BDT & MSD Welcomes Greg Olafson as New President and Co-Chief Investment Officer

BDT & MSD Partners Welcomes Greg Olafson as President and Co-Chief Investment Officer

BDT & MSD Partners, renowned for its innovative approach in private capital investment, has announced the appointment of Greg Olafson as President, Co-Head of Global Credit, and Co-Chief Investment Officer. This strategic move, effective from July, aims to bolster the firm's leadership and deepen its investment expertise.

Having previously served as the Global Head of Private Credit for Goldman Sachs Asset Management, Greg Olafson brings over two decades of experience in financial services. At Goldman Sachs, he was responsible for managing a staggering $130 billion in assets, demonstrating his capability to handle substantial investment portfolios. His transition to BDT & MSD signifies a new chapter where he will leverage his extensive background to oversee the firm’s Private Credit strategies alongside Co-Head Rob Platek. Notably, Platek will transition to the role of Chairman of Global Credit by year's end, ensuring a seamless leadership shift.

Byron Trott, the Chairman and Co-CEO of BDT & MSD, expressed confidence in Olafson’s appointment, highlighting his exceptional skills as an investor with a deep understanding of both private and public markets. Trott's remarks underscore the firm’s commitment to enhancing its investment strategies to better serve founders, family business owners, and strategic investors.

"Greg is an outstanding addition to our firm, bringing an unparalleled track record of investing experience across various asset classes and strategies," stated Gregg Lemkau, Co-CEO. This sentiment reflects the high expectations BDT & MSD has for Olafson's leadership, particularly in generating value for investors with a measured focus on risk-adjusted returns.

Olafson's career at Goldman Sachs began in 2001, during which he has held several senior leadership positions. Notably, he oversaw private equity, growth equity, and sustainable investing strategies, establishing himself as a prominent figure in the financial industry. His role as Co-Chair of the Private Credit Investment Committee further emphasizes his leadership and decision-making capabilities within investment circles.

Community involvement is also important to Olafson, who serves on the Board of Directors for The Ronald O. Perelman Performing Arts Center in New York. His academic background includes a Bachelor of Commerce (Honors) from the University of Windsor and an MBA from the University of Virginia's Darden School of Business, where he was recognized as a Shermet Scholar.

BDT & MSD Partners itself operates at the intersection of entrepreneurship and investment, offering specialized capital solutions tailored to address the unique needs of business owners and their families. The firm's foundations are built on decades of experience and a culture that promotes aligned investing strategies. Established in 2023 from the merger of BDT Company and MSD Partners, BDT & MSD is uniquely positioned to offer innovative investment solutions across Private Capital, Private Credit, and Real Estate sectors.

As BDT & MSD gears up to enhance its investment initiatives, Greg Olafson's addition is expected to not only strengthen the firm’s market presence but also boost the potential of its Private Credit platform, which boasts a robust two-decade track record. With Olafson at the helm of investments, stakeholders can look forward to new avenues of growth and opportunity within the rapidly evolving market landscape.