KKR Capstone adds China MD

KKR Capstone, the internal operations unit of Kohlberg Kravis Roberts, strengthened its Asia Pacific team, hiring Matthew Chang as managing director in China, according to a company statement.

He will lead the global private equity firm’s involvement in its China-based portfolio companies, joining from Roland Berger Strategy Consultants in Shanghai, where he was global senior partner leading the firm’s operations and restructuring practices in Asia.

“We are thrilled to add a professional of Matthew’s caliber to our team. His broad range of experience and proven track record of enhancing business performance in China was a rare combination to find,” Scott Bookmyer, head of KKR Capstone Asia, said in a statement.

“Matthew’s entrepreneurial underpinning gives him great appreciation for the challenges faced by the entrepreneurs we often partner with in China, while his corporate and consulting experience arms him with an extensive toolkit for helping improve operations across a diverse range of sectors and industries.”

Chang’s appointment comes as KKR Capstone continues to expand its Asia team. In March 2013, it added Sakae Suzuki as director in Japan, not long after Akhil Puri joined as a director in India.

KKR Capstone now has over 50 professionals globally and 18 across Asia Pacific.

The operational team is made up of experienced industry executives and specialists, who work with KKR's investment professionals and management teams to improve the operations in its portfolio companies.

Areas of focus include generating growth, increasing efficiency, and enhancing capital allocations, as well as implementing KKR's sustainability initiatives, such as responsible sourcing to help portfolio companies manage their environmental impact.

“It is a great opportunity to join such a world-class operational team that has successfully implemented strategic and innovative improvements for companies worldwide. It’s an exciting time for businesses in China,” Chang added.