen to Director of IT Services

John joined Spectrum in May 2023 as the Senior Manager on our IT Team. While at Spectrum, John has spearheaded many IT initiatives and network and security upgrades. In particular, he has continued to finetune our cybersecurity controls, upleveled our outsourced IT vendors and software providers, and improved the internal process for handling all of our computer, phone and connectivity needs.

About Spectrum Equity

Spectrum Equity is a leading growth equity firm providing capital and strategic support to innovative companies in the information economy. For over 30 years, the firm has partnered with exceptional entrepreneurs and management teams to build long-term value in market-leading internet-enabled software, data, and information services companies.

With offices in Boston, San Francisco, and London, the firm is investing its tenth fund with $2 billion in limited partner capital. Representative investments include Ancestry, Definitive Healthcare, GoodRx, Lucid Software, Origami Risk, RainKing, SurveyMonkey and Verafin. For more information, including a complete list of portfolio investments, visit our Portfolio page.

Categories: People

Healthcare Industry Veteran Jim Costanzo Joins Silversmith Capital Partners as Senior Advisor

Silversmith Capital Partners, a growth equity firm focused on supporting entrepreneurs in healthcare and technology, today announced that Jim Costanzo, former CEO of Silversmith portfolio company Nordic Consulting, has joined the firm as a Senior Advisor. With over 40 years of experience in healthcare and technology, Jim brings deep expertise to Silversmith and its portfolio companies.

Jim’s career includes prominent leadership roles, most recently as CEO of Nordic Consulting, where he led the company through transformative growth, culminating in its successful exit to Bon Secours Mercy Health in June 2022. Before his time at Nordic, Jim was the Global Health Leader at Ernst & Young. Earlier in his career, he worked with leading consulting firms including Deloitte, PwC, BearingPoint, and CapGemini.

Jim currently serves as an independent board director at Fortified Health Security, another Silversmith portfolio company, and at Innovative Consulting Group. He is also a Trustee at the University of Mount Union, where he earned a BS in Computer Science.

“Working closely with Jim during his time as CEO of Nordic, I developed a deep appreciation for his exceptional leadership and his understanding of the unique challenges within the healthcare system,” said Jeff Crisan, Managing Partner at Silversmith Capital Partners. “Jim’s ability to combine strategic vision with operational excellence has had a lasting impact at Nordic. We are excited to leverage his expertise across a broader range of companies in this new role.”

“My experience with Silversmith as both a CEO and board director has given me tremendous respect for the firm’s approach and its commitment to building enduring partnerships with portfolio companies,” said Jim Costanzo. “I look forward to collaborating with the team and contributing to the success of Silversmith’s healthcare investments.”

About Silversmith Capital Partners

Founded in 2015, Silversmith Capital Partners is a Boston-based growth equity firm with $3.3 billion of capital under management. Silversmith’s mission is to partner with and support the best entrepreneurs in growing, profitable technology and healthcare companies. Representative investments include ActiveCampaign, Appfire, Apryse, DistroKid, impact.com, Iodine Software, LifeStance Health, Market Access Transformation, MediQuant, Nordic Consulting, Upperline Health, and Webflow. For more information, including a full list of portfolio investments, visit silversmith.com or follow the firm on LinkedIn.

Categories: People

Biosynth Names Matt Gunnison as CEO, Kieran Murphy Appointed as Chairman

Ampersand

Biosynth Names Matt Gunnison as CEO, Kieran Murphy Appointed as Chairman

Staad, Switzerland, November 6th 2024 – Biosynth, a global supplier of critical raw materials and services to the life sciences industry, today announced that its Board of Directors has appointed Matt Gunnison as the company’s new Chief Executive Officer and a member of the Board of Directors, effective immediately. The Board has also appointed Kieran Murphy as Chairman, effective as of the same date.

Matt Gunnison will succeed Urs Spitz, under whose guidance Biosynth has achieved remarkable growth and strengthened its position in the life sciences sector. Urs Spitz will remain a member of the Board of Directors.

“We are grateful to Urs for his significant contributions in shaping Biosynth into the innovative and thriving company it is today. We are now excited to welcome Matt as CEO, whose vision and extensive experience will be pivotal in leading the company through its next chapter.” said Kugan Sathiyanandarajah, Partner at KKR and Head of Europe for KKR’s Health Care Strategic Growth strategy.

“I am thrilled to join Biosynth at such an exciting time in its journey. The company has built a strong foundation under Urs’s leadership, and I look forward to working with the talented team to further accelerate our growth and innovation. Together, we will continue to deliver critical raw materials and services that drive advancements in the life sciences and make a real impact on global health outcomes.” said Matt Gunnison.

“It’s a privilege to be appointed Chairman of Biosynth. I am excited to work alongside Matt and the entire team as we chart the course for the company’s continued growth. Biosynth is at the forefront of innovation in the life sciences industry, and I am confident we have the right leadership and vision to drive our success forward.” said Kieran Murphy.

“I’m immensely proud of what Biosynth has accomplished. I would like to congratulate Matt and Kieren on their new roles and wish them, along the whole Biosynth team, great success in the years ahead. I look forward to continuing to support them in my role on the Board as they lead Biosynth into this new chapter,” said Urs Spitz.

Matt currently serves as CEO of Gamma Biosciences, a life sciences investment platform that he co-founded with leading global investment firm KKR. He brings nearly two decades of experience in the healthcare and life sciences industries. At Gamma, Matt oversaw the acquisition and management of a portfolio of growth stage businesses serving the biopharmaceutical manufacturing industry. Prior to Gamma, he served in various positions at GE Healthcare, most recently as head of corporate development for the $19B division of General Electric Co. Matt holds a B.A. in Economics from Georgetown University and a J.D. from the University of Michigan.

Kieran currently serves as a senior advisor to KKR and will transition to Biosynth from Gamma Biosciences, where he has served as Chairman since 2022. He brings decades of corporate leadership and board experience in healthcare and life sciences, including as former President and CEO of GE Healthcare and Whatman plc.

Joining Matt and Kieran as Head of Corporate Development for Biosynth is Eric Simpson, previously Vice President at Gamma Biosciences.

About Biosynth

Biosynth is a supplier of critical materials, securing life science supply chains with global research, manufacturing, and distribution facilities. Supplying the pharmaceutical and diagnostic sectors; where Chemistry meets Biology, Products meet Services and Innovation meets Quality, Biosynth is at the Edge of Innovation. With an unrivaled research product portfolio of over a million products and end-to-end manufacturing services, Biosynth’s expertise and capability runs across Complex Chemicals, Peptides, and Key Biologics, all from one trusted partner. Headquartered in Staad, Switzerland, Biosynth is owned amongst others by KKR, Ampersand Capital Partners and management. Find out more about Biosynth at Biosynth.com.


About KRR

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 Globalatlantic.com.


About Ampersand

Ampersand Capital Partners, founded in 1988, is a middle-market private equity firm with $3 billion of assets under management, dedicated to growth-oriented investments in the healthcare sector. With offices in Boston, MA, and Amsterdam, Netherlands, Ampersand leverages a unique blend of private equity and operating experience to build value and drive long-term performance alongside its portfolio company management teams. Ampersand has helped build numerous market-leading companies across each of the firm’s core healthcare sectors. For additional information, visit Ampersandcapital.com or follow Ampersand on LinkedIn.

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Hector Fernandez to Lead Diversified Gaming Solutions Provider as CEO Following Combination of IGT’s Gaming and Digital Business with Everi

Apollo logo

Proven Operator Positioned to Accelerate Growth and Product Innovation of Combined Enterprise Will Join by the Fourth Quarter of 2025

Nick Khin to Serve as Interim CEO of Combined Enterprise Following Closing

Combined Enterprise to be Organized Into 3 Business Units:
Gaming (led by Nick Khin), Digital (led by Gil Rotem) and FinTech (led by Darren Simmons)

NEW YORK, Dec. 05, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The holding company formed to acquire International Game Technology PLC’s (NYSE: IGT) (“IGT”) Gaming & Digital Business (“IGT Gaming”) and Everi Holdings Inc. (NYSE: EVRI) (“Everi”) in connection with the previously announced acquisitions by funds managed by affiliates of Apollo Global Management, Inc. (the “Apollo Funds”) today announced that Hector Fernandez will lead the combined enterprise as CEO.

Mr. Fernandez brings a clear track record of success across technology and gaming as well as deep strategic and financial expertise. His diverse experience both inside and outside of the gaming industry is expected to position him well to integrate and lead two highly complementary gaming platforms following the transaction close with a focus on growth, product innovation and content generation. Mr. Fernandez most recently served as CEO of Aristocrat Gaming, Aristocrat Leisure Limited’s global land-based gaming content and technology business. During his tenure, he devised and led a number of strategic initiatives that enabled gains in market share across multiple verticals while delivering strong revenue growth and increased profitability.

Daniel Cohen, Partner at Apollo, stated, “We’re thrilled to name Hector Fernandez as the future CEO of the combined enterprise. As we look to position IGT Gaming and Everi as a premier, diversified customer-centric platform at the forefront of innovation in the gaming and fintech industries, Hector brings an impressive track record of successfully scaling operations and strengthening customer relationships while being a champion for strong values. Hector shares our vision to lead this talented global workforce and will foster a people-first culture across the combined enterprise.”

Mr. Fernandez said, “I couldn’t be more excited to be part of this journey with IGT Gaming and Everi. I look forward to partnering with the very talented teams at both companies, as well as the Apollo team leading the transaction.”

Mr. Fernandez will join the combined enterprise by the fourth quarter of 2025 after expiration of a customary non-compete period. Following the transaction close, Nick Khin, President, Global Gaming at IGT, will lead the combined enterprise as Interim CEO until Mr. Fernandez assumes the CEO role.

Following closing, the combined enterprise will be organized into three business units: GamingDigital, and FinTech. Upon Mr. Fernandez joining the combined enterprise, Mr. Khin will step into the newly formed role of CEO, Gaming, and will oversee the land-based gaming businesses of the combined enterprise. Gil Rotem, current President of IGT PlayDigital, will serve as CEO, Digital, and Darren Simmons, current Executive Vice President and FinTech Business Leader at Everi, will serve as CEO, FinTech. These appointments expand on the previously announced leadership for the combined enterprise.

Mr. Cohen added, “We’re excited for Nick to take on the additional responsibility of Interim CEO upon closing of the acquisitions and are confident he will succeed in his role of leading the land-based gaming businesses of the combined enterprise once Hector officially joins. Under Nick’s leadership, IGT has meaningfully improved its industry position and continues to release top performing games across channels. We believe his deep understanding of customers and players, as well as his leadership and passion, will help set the foundation for future success. We are also pleased to have leaders of Gil’s and Darren’s caliber from both companies ready to take on key leadership roles in the combined enterprise.”

Mr. Khin commented, “I believe in the tremendous potential of IGT Gaming and Everi as a combined enterprise, and I am honored to serve as Interim CEO once the transactions are completed. I look forward to working alongside Hector, Gil and Darren, and utilizing the opportunities we have in front of us to generate content-rich experiences and deliver unmatched value to our customers.”

Transaction Update

The previously announced acquisitions of IGT Gaming and Everi are still expected to be completed by the end of the third quarter of 2025, assuming the timely satisfaction of closing conditions, including certain gaming and regulatory approvals. On November 14, 2024, Everi stockholders approved the transaction. On November 20, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. ET, the waiting period under the Hart-Scott Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976 expired. The separation of the IGT Gaming business remains on track and is expected to be complete in early 2025.

Integration planning for the combined enterprise is underway, led by a dedicated team comprising representatives of the Apollo Funds, Everi and IGT Gaming.

About Hector Fernandez

Hector Fernandez most recently served as CEO of Aristocrat Gaming, overseeing the end-to-end delivery of Aristocrat’s global land-based business in over 300 gaming jurisdictions. Prior to the role of CEO, Hector served as President of the Americas and EMEA from June 2019 to March 2022, where he oversaw the majority of the segment’s operations, as well as the Chief Financial Officer for the Americas for Aristocrat from November 2018 to June 2019. Prior to joining Aristocrat, Hector helped oversee Strategy, Pricing and Planning at Western Digital and other progressive finance, strategy and accounting roles. Mr. Fernandez received an MBA in finance and marketing from USC’s Marshall School of Business and a B.A. in economics/accounting and government from Claremont McKenna College.

About Apollo

Apollo is a high-growth, global alternative asset manager. In our asset management business, we seek to provide our clients excess return at every point along the risk-reward spectrum from investment grade to private equity with a focus on three investing strategies: yield, hybrid, and equity. For more than three decades, our investing expertise across our fully integrated platform has served the financial return needs of our clients and provided businesses with innovative capital solutions for growth. Through Athene, our retirement services business, we specialize in helping clients achieve financial security by providing a suite of retirement savings products and acting as a solutions provider to institutions. Our patient, creative, and knowledgeable approach to investing aligns our clients, businesses we invest in, our employees, and the communities we impact, to expand opportunity and achieve positive outcomes. As of September 30, 2024, Apollo had approximately $733 billion of assets under management. To learn more, please visit www.apollo.com.

Contacts

Noah Gunn
Global Head of Investor Relations
(212) 822-0540
IR@apollo.com

Joanna Rose
Global Head of Corporate Communications
(212) 822-0491
Communications@apollo.com

Categories: People

KKR Announces New Managing Directors

KKR

December 4, 2024

NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)– KKR today announced a newly promoted group of 41 Managing Directors, effective January 1, 2025.

“We are proud to recognize and celebrate the advancement of these exceptional leaders at KKR. These promotions reflect not only each individual’s professional achievements but also their unwavering commitment both to upholding the firm’s values and to delivering for our clients, companies and shareholders,” said Joe Bae and Scott Nuttall, Co-Chief Executive Officers of KKR. “Congratulations to the new Managing Directors on reaching this significant milestone in their careers.”

The following individuals have been promoted to Managing Director at KKR:

  • Aidan Bailey – Compliance, Dublin
  • Projesh Banerjea – Infrastructure, Singapore
  • Julian Barratt-Due – Infrastructure, London
  • Alicia Biggs – Global Operations, New York
  • Kate Bizga – Global Client Solutions, New York
  • Loretta Chon – Communications & Marketing, New York
  • Stephanie Dash – Credit & Markets, Sydney
  • Steven Endersen – Global Operations, Dublin
  • Ellen Frye – Legal, New York
  • Sasha Hamilton – Investor Relations, New York
  • Joe Hughes – Global Operations, Dublin
  • Rachel Hunter-Goldman – Real Estate Credit, New York
  • Alex Hwang – Global Macro, Balance Sheet & Risk / KKR Solutions, New York
  • Spencer Ingle – Credit & Markets, New York
  • Desiree John – Enterprise Risk, New York
  • Akshat Khaitan – Credit & Markets, London
  • Johnny Kim – Health Care Strategic Growth, New York
  • Chresten Knaff – Private Equity, London
  • Katherine Kober – Global Finance, New York
  • Drew Kolmar – Credit & Markets, New York
  • Edna Kwong – Compliance, Hong Kong
  • Turia Lahlou – Credit & Markets, San Francisco
  • Jennifer McGroarty – Legal, New York
  • Simrun Mehta – Private Equity, Mumbai
  • Josh Metz – Global Client Solutions, Chicago
  • Ami Momaya – Infrastructure, Mumbai
  • Gio Onate – Global Client Solutions, Miami
  • Kevin O’Neill – Credit & Markets, New York
  • Michael Osborne – Real Estate Equity, San Francisco
  • Justin Park – Global Client Solutions, New York
  • Ben Pederson – Next Generation Technology, New York
  • Angela Pflug – Global Client Solutions, New York
  • Shannon Rutter – Global Client Solutions, New York
  • Philipp Schaelli – Private Equity, London
  • Richard Schoenfeld – Credit & Markets, Washington, D.C.
  • Laura Schroeder – Private Equity, Frankfurt
  • Angad Singh – Private Equity, New York
  • Jyo Sinha – Capstone, Menlo Park
  • Evelyn Stevens – Credit & Markets, San Francisco
  • Wei Xin – Credit & Markets, Hong Kong
  • Jacqueline Zhuang – Global Client Solutions, Singapore

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.

Emily Cummings
(212) 750-8300
media@kkr.com

Source: KKR

 

Categories: People