Meredith Jenkins Discusses Opportunities in Private Equity
Meredith Jenkins, Trinity Wall Street’s Chief Investment Officer, oversees the nearly $6 billion endowment for the 326-year-old church in New York City’s financial district. Jenkins explains why she sees opportunities in the secondary market in private equity and why rising interest rates and other factors make credit attractive from a risk/return perspective.
How Unique Cultural Journeys Can Help Entrepreneurs Succeed
A child of post-war Vietnamese refugees, Julien Pham emigrated with his parents to France at the age of 4 and then to the U.S. when he was 14. After a successful career as a respected physician, Pham decided to combine his interest in innovation with the life lessons he learned as a Third Culture Kid. […]
A Challenging but Opportunistic Time for VCs
While the economic environment we are heading into appears to be a very challenging one for venture capitalists, the market correction and lower multiples enterprises will command will create attractive opportunities for savvy investors. In this episode of Perspectives, NAIC’s video series, Samara Mejia Hernandez, Founding Partner of Chingona Ventures, explains why she sees value […]
HR Considerations When Launching a New Firm
While it may lack the allure of deal-making, human resources and talent management are critical parts of any alternative investment management firm. In this edition of Perspectives, NAIC’s online video series, Marene Jennings, Managing Director, Alternative Investments & Manager Selection (AIMS) for Goldman Sachs Asset Management, shares her insights on how best to assemble a […]
Getting Dollars in the Door
The fund-raising process can be a daunting one for first-time fund managers. It requires a target, a reasonable goal and a way to get there. In this edition of Perspectives, NAIC’s video series, Marene Jennings, Managing Director, Alternative Investments & Manager Selection (AIMS) for Goldman Sachs Asset Management, offers actionable advice for managers raising for […]
Creating an Effective Firm Strategy
Developing the right strategy is one of the crucial early steps required when launching an alternative investment firm. In this edition of Perspectives, NAIC’s online video series, Marene Jennings, Managing Director, Alternative Investments & Manager Selection (AIMS) for Goldman Sachs Asset Management, provides a checklist of essential considerations when establishing the new firm.
Growing Diverse Funds for Greater Impact
The Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS) announced plans last year to invest an additional $3 billion with Emerging Managers over 3-5 years. This came on top of an existing $5.8 billion TRS has already invested with emerging managers since 2005. In this installment of Perspectives, NAIC’s video series, Jarvis Hollingsworth, Chairman of the TRS […]
How Young Professionals Can Succeed in Financial Services
How can a young professional or student looking to get a foothold into the financial services industry best position themself for success? In this installment of Perspectives, NAIC’s video series, Brent Gledhill, Managing Director, Global Head of Investment Banking, William Blair, shares some of his recommendations to aspiring professionals, including conducting thorough research as specific […]
The Case for Diversity in the Boardroom
For there to be greater business and career opportunities for those diverse groups that have historically been excluded, there must be increased representation within boardrooms. In this installment of Perspectives, NAIC’s online video series, Hershel Harper, UAW Retiree Medical Benefits Trust’s Chief Investment Officer, discusses the significance of a diverse boardroom and how the Trust […]
Managing Biases
Decision-makers within institutional investors and consulting firms often have preconceptions or biases when it comes to looking at smaller asset managers. In this installment of Perspectives, NAIC’s online video series, Angela Matheny, Director of Investment Staff & Diverse Manager Equity at Colonial Consulting, discusses why the firm sets aside those biases to focus on talent […]
Creating Opportunities for Diverse Communities
John W. Rogers, Jr., Chairman, Co-CEO and Chief Investment Officer of Ariel Investments, believes that to create more opportunities for diverse-owned businesses and their communities, there must first be greater diverse representation in the boardroom working to see that opportunities flow into these communities. In this installment of Perspectives, NAIC’s online video series, Rogers shares […]
Knowing The Process
What will it take to increase the level of diversity on public plan trustee boards? In this installment of Perspectives, NAIC’s online video series, Jarvis V. Hollingsworth, Chairman of the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), explains some of the processes keeping many diverse candidates out of the running for these appointed positions and how […]
Seeking Diverse Managers Who Add Value
The San Francisco Foundation, one of the largest community foundations in the country, supports thousands of nonprofit organizations each year to advance racial and economic equity in the Bay Area. In this installment of Perspectives, NAIC’s online video series, Mark Doherty, Director of Investments, explains what the foundation looks for in an asset manager. The […]
Diversity — An Important Part of William Blair’s Evolution
One of the leading advisors for diverse asset managers, William Blair has led approximately $30 billion in buy/sell transactions with these firms. In this installment of Perspectives, NAIC’s online video series, John R. Ettelson, President & Chief Executive Officer of William Blair, explains the value of instituting an effective policy and culture for diversity and […]
Deal-Making in South America
What is the outlook for investing in South America over the next 5-10 years? In this installment of Perspectives, NAIC’s online video series, Oscar Decotelli, Managing Partner and CEO of DXA Investments, explains the risks and benefits of investing in the region and how his firm’s investment strategy generates emerging market returns while minimizing risk. […]
Diverse Managers — Where the Action Is
“We want to be where the action is. We want to be in the room,” says Ellen-Blair Chube, Managing Director and Client Service Officer for William Blair, explaining her firm’s goal of increasing business with diverse managers. In this installment of Perspectives, NAIC’s online video series, Chube explains why the firm sees great value in […]
The Secret to a Home Run Deal
Last year was a busy one for NexPhase Capital, which completed the sale of CPS Group Holdings, Inc. to Frazier Healthcare Partners for a 4.83x return and entered a definitive agreement to sell software company Flexible Architecture & Simplified Technology, LLC to Verisk Analytics, Inc. In this installment of Perspectives, NAIC’s online video series, Ted […]
Standing Out in a Crowd
How can a young private equity firm best gain a positive reputation and build relationships to position itself for larger capital allocations? In this installment of Perspectives, NAIC’s online video series, Brent Gledhill, Managing Director, Global Head of Investment Banking, William Blair, spells out what he looks for in an asset manager and provides actionable […]
How Colonial Consulting Built an Effective Diversity Plan
While many investment consulting firms have yet to realize the benefits of embracing diversity and inclusion, Colonial Consulting put together a plan that resulted in not only greater client satisfaction, but greater capital commitments to diverse asset managers. In this installment of Perspectives, NAIC’s online video series, Angela Matheny, Director of Investment Staff & Diverse […]
Texas TRS’ Plan to Invest More Than $3 Billion With Emerging Managers
The Teachers Retirement System of Texas (TRS) announced plans last year to invest an additional $3 billion with Emerging Managers over 3-5 years. This came on top of an existing $5.8 billion TRS has already invested with emerging managers since 2005. In this installment of Perspectives, NAIC’s online video series, Jarvis Hollingsworth, Chairman of the […]
Staying Off the SEC’s Radar
In recent years, the SEC has increased its regulation of private equity firms and their practices. In this installment of Perspectives, NAIC’s online video series, Gregory M. Weston, Partner at international law firm Winston & Strawn LLP, shares his thoughts regarding critical areas that fall in the SEC’s crosshairs – reporting, transparency, conflicts of interest […]
Finding Gems In Healthcare
An effective investment team is one of the most critical components of a money management firm. In this installment of Perspectives, NAIC’s online video series, Avinash Amin, MD, Co-Founder and Partner of Madryn Asset Management, shares his firm’s investment strategy, decision-making process and how they deliver superior risk-adjusted returns. Madryn invests in innovative healthcare companies […]
The Influencers of the Role Model
John W. Rogers, Jr., Chairman, Co-CEO & Chief Investment Officer of Ariel Investments, has been a longtime role model for his business success, philanthropy, advocacy for diversity, and public service. In this installment of Perspectives, NAIC’s online video series, we ask Rogers who his role models were. From his mother – the first African American […]
The Return on Investing in Diversity
For a firm to deliver their best to clients, they must nurture and retain top talent. In this installment of Perspectives, NAIC’s online video series, Jacqui Robertson, Global Head of Talent, Diversity and Inclusion for William Blair & Co., talks the value of having different perspectives within an organization and properly investing in the right […]
The Future of Co-Investing
Co-investors have evolved over time from passive investing to more sophisticated, more engaged investors, says Robert Azeke, Founder and Managing Partner of Farol Asset Management LP. In this installment of Perspectives, NAIC’s online video series, Azeke discusses the evolution of co-investing and how it impacts his firm’s investment strategy.
Solutions for Mitigating Deal Risk
A lot of time, money and effort goes into structuring M&A deals, and there are many things that can scuttle a deal or have an otherwise negative impact on its value or terms. Nina Boone, Managing Director, AON, shares some of the products available to help mitigate some of that risk and how her firm’s […]
A Viable Career Path For Women Equity
Alisa Amarosa Wood, Member, Client and Partner Group, Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. L.P., says women make up only about 18% of the entire private equity industry, and roughly 9% of the senior levels. A greater emphasis on communicating to women the viability of a career choice in private equity while they’re in school as […]
Casting a Wider Net
Verdun S. Perry, Senior Managing Director, Blackstone, says several things can be done to increase diversity within the private equity industry. First, he notes that recruiters can look beyond the typical universities for talent. He also says established, successful diverse professionals in the industry can also help educate and expose young people to the industry.
It Takes a Village
Mentorship was an important component of David Grain’s success and something he passes along to those professionals he meets. Mr. Grain, Founder and Managing Partner of Grain Management LLC, also shares his appreciation for reading biographies of successful people and how he benefited from learning from their accomplishments.
NAIC a ‘Terrific’ Partner
Ted Eliopoulos, Chief Investment Officer of CalPERS, extols the benefits of working with the National Association of Investment Companies on various initiatives over the years, which includes an advisory role on the agency’s Transition Emerging Manager Program.
The Value of Mentorship
José Feliciano, Managing Partner & Founder of Clearlake Capital Group, admits that he knew nothing about investment banking early in his educational career. Here, he discusses his entry into the industry, why he is involved with mentoring organizations and his efforts to educate young diverse people on the financial services industry.
A Collage of Mentors
Frank Baker, Co-Founder & Managing Partner of Siris Capital Group talks about the value of mentorship and the individuals who have positively influenced him on his professional journey. With an M.B.A. from Harvard Business School, Baker started his career in the Mergers and Acquisitions group of Goldman Sachs.
The Challenges of Raising Capital
Despite delivering superb performance many diverse firms continue to struggle with raising capital. David Perez, President & Chief Operating Officer of Palladium Equity Partners, talks about the role emerging manager programs can play in helping these firms grow assets so that assets reflect performance. Palladium Equity Partners is focused on making investments in lower-middle market […]
The Value of Diverse Managers
R. David Kelly, Chairman of the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), reveals how his team helped increase the size of the retirement plan and the role diverse managers played in growing assets by achieving superior returns. TRS manages a $132 billion fund and provides retirement and related benefits for those employed by public schools, […]
The Business Case for Inclusion
Creating policies that embrace diversity isn’t just a moral imperative, but also sound business practice. Maha Eltobgy, Head of Investors Industries, Member of the Executive Committee, World Economic Forum LLC, says those involved in seeing greater diversity in the private equity industry needs to press the business case for inclusion.
Valuable Mentorship
Howard Sanders, Founder and Managing Director of Auldbrass Partners, shares how institutional and entrepreneurial mentorship helped his team more effectively communicate both internally and with investors. He also cites how his firm, a spinout of Citigroup, received support from executives at the financial giant.
Diverse Teams, Better Performance
Several studies have proven that firms with diverse teams outperform benchmarks at a greater rate than other firms. Alisa Amarosa Wood, Member, Client and Partner Group, Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. L.P., points out that more diverse decisions lead to better discussions and better results which can drive value to a firm’s constituents.
Defining Success for the Diverse Asset Managers Initiative
Robert Raben, President & Founder of The Raben Group, says the Diverse Asset Managers Initiative will succeed when inclusion and participation by people of color is so complete that a distinct effort is no longer needed. Until then, the initiative will employ advocacy, education and assertive tactics to make the case that diversity means performance.
Making the Case for Diverse Managers
The performance of diverse managers in the market (and the data to prove it) has resulted in institutional investors allocating more in the space, with an increased number of allocators creating programs to effectively do just that, according to Joseph Haslip, Chairman of the NAIC. He also cites NAIC member Vista Equity Partners being named […]
How Diversity Adds Value
David J. Grain, Founder and Managing Partner of Grain Management LLC, shares his thoughts on the value diverse managers bring to their corporate partners and his approach to team-building. An active participant in national civic affairs, President Barack Obama appointed Mr. Grain to the National Infrastructure Advisory Council (NIAC) in July 2011.
Working with Diverse Managers
Ted Eliopoulos, Chief Investment Officer of CalPERS, discusses the agency’s experience with its decades-long commitment to diverse managers, CalPERS’ usage of the diverse manager pool for acquiring top talent as well as its long-term investment strategy. With more than 1.8 million members and approximately $300 billion in assets CalPERS manages the largest public pension fund […]
Tackling Diversity
Daniel L. Black, Managing Partner of the Wicks Group, tackles the issues of diversity within the private equity industry — the causes and potential solutions to ensure barriers are removed for women and people of color. The Wicks Group is a private equity firm that invests in lower-middle-market companies operating in segments of the information, […]
The Significance of Diversity
As America continues to become more diverse, it becomes increasingly important to avoid a concentration of investible capital within in a small group of people who could potentially suffer from groupthink or pattern recognition that don’t include diverse people. Here, Robert L. Greene, President & CEO of the NAIC, explains the Diverse Asset Managers Initiative […]
Getting The Message Out To Women
When it comes to recruiting best-in-class talented women into the private equity industry, there’s a bit of a communication breakdown. Alisa Amarosa Wood, Member, Client and Partner Group, Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. L.P. details some of the industry efforts under way to market to, recruit and mentor women to order reduce the current gender […]
Greater Diversity Equals Better Outcomes
An increase in diversity in financial services will inevitably lead to industry growth and ultimately better solutions for clients, according to Jon W. Zindel, Chief Financial Officer for William Blair & Co. In this installment of Perspectives, NAIC’s online video series, Zindel shares his firm’s take on the value of diversity and inclusion and explains […]
A Long-Term Perspective
As a portfolio manager and entrepreneur, Nili Gilbert, Co-Founder and Portfolio Manager of Matarin Capital Management, says one of the most exciting things is the ever-changing industry. She believes her firm will be more successful by focusing on long-term ideas and a long-term discipline – separating the true signals from the noise.
Avoiding Groupthink
Emerging managers and diverse owned management firms bring a different way of thinking about how to acquire portfolio companies, what price they are looking to pay for them and how to position leadership on those portfolio companies. Christopher Robinson, Partner, Investment Funds Group of Kirkland & Ellis LLP, says these new perspectives help avoid group […]
Building a Bellwether
The hedge fund industry is changing dramatically on a daily basis, says T. Troy Dixon, Founder and Chief Investment Officer, Hollis Park Partners LP. In the current environment, solution-based investing is as important as alpha generation. He envisions his firm as becoming one of the bellwether alternative asset managers within the structured products space globally.
Comfortable with Being Uncomfortable
“In order to find unique investment opportunities, investors have to get comfortable with being uncomfortable,” says Nili Gilbert, Co-Founder and Portfolio Manager of Matarin Capital Management. She points out that the easy decisions have already been discounted in the markets, so the challenge is finding ideas that others haven’t found – in trades that would […]
Expanding the Scope
How can service providers help diverse owned firms expand their scope? Christopher Robinson, Partner, Investment Funds Group of Kirkland & Ellis LLP, explains how service providers can assist with establishing a credit fund, a permanent capital vehicle, or exploring a GP minority transaction.
Massive Changes Ahead
T. Troy Dixon, Founder and Chief Investment Officer, Hollis Park Partners LP, He also sees a “massive change” ahead for housing, Freddie Mac and Fannie Made and other areas where risk premium should rise, creating opportunities over the coming months. He also recounts his transition from running a large trading operation at a major investment […]
Forecasting Returns
When it comes to investment strategies, Matarin Capital Management employs a return forecasting model. Nili Gilbert, Co-Founder and Portfolio Manager of the firm says her team looks at four concepts for forecasting stock prices: good businesses, inexpensive valuations, shareholder-friendly leadership teams, and evidence of short-term catalysts for outperformance. While the market may reward one theme […]
Providing a Value Add
Christopher Robinson, Partner, Investment Funds Group of Kirkland & Ellis LLP, explains how service providers – law firms, fund auditors, fund administrators or placement agents – can provide significant value add and position emerging managers to succeed.
An Unexpected Journey
T. Troy Dixon, Founder and Chief Investment Officer, Hollis Park Partners LP, recounts his journey from a child in Hollis, Queens, to collegiate athlete, to running a significant revenue stream for a major institution, and finally launching an alternative asset management firm specializing in structured products.
Behavioral Alpha
Markets are inefficient in the intermediate term due to emotional reactions from many investors, according to Nili Gilbert, Co-Founder and Portfolio Manager of Matarin Capital Management. When these factors come into play, asset prices may move further away from their true fair value. Matarin seeks to capitalize on those emotional swings using disciplined approach to […]
Risk Management
Nili Gilbert, Co-Founder and Portfolio Manager of Matarin Capital Management, shares her insight into why she and her partners took the risk with leaving large firms to launch their own, explains the benefits of Matarin’s boutique structure and her thoughts behind building a firm with purpose that reflect the values of its founders relative to […]
Raising Diversity to a Higher Level
In order to see more women in finance, Nili Gilbert, Co-Founder and Portfolio Manager of Matarin Capital Management, says there needs to be a concerted focus on both the top and bottom ends of the pipeline. This means a focus on education and mentoring for attract younger people while also ensuring there are opportunities for […]
Outsized Returns are not Enough
Christopher Robinson, Partner, Investment Funds Group of Kirkland & Ellis LLP, says that while diverse owned private equity firms have been outperforming, it will take more than outsized returns for more of these firms to grow to scale. He explains how sponsors, new product lines and market conditions can impact the growth and scope of […]
Incubating Diverse Professionals
Historically, there have been very few diverse professionals sitting on trading desks, which are often the incubator for future hedge fund managers. T. Troy Dixon, Founder and Chief Investment Officer, Hollis Park Partners LP, shares the steps his firm is taking to expose diverse young people to the industry to contribute to greater diversity within […]
Helping the Market Evolve
Joseph Haslip, Chairman of the NAIC, shares some of the changes that have occurred within the diverse marketplace since his days as Assistant Comptroller for Pensions for New York City. Among them are increased efforts to recruit and promote women within the industry, through a partnership between the NAIC and the American Investment Council (AIC). […]
Never Cut Corners on Performance
As a former limited partner, Joseph Haslip, Chairman of the NAIC, understands the concerns regarding management fees and what can be a struggle by pension funds to meet their actuarial rate of return. However, he cautions against giving up the performance that can help allocators achieve returns for the benefit of a cheaper manager.
Diverse Hedge Funds Remain Strong
Joseph Haslip, Chairman of the NAIC, cites outperformance and strong inflows into the diverse hedge fund space, making it strong relative to the broader private equity industry. He also notes that large pension funds and other allocators embracing hedge funds as a trading strategy rather than an asset class are creating new opportunities for diverse […]
Outperformance Leading to Greater Allocations
Outperformance has led to increased comfort with investing with diverse managers by union pensions, corporations and endowments, says Joseph Haslip, Chairman of the NAIC. But as public markets have become more constrained, Haslip sees greater allocation towards asset classes like private equity. This could bode well for diverse managers, who are well positioned in those […]
Bullish on Vista
NAIC member Vista Equity Partners was recently rated the best private equity firm in the world. Patricia Miller Zollar, Managing Director of Neuberger Berman, sheds light on her history with the touted firm and the impact of having a diverse firm so widely praised.
The Future for Diverse Managers
Looking ahead to the future of the industry, Patricia Miller Zollar, Managing Director of Neuberger Berman, hopes that every institution that invests in private equity would view emerging managers as a key part of their portfolio. She adds that the continued successes of many diverse firms in the emerging managers space would help prove there.
The Future of Diverse Managers
In this clip, David Grain, Founder and Managing Partner of Grain Management LLC, shares his outlook for the diverse managers space. He expects the continued success of such diverse managers as Frank Baker, Robert Smith, Stefan Kaluzny and others to lead to increased confidence from potential capital sources and corporate partners.
Making Opportunities from What the Market Offers
David J. Grain, Founder and Managing Partner of Grain Management LLC, sheds light on his approach to deal-making and how experience has helped him learn how to structure transactions. Mr. Grain, whose firm focuses on the tech/media/telecom space, also shares why he likes the mobile broadband space.
Private Equity: CalPERS’ Top-Performing Asset
CalPERS Chief Investment Officer, Ted Eliopoulos, calls private equity the agency’s top-performing asset class over the long-term and adds that PE has met the agency’s objective of a 300 basis point overperformance relative to its global equity portfolio. He also offers advice for peers looking to establish an effective diverse managers program.
Measured Growth
Frank Baker, Co-Founder & Managing Partner of Siris Capital Group sees further growth ahead for his firm – larger funds, staff and geographic footprint. He cites a reason for the need to grow is the plethora of “young and hungry” investment professionals Baker says are going to want more responsibilities and opportunities for leadership positions.
Recognizing the Results
Work by the NAIC and other trade groups have helped quantify how good diverse managers are, says Howard Sanders, Founder and Managing Director of Auldbrass Partners. And while he is positive on the outlook for diverse managers, he adds that there needs to be more work to quantify the strong returns for these managers as […]
The Path to Secondaries
Pressure to Succeed
Verdun S. Perry, Senior Managing Director, Blackstone, knew he wanted to go into private equity while at Harvard Business School, but didn’t expect to become a founding member of a fund. In this clip, he explains how he learned about and eventually became involved in secondaries and helped build a portfolio from $0 to $21B […]
A Trillion Dollar Opportunity
What lies ahead for the diverse-led Brightwood Capital Advisors is the focus of a conversation with Melody Rollins, Partner and Head of Client Service & Business Development of the firm. The former Executive Vice President of PIMCO reveals how she sees the firm capturing market share in the $1 trillion middle-market lending arena.
Special Situations
What are the advantages of being a special situations investor? José Feliciano, Managing Partner & Founder of Santa Monica, CA-based Clearlake Capital Group explains the benefits of the strategy that helped grow his firm into a $3.5 billion AUM high-performer in the technology and industrial sectors.
Entrepreneurial Spirit
Launching a financial services firm just prior to an economic crisis will have anyone questioning the decision. José Feliciano, Managing Partner & Founder of Clearlake Capital Group, shares the challenges that come with the rollercoaster ride of starting one’s own firm. He also describes the qualities one must have to endure the storm and the […]
Something to Prove
Diverse managers work harder, longer and put more research in than others, says Howard Sanders, Founder and Managing Director of Auldbrass Partners. He adds that many diverse managers view their firms as a mission and have something to prove. As a result, they put in best efforts in producing higher returns and greater alpha.
What’s Next for Diverse Firms?
Over the next five to 10 years, Joseph Haslip, Chairman of the NAIC, expects to see an increase in commitment to the diverse managers space as well as a rise in the number of established diverse private equity firms adding strategies to their offerings to becoming multi asset class providers.
Constructing a Portfolio
Putting together an investment portfolio requires an immense amount of analytic work. Patricia Miller Zollar, Managing Director of Neuberger Berman, shares her firm’s strategy and their use of co-investments and secondaries to mitigate the J curve and add value to the portfolio.
First Timers
Patricia Miller Zollar, Managing Director of Neuberger Berman, explains that the firm focuses on first time and graduated funds while the manager is emerging, positioning both firms to grow together. She clarifies, however, that the manager must first have demonstrated a track record of creating value on some platform.
Creating Value
Patricia Miller Zollar, Managing Director of Neuberger Berman, shares the firm’s business principles and how focusing on the market, research and selectivity and other strategies have contributed to a successful track record that spans more than 30 years.
Managing Growth
It’s a certain kind of determination that inspires people to leave a global giant to take on the risk of establishing their own firm. José Feliciano, Managing Partner & Founder of Clearlake Capital Group shares his experiences as he transitioned from a worldwide brand to a startup. He also reveals his approach to managing the […]
Misunderstood Opportunities
Longtime investment strategist and dealmaker Frank Baker, Co-Founder & Managing Partner of Siris Capital Group, explains why ‘misunderstood’ mature companies in the technology sector could make for significant opportunities. Siris Capital Group is a leading private equity firm focused on making control investments in data, telecommunications, technology and technology-enabled business service companies in North America.
Growing Pains
There is a right and a wrong way to scale a business, and incorrect decisions can lead to costly errors. Here, Frank Baker, Co-Founder & Managing Partner of Siris Capital Group, explains the moves made and infrastructure put in place early on at his firm to alleviate those growing pains. Founded in 2011, Siris now […]
The Art of Deal-Making
What goes into a successful private equity deal? David Perez, President & Chief Operating Officer of Palladium Equity Partners, sheds light on his firm’s investment philosophy and what goes into the transactions that lead to fund performance. Palladium Equity Partners is focused on making investments in lower-middle market companies with a special focus on partnering […]
Overseas Opportunities
Where are overseas opportunities for diverse managers? President & Chief Operating Officer of Palladium Equity Partners, David Perez, reveals global trends and how diverse managers can benefit from them. Palladium Equity Partners is focused on making investments in lower-middle market companies with a special focus on partnering with founders and family-owned businesses.
Building a Brand in Financial Services
David Perez, President & Chief Operating Officer of Palladium Equity Partners, discusses how his team created a world-class brand with Palladium. The firm, which is focused on making investments in lower-middle market companies with a special focus on partnering with founders and family-owned businesses, is one of the few in its industry to have so […]
Large Firm Tools, Smaller Transactions
Auldbrass Partners’ competitive advantage, according to Howard Sanders, Founder and Managing Director of the firm, is that they bring all the tools of the larger funds to a smaller set of assets. Auldbrass focuses on small pieces of secondaries in established high-quality funds and apply the same level of analysis, market knowledge and information to […]
Entrepreneurialism Required
A strong entrepreneurial commitment is required to build a world-class investment firm from the ground up. Howard Sanders, Founder and Managing Director of Auldbrass Partners, shares some of the challenges his team faced as well as the infrastructure needed and important lessons learned along the way.
It Begins with Intentionality
To see greater female representation within the private equity industry, according to Patricia Miller Zollar, Managing Director of Neuberger Berman, there must be a marshalling of resources directed towards greater representation. She also lays out some of the things firms need to do to help recruit and retain greater numbers of female professionals.
Recruiting Women to Private Equity
Melody Rollins, Partner and Head of Client Service & Business Development of Brightwood Capital Advisors, explains why there are so few women in the private equity industry and what can be done to ensure a healthy pipeline of female talent to recruit and retain at firms of all sizes. Brightwood provides flexible capital solutions to […]
Problems with the Pipeline
The lack of female representation within the private equity industry is a result of a problem with the entire pipeline – applying for a job, being interviewed, retained and promoted. Maha Eltobgy, Head of Investors Industries, Member of the Executive Committee, World Economic Forum LLC, says there are few women represented in every phase of […]
The Case for Boardroom Diversity
Once a diverse professional has earned a seat on a corporate board of directors, the onus is on him or her to become a leader in the boardroom and champion economic fairness, says John W. Rogers Jr., Chairman, CEO & Chief Investment Officer of Ariel Investments. In this installment of Perspectives, NAIC’s online video series, […]
A Champion for Diversity
Former Illinois Senate President Emil Jones, Jr. shares how he managed to pass legislation mandating the inclusion of diverse-owned investment firms among the state’s selected investment managers. One of the great champions for diversity, Senator Jones learned the inner workings of the state pension systems and their allocation processes to successfully craft regulations that would […]
More ‘Jackie Robinson Moments’ for Diverse Managers Ahead
Looking to the future of the industry, John W. Rogers Jr., Chairman, CEO & Chief Investment Officer of Ariel Capital Management, hopes to see more universities, hospitals and other private institutions working with diverse money management firms. In this installment of Perspectives, NAIC’s online video series, Rogers surmises that if more of the non-profit institutions […]
The Role of Diversity in Creating Tomorrow’s Firms
William Blair & Co.’s Stephanie Braming, Global Head of Investment Management, Partner, CFA, shares her thoughts on the role diversity plays in creating the next generation of successful investment management firms. Different cultures and outlooks lead to a cognitive diversity that Braming says can lead to stronger outcomes. Diversity has to come from the top […]
Why Diversify?
Robert Raben, President & Founder of The Raben Group, reveals the significance of and need for the Diverse Asset Managers Initiative (DAMI), which aims to increase deal flow towards diverse managers. The Raben Group, which will be spearheading advocacy efforts along with the NAIC, works to identify opportunities and solve problems for clients in the […]
Progressive Practices
Maha Eltobgy, Head of Investors Industries, Member of the Executive Committee, World Economic Forum LLC, says private equity firms are starting to create mechanisms to penetrate the perception that the industry has an old boys’ club atmosphere. Among these practices are working with human resources departments to ensure that the firm is looking at resumes […]
A Unique Campaign
Robert Raben, President & Founder of The Raben Group, discusses some of the similarities and differences between the Diverse Asset Managers Initiative and other campaigns on which his firm has worked. The Raben Group, which will be spearheading advocacy efforts along with the NAIC, works to identify opportunities and solve problems for clients in the […]
The Benefits of Gender Diversity
Kelly M. Williams, Senior Advisor, GCM Grosvenor, says the industry only gets better when there are more women involved. She also points to the various studies independently concluding that firms with more diverse decision-making teams tend to outperform others. Additionally, asset allocators are as likely as not to have a female on their team and […]
Sponsors, Advocates Needed
To truly move the needle towards greater gender diversity, male and female private equity leaders are needed to serve as advocates to help show junior women the path to success and speak on their behalf within their respective firms. Kelly M. Williams, Senior Advisor, GCM Grosvenor, also points out that having written promotion policies and […]
Creating a Culture of Inclusion
Setting policies and programs at a private equity firm that are conducive to recruiting and retaining women is about creating a culture of inclusion, says Kelly M. Williams, Senior Advisor, GCM Grosvenor. She suggests that men within those firms look to who the next superstar is and make sure that career is being managed the […]
Industry Efforts Towards Gender Diversity
Bronwyn D. Bailey, Vice President – Research & Investor Relations, American Investment Council, shares some of the policies firms have instituted to recruit and retain greater numbers of women. They include educational programs for female high school students and internships for university undergraduates. She also cites efforts by BlackRock and Wilshire Consulting to increase market […]
A Complex Multi Pronged Issue
The reasons for the dearth of women in the private equity industry is twofold, according to Bronwyn D. Bailey, Vice President – Research & Investor Relations, American Investment Council. The greatest contributors to this underrepresentation are recruitment practices that have looked to the same sources for talent over the years and a lack of programs […]
Making NAIC a Household Name in the Financial World
Robert L. Greene, President & CEO of the National Association of Investment Companies (NAIC), discusses his vision for the organization, how its member firms have grown over the years and the plan to build a bigger community of influencers around diverse managers so their value is respected and appreciated.
DAMI’s Three Pronged Approach
With regards to diversity and inclusion, asset allocators tend to fall into three groups. Here, Robert Raben, President & Founder of The Raben Group, describes those groups and shares the Diverse Asset Managers Initiative’s strategy for addressing allocators in each of them. The Raben Group, which will be spearheading advocacy efforts along with the NAIC, […]
Effective Mentoring
Mentorship is an important part of career development, but according to Verdun S. Perry, Senior Managing Director, Blackstone, a proper mentor/mentee relationship must come about organically. He also discusses the significance of creating a legacy of helping others to succeed in his chosen field.
Starting The Conversation
The first step in bringing about the changes necessary to recruit, retain and promote talented women in the private equity industry, is having an honest conversation about life’s pain points, says Alisa Amarosa Wood, Member, Client and Partner Group, Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. L.P. Discussing the challenges with caring for sick parents, dealing with […]
Policies To Retain Women
Bronwyn D. Bailey, Vice President – Research & Investor Relations, American Investment Council, says private equity firms can take steps to ensure gender diversity, including formal leadership training for men and women, family leave policies, more formalized pathways to promotion and compensation. She also points out the need to track data and statistics on recruitment […]
Champions Needed
Robert L. Greene, President & CEO of the NAIC, explains the need for champions within the private equity and hedge fund industries. Champions are those individuals within a capital allocator who is not afraid to go in and fight the status quo to help increase the awareness of the opportunities that lie within the diverse […]