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Battistoni joins Charlesbank Capital Partners

Darren Battistoni has joined Charlesbank Capital Partners as a managing director. Battistoni is the founding partner of Pamplona TMT.

Nives joins Gridiron Capital

John Nives has joined Gridiron Capital LLC as an operating partner. Nives helped launched Watson at IBM.

Independent sponsors are hot — but LPs must be careful: panel

Partners Capital to open San Francisco office in July '19

Partners Capital, an outsourced investment office acting for endowments, foundations and ultra high-net-worth families in Europe, North America and Asia, is planning to open a West Coast office in San Francisco in July 2019. Sudharshan Murugesu, who joined the firm in 2013, will lead the new office. Prior to joining Partners Capital, Murugesu worked at Bain Capital, Marshall Wace and Vantage Investment Management.

Thoma Bravo-backed Apttus appoints chief legal officer

Apttus, which is backed by Thoma Bravo, has named Omer Rafatullah as chief legal officer. Previously, he worked at Kirkland & Ellis LLP where he was a corporate partner.

DCM promotes two to partner

DCM, an early-stage venture firm, has promoted Kyle Lui and Ray Zhao to partner. Lui is based in the U.S. and Zhao is in China. Prior to joining DCM, Lui was co-founder and CEO of ChoicePass, which was acquired by SalesForce. And, Zhao worked at Tencent Investment.

Star Mountain hires Glennon as VP

Star Mountain Capital LLC, an investment manager focused on the U.S. lower middle-market, has named Michael Glennon as a vice president. His work background includes stints at Blackstone and Marakon. He also worked at the White House as an economic associate focusing on economic policy, research and political appointments.

Tailwind promotes two to partner and another to managing director

Tailwind Capital has promoted Brian Berkin and Andrew Mayer to partner and Will Fleder to managing director. Berkin joined the middle-market private equity firm in 2017 while Mayer came on board in 2012. And, Fleder joined Tailwind in 2011.

Nixon Peabody beefs up corporate practice with new hire

Law firm Nixon Peabody has hired Lior Zorea as a partner to its national corporate practice. Based in the San Francisco office, Zorea represents emerging growth companies and venture capital funds. Previously, he worked at Perkins Coie LLP.

Foresite recruits Smith as IR head

Foresite Capital, a healthcare and life sciences investment firm, has named Nick Smith as head of investor relations. Previously, Smith opened Winton Group's San Francisco office and data center.