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Canyon Partners Elevates Leadership Team

Canyon Partners, a prominent global alternative investment manager with a portfolio worth $26 billion, recently announced significant changes within its leadership structure. These strategic promotions are part of their initiative to enhance their growth trajectory and are seen as a pivotal step towards further expanding their investment platform.

On December 18, 2024, Canyon Partners declared that Jeff Kivitz, who has dedicated almost 17 years to the firm, has been promoted to Chief Investment Officer (CIO). Previously serving as the Co-Head of Private Credit, Kivitz has an impressive record managing investments across various sectors including financial services, technology, and real estate investment trusts (REITs). His elevation follows the departure of Todd Lemkin, the former CIO, who has been with the company for an extensive 21 years.

In tandem with Kivitz's ascent, Davide Amico will take over Kivitz's previous role as Co-Head of Private Credit. Amico has been a valued member of the firm for 14 years and has contributed significantly to Canyon's European operations. He will now lead the Private Credit department alongside Scott Borenstein, who is also a long-serving employee with 14 years at Canyon.

Furthermore, seasoned partners Jonathan Barzideh and Chaney Sheffield have been appointed as Co-Heads of Opportunistic Credit, showcasing Canyon's commitment to empowering its existing talent base.

Another noteworthy promotion is that of Andy Ray, who has spent nearly 17 years at Canyon and is now the firm’s President. Moreover, Randy Ko has been elevated to Partner and will concurrently serve as Chief Strategy Officer, emphasizing Canyon's dedication to sustainable investing.

In this reshaped management structure, Jeff Kivitz and Robin Potts, who has been at the firm for 18 years and currently serves as CIO of Canyon Partners Real Estate, join the Canyon Management Committee. This committee, which oversees Canyon's operational strategies, now includes several pivotal leaders: Josh Friedman and Mitch Julis (Co-CEOs), Jonathan Kaplan (Chief Operating Officer), Andy Ray (President), and Stacy Silverman (Head of Business Development and Client Relations).

In a joint statement, Friedman and Julis remarked, “2024 has been a transformational year for Canyon, from strategically important product launches to our GP/LP partnership with Dai-ichi Life, among other milestones. We recognize the opportunity to further empower many of the talented leaders who have set the foundation for our success today and who will be of paramount importance to achieving our long-term vision.” This illustrates the firm’s focus on harnessing talent from within as it progresses.

Canyon Partners has also recorded several remarkable successes in 2024, notably exceeding $3 billion in gross inflows and commitments. This influx has been largely fueled by Canyon's growing range of private market funds and a key strategic partnership with Dai-ichi Life Holdings under which raised GP capital is to be retained for reinvestment. Moreover, Canyon is set to enhance its team further, having recently recruited Managing Directors from prominent financial firms including Apollo and Sixth Street.

As it gears up to celebrate its 35th anniversary in February, Canyon Partners stands at the forefront of innovative investment strategies, adjusting its leadership to better navigate the complexities of the current market landscape. The enhanced leadership lineup is expected to position the firm for future successes in a rapidly evolving investment environment.

For additional details about Canyon Partners, check their official website at www.canyonpartners.com.

Media Contact:
Kris Cole
Prosek Partners
[email protected]