#United States #Darien #Aqualis Partners #Dan Santopietro #Dylan Arpey

Aqualis Partners Expands Leadership Team

Aqualis Partners, a private equity secondaries firm established in 2025 by the experienced Cari Lodge, has taken significant steps to enhance its leadership team. On May 5, 2026, the firm revealed the appointment of Dan Santopietro as the new Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Dylan Arpey as the Director of Investor Relations. These strategic hires are poised to elevate Aqualis' financial operations and investor engagement amidst the robust growth of the private equity secondaries market.

Key Appointments

The addition of Santopietro and Arpey brings a wealth of experience and expertise that aligns with Aqualis' ambitions in the private equity space. Founder Cari Lodge emphasized the critical nature of their backgrounds, stating that both appointees represent the caliber of senior talent the firm sought when it launched.

Dan Santopietro - Chief Financial Officer

Santopietro is no stranger to the private equity world, boasting over two decades of experience in fund finance and operations. Before joining Aqualis, he played a pivotal role at CVC Secondary Partners, where he was responsible for leading a global team handling financial reporting and regulatory compliance for assets exceeding $20 billion in secondary private equity. His previous experience also includes influential positions at The Blackstone Group and Credit Suisse, where he honed his skills in fund accounting and financial administration. Santopietro's extensive background will be vital in bolstering Aqualis’ finance functions as the firm expands its portfolio and operational scale.

Dylan Arpey - Director of Investor Relations

Dylan Arpey joins Aqualis as the Director of Investor Relations, armed with extensive experience in capital formation and investor relations. His previous role at SV Health Investors saw him leading the investor relations strategy for the firm's Growth Buyout team, where he was instrumental in engaging with institutional investors for healthcare-focused strategies. Arpey's career highlights also include his tenure at Orangewood Partners, where he contributed to capital formation efforts for institutional fundraising. His background will significantly aid Aqualis in building strong relationships with investors and navigating the capital markets.

Aqualis Partners Overview

Founded in Darien, Connecticut, Aqualis Partners specializes in acquiring small limited partner interests primarily in the U.S. and Europe, focusing on innovative investment strategies. With its forward-thinking approach that embraces technology and data analytics, Aqualis aims to accommodate the evolving needs of private market investors, offering creative liquidity solutions. The firm's name, derived from Latin, symbolizes its commitment to adaptability and reliability, much like water in its ability to flow and shape the environment.

The appointments of Dan Santopietro and Dylan Arpey signal a pivotal evolution in Aqualis Partners' strategy as it enhances its capabilities in financial operations and investor relations. With their combined expertise, Aqualis is well-positioned to navigate the complexities of the private equity secondaries market and continue delivering value to its investors.

For further information, visit Aqualis Partners.