H.I.G. WhiteHorse Strengthens UK Direct Lending Team with New Appointments

H.I.G. WhiteHorse Expands Leadership in Direct Lending

H.I.G. WhiteHorse, an associate credit firm of H.I.G. Capital, has made significant strides in expanding its UK direct lending platform with the appointment of two seasoned professionals. Andy Armah-Kwantreng has taken on the role of Managing Director, while Marimba Odundo-Mendez has joined as Principal. This strategic move positions H.I.G. WhiteHorse for strengthened performance in a competitive market, leveraging the extensive experience and networks of its new leaders.

New Leadership Team

Andy Armah-Kwantreng, who comes from a distinguished background in finance, previously served as Managing Director at Natwest Corporate & Institutional Banking. His expertise in Sponsor Leveraged Finance, coupled with his extensive tenure at Bank of Ireland and Société Générale, equips him with the insights needed to navigate the complex landscape of corporate finance. His appointment marks a vital step in ensuring that H.I.G.’s initiatives in direct lending are bolstered by top-tier leadership.

Marimba Odundo-Mendez also brings a wealth of experience to the team. Formerly of J.P. Morgan, he held critical roles in leveraged finance, demonstrating his capability in managing complex financial structures. Odundo-Mendez’s journey started in law, working on debt financing at Kirkland & Ellis and later qualifying with DLA Piper – industries that have paved the way for his finance careers.

A Statement of Intent

Pascal Meysson, Managing Director and Head of H.I.G. WhiteHorse Europe, expressed enthusiasm about the new additions. He stated, "We are excited to welcome Andy and Marimba to our team. Their profound expertise in credit and extensive networks will play an essential role in our ongoing success in the UK direct lending market." This sentiment reflects H.I.G.'s commitment to not only strengthening its operational capabilities but also enhancing its strategic positioning.

About H.I.G. Capital

Founded in 1993, H.I.G. Capital is one of the leading global alternative investment companies, with a robust capital management base of $74 billion. Headquartered in Miami, H.I.G. has extensive reach, with offices across major cities in the United States, as well as international branches in key financial markets such as London, Paris, Madrid, and Hong Kong.

H.I.G.’s expertise encompasses both debt and equity investments, catering to middle-market companies through a flexible, value-creating approach. The firm’s funds focus on management buyouts, recapitalizations, and business separations, investing significantly in companies across various sectors.

H.I.G. WhiteHorse, as part of this larger entity, offers financing solutions that include senior, unitranche, and junior debt, addressing the needs of businesses of all sizes. With a dedicated approach toward operational improvement, H.I.G. manages a business development company, WhiteHorse Finance, alongside specialized real estate funds targeting value-added properties.

H.I.G. invests with a goal to enhance the management practices that will drive better performance in portfolio companies. To date, the firm has invested in more than 400 companies globally, underlining its robust operational strategy and commitment to value creation.

With new leadership in place, H.I.G. WhiteHorse is poised to take on the UK market with renewed vigor, aiming to expand its direct lending capabilities and increase its footprint in the financial landscape.