MiddleGround Capital, an operationally focused private equity firm that makes control investments in middle market B2B industrial and specialty distribution companies, launched its European office, alongside hires to lead the new office as well as several key executive level promotions. The firm’s European strategy launched Jan. 3, and is based in Amsterdam. Additionally, the promotions are part of MiddleGround’s strategic plan to expand its operating capabilities to meet the growing needs of global investors and portfolio investments.
New Hires to Spearhead the Ramp-Up of the Firm’s European Efforts
MiddleGround hired Alexander van der Have, Anthony Denaix and Robert Jonkers to lead its European strategy. They report directly to John Stewart, MiddleGround’s founding partner. The firm’s European leadership team brings extensive experience across investing, business development and operations.
Van der Have, will serve as managing director and head of the investment team. Van der Have joins the firm with extensive investment experience. His most recent role he was part of the management team running the venture / growth capital & private equity business at Ingka Investments (part of IKEA group). Prior to that, he also served in various senior investment management roles in private equity and venture capital firms. Throughout his career he served as a board member in several companies active in mobility, additive manufacturing, logistics, financial services and cleantech markets.
Denaix, will serve as managing director and head of business development. Denaix joins MiddleGround with a wealth of experience in business development and private equity client solutions from his time at both Orbit Partners, where he served as managing director of global business development and origination, as well as at GLG, where he held numerous leadership positions focused in EMEA. He also held a position as engagement manager at Calash, a full-service energy consultancy providing strategy, business advisory and M&A services to private equity, banks, credit funds and corporates.
Jonkers, will serve as managing director and head of operations. Jonkers brings a unique combination of hands-on operational experience with leadership roles in McKinsey’s supply chain practice, where he focused on elevating supply chain organizations and networks to unlock the strategic potential as a critical enabler of overall business performance. Prior to his time at McKinsey, Jonkers held senior positions at Nature’s Pride and PON amongst others. Over the course of his career, he has developed an invaluable skillset across verticals and his deep knowledge about operational value creations is an ideal addition to MiddleGround’s operating team in Europe.
The European team will be comprised of other senior management, including Brandon Hamel, who was a senior associate in North America and has been promoted to vice president of the transaction team as well as Sarah Varghese, who was an associate in North America and has been promoted to senior associate of the transaction team. Both Hamel and Varghese have accepted a rotational assignment in Amsterdam.
“We have already established a strong foothold in Europe, and the official launch of our European office marks the next stage of growth for our firm,” John Stewart, founding partner of MiddleGround, said. “MiddleGround Capital is putting boots on the ground in Europe, and our three new team members – Anthony, Robert and Alex – will lead the European Team. I look forward to working closely with them as we expand our efforts to ensure we replicate our success in North America and apply our operational expertise to transform industrial companies across Europe.”