On the Move: January 2024 Hires and Promotions

Levine Leichtman Capital Partners: Brian Klaban, Josh Kaufman et al.

Brian Klaban has been hired as Head of Capital Markets and Director of Originations at Los Angeles-based private equity firm Levine Leichtman Capital Partners (LLCP), a recent press release said. At the firm, Klaban will work with the investment team to identify and develop investment opportunities, focusing on the Midwest and Southeast regions. He brings nearly 20 years of experience in the financial services industry, having most recently serving as Head of Business Development and Debt Capital Markets at private equity firm Platte River Equity.

In a separate announcement, LLCP also announced Josh Kaufman was named a Partner at the firm; Kaufman will continue in his role as head of LLCP’s European business. That same announcement also revealed the promotions of seven members of its Investment Management and Originations teams: Debbie Habib, Michael Knapp and Adam McKeen have been promoted to managing director; Jay Berajawala has been promoted to director; and Oliver Demaine, Zak Ibnatik and Cole Sterrett have been promoted to senior associate.

Oberon Securities: Matthew Guenther

Middle-market boutique investment bank Oberon Securities announced this month the hiring of Matthew Guenther as its new Managing Director. He brings more than 25 years of transaction and advisor experience to middle-market businesses to evaluate, structure and negotiate investment opportunities. Further, Guenther collaborates with businesses to drive organic and inorganic growth. He most recently served as a managing partner at GenNx360 Capital Partners, an announcement provided to Middle Market Growth said.

Odyssey Investment Partners: Tug Fisher, Judah Levy and Spencer Marks

Private equity firm Odyssey Investment Partners announced three promotions this month: Tug Fisher, who has been with the firm for 13 years, has been promoted to managing principal from principal. Elsewhere, Judah Levy has been promoted to vice president from senior associate, and Spencer Marks has been promoted to senior associate from associate. In a statement provided to Middle Market Growth, Odyssey CEO Brian Kwait said the promotions “acknowledge their impressive contributions to Odyssey’s success and the strategic growth of our portfolio companies.”

Renovus Capital Partners: Jason Tanker

Renovus Capital Partners is bolstering its Technology Services practice with the hiring of Jason Tanker, according to a recent press release. Tanker is joining the firm as managing director to oversee the Technology Services operations, a role in which he will identify investment opportunities, develop growth strategies and create value within existing portfolio companies. He holds more than 15 years of experience in middle-market private equity, much of which pertains to the technology space, the announcement noted.

Kian Capital: Jordan Lee and David Hare

Lower middle-market private equity firm Kian Capital announced two promotions this month, a press release said to Middle Market Growth said. Jordan Lee has been promoted to partner, and David Hare has been promoted to principal. Lee first joined Kian in 2022 with more than a decade of experience working closely with middle-market businesses to drive growth. As partner, Lee will support the deployment of Kian’s third fund, KGP III. Hare first joined the firm in 2018 as an associate and has since been promoted twice. As principal, he will focus on sourcing, executing and managing new investments, while also mentoring new junior professionals at the firm.

LBC Credit Partners: Homyar Choksi

Homyar Choksi has been promoted to Deputy Chief Investment Officer at LBC Credit Partners, an alternative credit specialist providing financing solutions to middle-market businesses, a press release sent to Middle Market Growth said. Choksi will retain his position on the firm’s Investment Committee, leading its originations team while taking on new investment responsibilities. He has been with LBC for 17 years and holds three decades of experience in middle-market leveraged lending transactions.

Harvest Partners: Claire Simon and Shane McHugh

Harvest Partners, a middle-market private equity firm, has promoted two of its team members this month, an announcement sent to Middle Market Growth said.

Shane McHugh has been promoted to principal. He first joined Harvest in 2021 as a member of its Private Equity investment team. Claire Simon has been promoted to vice president. She also joined the firm in 2021 and is currently a member of its investor relations team.

In a statement, Harvest President Stephen Carlson said, “These promotions not only reflect Shane and Claire’s exceptional dedication and performance, but also their commitment to our core values.”

Harris Williams: Jonathan Abecassis

Harris Williams, an investment bank specializing in M&A and private capital advisory services, announced via press release the hiring of Jonathan Abecassis as its newest managing Ddirector within the firm’s Private Capital Advisory Group. The Group provides primary and secondary advisory services for clients in Europe. Abecassis joins Harris Williams from his most recent role as managing director and head of capital solutions and GP advisory at Credit Suisse for its EMEA and APAC regional operations.

ATL Partners: Caleb Clark

ATL Partners, a sector-focused private equity firm focused on aerospace, transportation and logistics, has named Caleb Clark as its newest senior partner, according to an announcement made earlier this month. Clark is joining ATL to support its strategic initiatives, capital formation strategy, and firm and portfolio operations. He will also serve on the firm’s Investment Committee. Clark most recently served as a partner at Palladium Equity Partners.

Centri Business Consulting: Jaime Krug

Centri Business Consulting, an accounting and advisory firm, has a new chief operating officer. The firm said in an announcement provided to Middle Market Growth that Jaime Krug has taken on the COO role, promoted from her prior role as partner. She holds nearly 18 years of experience in public and private accounting advisory services. As COO Krug will oversee all client service activities and operations, while also providing strategic and technical development of internal processes.

Kainos Capital: Steven Koch and Alex Stanek

Kainos Capital, a private equity firm focused on the consumer sector, has announced two new promotions aimed to strengthen its investment and operations team. The firm announced via press release that Steven Koch has been promoted to principal from vice president. In his new role he will lead the evaluation and execution of transactions, as well as manage portfolio companies. Koch first joined the firm in 2014. Separately, Alex Stanek has been promoted to manager from senior associate on Kainos’ Operations Team. There, he will continue to focus on supply chain.

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.