Private Equity Professionals

KKR loses PE veteran

Jonathan Smidt has stood down as head of the industrials investment team after 18 years at the firm.

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The head of KKR’s industrials investment team has left the firm, Private Equity International has learned.

Jonathan Smidt, who was also a member of the Europe private equity investment committee, left on 31 May, according to a filing with UK Companies House.

A spokesman for the firm confirmed his departure.

He had been with the firm for 18 years, according to his LinkedIn profile. Prior to his latest role, Smidt was based in New York as a member of KKR’s energy and infrastructure team. From 2002-07, he also focused on private equity investments in the consumer products sector.

It is understood that Edouard Pillot, who was promoted to partner in October, has replaced Smidt as head of industrials in the London office. Pillot has been with KKR for 12 years, according to his LinkedIn profile.

KKR finished third in the PEI 300, the annual list of the world’s largest private equity firms.

Rod James contributed to this report.