Aurora Capital Partners Enhances Leadership for Growth in Strategy & Operations

On January 28, 2026, Aurora Capital Partners, a prominent player in the middle-market private equity sector, confirmed significant changes within its executive board. In a strategic move to fortify their Strategy and Operations program, the firm appointed Neel Bhatia and John Pencak to key leadership roles. This development marks a pivotal step towards boosting Aurora’s growth trajectory and operational performance across its portfolio.

Neel Bhatia joins Aurora with over two decades of rich experience in human capital management within the private equity realm. His prior roles include serving as an Operating Partner and Senior Advisor at Arcline Investment Management, where he spearheaded the talent function and significantly enhanced the organization's capabilities. As part of his new role at Aurora, Neel will concentrate on expanding organizational development, collaborating closely with management teams as they scale, and leading comprehensive talent development initiatives across the firm’s portfolio companies. He has been a crucial figure in fostering leadership and people strategies, demonstrating a deep commitment to enhancing the workforce within different firms.

John Pencak, on the other hand, brings nearly thirty years of illustrious experience in corporate strategy and performance enhancement. He previously held the position of Managing Director at Riveron, where he provided pivotal guidance to private equity investors and large corporations across a spectrum of industries, including business services and consumer products. At Aurora, John will direct efforts towards operational efficiency and portfolio management, leveraging his extensive experience in interim management, strategy, and transaction advisory services.

The addition of Neel and John to Aurora's executive board reflects the firm’s ambition to cultivate superior leadership abilities and deepen its operational resources to drive value creation. According to partners Josh Klinefelter and Mark Rosenbaum, both leaders have remarkable records of fostering long-term value through effective human capital management and operational excellence. They expressed excitement about the infusion of expertise that Neel and John will bring to the firm, indicating that their contributions could prove invaluable in reinforcing and enhancing Aurora’s Strategy and Operations program.

Positioned in Los Angeles, Aurora Capital Partners has accrued an impressive $6 billion in assets under management since its inception in 1991. The firm specializes in nurturing middle-market companies, strategically targeting platforms with established market positions and avenues for growth in collaboration with capable management teams. This new strategic direction, highlighted by the inclusion of Neel and John, is indicative of Aurora’s ongoing commitment to building extraordinary companies through exceptional leadership.

As Aurora Capital Partners embarks on this new chapter, the focus remains on amplifying organizational capabilities while ensuring that the firm remains agile and ready to seize opportunities across its diverse investment portfolio. The firm continues to prioritize excellence in leadership and operational impact, traits that have propelled it to prominence in the private equity domain. The anticipation surrounding Neel and John's roles is palpable, as stakeholders eagerly await the implementation of their visionary strategies within the firm’s operations.

For more information about Aurora Capital Partners, visit auroracap.com.