#USA #H.I.G. Capital #Miami #Brian Schwartz #Sami Mnaymneh

Brian Schwartz Elevates to CEO at H.I.G. Capital

H.I.G. Capital, a front-runner in the global alternative investment landscape, has officially appointed Brian Schwartz as its new Chief Executive Officer. This strategic move comes as part of a broader leadership transition that sees Schwartz stepping into the role previously held by co-founder Sami Mnaymneh, who will now serve as Executive Chairman alongside fellow co-founder Tony Tamer. This transition is not just a change of guard but represents H.I.G.'s commitment to fostering leadership that can navigate the firm into its next significant growth phase.

Founded in 1993, H.I.G. Capital has developed a notable reputation as a major player in the middle-market segment, with a managed capital of $74 billion and operations spanning across 18 offices in nine countries. Since joining the firm in 1994, Schwartz has played a pivotal role in shaping H.I.G.'s strategy and growth trajectory. Throughout his tenure, he has held various leadership roles and has been integral to the firm's evolution into a global, strategy-agnostic investment platform. His promotion to CEO underscores both his long-standing contributions and the trust placed in his vision for H.I.G.'s future.

Sami Mnaymneh expressed confidence in Schwartz's capabilities, stating the transition is timely given the deep leadership authority the company has developed over the years. He highlighted Schwartz's instrumental role in the company's success and underscored the need for a leader who can continue to expand H.I.G.'s influence in the market. With Schwartz at the helm, the firm expects to not only maintain but also enhance its standing in the competitive middle-market investment sphere.

In conjunction with Schwartz's appointment, Doug Berman, previously the Head of U.S. Private Equity, has been promoted to Co-President. Berman will join Rick Rosen, the current Co-President, in steering the operational execution of the firm’s investment strategies. This dual-presidency is a testament to H.I.G. Capital's collaborative culture and its strategic approach to leadership, aiming to ensure the firm remains agile and focused in its investments.

H.I.G. Capital's journey since its inception has been remarkable, with the firm having executed over 3,500 transactions and grown its workforce to over 1,000 team members. Based in Miami, its reach encompasses various international locations including London, Paris, Hong Kong, and São Paulo. This global footprint is paired with a commitment to operational focus and disciplined investment strategies, differentiating H.I.G. from many of its peers.

As the firm gears up for its next chapter under Schwartz’s leadership, he himself has expressed gratitude towards Mnaymneh and Tamer for establishing a firm defined by disciplined investments and a robust operational ethos. In his inaugural address as CEO, Schwartz reiterated H.I.G.'s dedication to leveraging its unique platform and experienced team to capitalize on emerging opportunities within the investment landscape, ensuring fruitful results for its stakeholders.

Looking ahead, H.I.G. Capital appears poised for continued success. The newly structured leadership team, with Schwartz and Berman at the forefront, signifies a blend of experience and innovative thinking, crucial for navigating the intricate investment arena. As H.I.G. builds upon its solid foundation, stakeholders and investors alike are likely to watch with interest how this transition unfolds and impacts the firm's growth trajectory and market positioning.