Highland Consumer Fund, the venture capital fund led by Staples founder Tom Stemberg, has appointed Peter Cornetta as partner.
He will focus on investing in growth-oriented companies with proven business models and working with existing portfolio companies to best position them for successful exits.
Cornetta (pictured) has spent the last ten years in mergers and acquisitions leading investments in consumer sectors, media, healthcare services and manufacturing. As a managing director at HIG since 2003, he has been involved in all aspects of the investment process from investment origination, transaction negotiation, and execution of post-closing development. Prior to joining HIG Capital, he was a principal with the Boston-based private equity firm Advent International.
"There is no substitute for experience and with Peter’s extensive M&A background we add a critical asset to our team," says Stemberg. "Peter understands the journey from first investment through rapid growth and ultimately an IPO or acquisition strategy. He will be an exceptional addition to the Highland Consumer Fund."
"The launch of the Highland Consumer Fund in 2007, filled a void in the underserved consumer market community that was ripe with promising investment opportunities," says Cornetta. "Tom Stemberg has built an organisation based on a focused approach and strategy to developing the next generation of consumer-facing enterprises that are primed and ready for active IPO and M&A markets."
