News

Pantheon hires Brian Lim from CDC

Pantheon Ventures, one of the earliest fund of funds entrants in the Asian market, has hired Brian Lim from UK government-backed CDC Group. Lim will join the firm's Hong Kong-based team, currently investing an $800m Asian fund of funds.

IFC exec joins private equity firm

Anthony Gichini, formerly of the IFC’s SME Support Centre, has joined socially-minded private equity firm InReturn as managing partner in Nairobi. The InReturn East Africa Fund is close to making its first investment.

IFC launches asset management division with $1bn fund

Gavin Wilson, a London-based Goldman Sachs executive, has been named IFC Asset Management Company’s first chief executive officer.

KKR hires former US-Saudi ambassador

Ford Fraker will augment the firm’s network and relationships in the Middle East, where KKR began operations last year. He remains a shareholder in Trinity Group, a London-based investment bank and placement agent he co-founded in 1996.

Bain loses Japanese managing director

Junichi Shiroshita has left the firm to join Bank of America’s investment banking business in Japan.

Banking veteran to chair Italian alternatives firm

IDeA Alternative Investments has appointed as chairman Lino Benassi, whose chairmanships currently include Banca Italease and Credit Suisse Italy. IDeA plans to augment its private equity fund products with special situation, hedge, real estate and mezzanine products as well as to launch alternative investment firms in Southern Europe.

Former Park Hill exec pleads guilty in kick-back scandal

Julio Ramirez, who left Blackstone-affiliated placement agent Park Hill in March, has pleaded guilty to securities fraud. The allegations stem from the time Ramirez was employed by Wetherly Capital, prior to joining Park Hill; Blackstone told PEO its internal investigation revealed no misconduct at Park Hill.

Carlyle names MENA senior advisor

Nader Sultan will help the global private equity firm source energy deals in the MENA region.

KKR sets up in Dubai

The global titan has been granted a license by the Dubai Financial Services Authority to operate from the Dubai International Financial Centre.

Pomona replaces European head

The fund of funds business has replaced Brian Wright, who left the business back in August 2008, with former Adams Street partner Oliver Gardey.