On the Move: December 2024 Hires and Promotions

Solomon Partners: Arik Rashkes

Arik Rashkes has joined investment bank and financial advisory firm Solomon Partners as a Partner and Group Head, according to a recent press release. Rashkes will lead and build out the firm’s expansion within the financial institutions sector after Solomon added its Financial Institutions Group to its roster of industry groups.

He brings more than 25 years of experience to the firm, joining from Houlihan Lokey where he served as Co-Head of U.S. Financial Services and Head of Insurance. In a statement, Rashkes said, “There is a tremendous opportunity to build a first-class Financial Institutions Group at Solomon, and I am excited to lead this effort.”

Raymond James: Craig Tessimond

Raymond James, a financial services company, announced the addition of Craig Tessimond, who joins the firm as a managing director specializing in the insurance sector. Based in Boston, Tessimond will focus on investment banking services including M&A advisory and capital raising to support Raymond James’ expansion of its Financial Services Investment Banking practice.

Tessimond brings nearly 25 years of experience in financial services investment banking with a specialization of servicing the insurance sector. He has supported transactions across an array of insurance sectors including warranty, insurance services and risk-bearing entities. He joins the firm from Houlihan Lokey, where he spend 13 years, most recently as a managing director.

Umpqua Bank: David Navarro

Columbia Banking System subsidiary Umpqua Bank announced the hiring of David Navarro as Senior Vice President, a press release said this month. Navarro joins the institution as SVP, Southern Nevada Commercial Banking Market Leader, a position in which he will lead the bank’s expansion in the region and support the financial needs of midsized companies with annual revenues between $10 million and $1 billion.

In a statement, Executive Vice President and Mountain West Commercial Director Shawn Thompson said the addition of Navarro supports Umpqua Bank’s focus on bringing in regional top talent to drive growth in the key market that “boasts a vibrant economy and unique business community.”

Pacific Avenue Capital Partners: Xavier Lambert

Pacific Avenue Capital Partners, a Los Angeles-headquartered private equity firm, announced the opening of its newest office in Paris, France. The office will be spearheaded by Xavier Lambert, who is joining the firm as Managing Director—Head of Europe.

Lambert comes to Pacific Avenue. From OpenGate Capital, where he served as a principal in the firm’s Paris office. There, he led due diligence and acquisition execution. Pacific Avenue focuses on corporate divestitures, carve-outs and other special situations deals in the middle market.

“I am thrilled to join Pacific Avenue and drive its European expansion,” Lambert said in a statement. “The firm’s focus on middle market corporate divestitures and commitment to unlocking value through operational improvement aligns perfectly with what I have done throughout my career.”

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Brightstar Capital Partners: Charles Yoon

Brightstar Capital Partners, a middle-market private equity firm targeting the business services, industrials, consumer, and government services and technology spaces, announced recently the addition of Charles Yoon, who joins the firm as a partner.

Specifically, Yoon will serve as Managing Partner of Brightstar’s new lower middle-market strategy. He brings nearly three decades of experience in lower middle-market private equity to the firm, particularly in the business services, industrials and consumer sectors, according to a press release. He most recently served as a managing partner at Bregal Partners II.

Transom Capital: Dana Goldstein

Transom Capital Group, a private equity firm focused on the middle market, announced the hiring of Dana Goldstein to lead its Investor Relations and Marketing initiatives. As Head of Investor Relations and Marketing, Goldstein will expand the firm’s relationships with limited partners.

Goldstein joins with nearly two decades of investor relations experience, most recently leading investors relations at Athos Capital, a growth-stage investment firm. She also served at Levine Leichtman Capital Partners, also a middle-market private equity firm. Transom hires Goldstein on the heels of closing its fourth oversubscribed fund. The firm has also added eight professionals in the last two years.

Huntington National Bank: Christopher Wood

Christopher Wood has been hired by Huntington National Bank to join its commercial banking operations as Executive Managing Director of Capital Markets and Sponsor Coverage, recent reports said. The unit supports corporate and sponsor-backed companies finance investments and acquisitions.

In the position, based in Charlotte, North Carolina, Wood will lead a team that supports the bank’s corporate and private equity clients in commercial and middle markets. The hiring comes as Huntington Commercial Bank expands its presence in the middle market across the Carolinas as well as Texas; the firm recently acquired middle-market investment bank and advisory firm Capstone Partners.

BMO: Tony Sciarrino

Bank of Montreal (BMO) is reportedly hiring Tony Sciarrino to lead its U.S. commercial banking business. Reports in Reuters, citing an internal memo, say Sciarrino will replace Ray Whitacre, who is retiring Jan. 1. Sciarrino joins from JPMorgan Chase and will begin his role at BMO in late-March 2025.

He most recently served as managing director and segment head for commercial banking clients at JPMorgan Chase, and previously spent more than 26 years at Bank of America Merrill Lynch. He will serve at BMO’s Chicago and Los Angeles offices to support expansion of the bank’s commercial banking operations in the U.S.

Middle Market Growth is produced by the Association for Corporate Growth. To learn more about the organization and how to become a member, visit www.acg.org.