Middle market private equity firm Wynnchurch Capital has promoted Chris O’Brien and Ian Kirson to Partner.
John A Hatherly, President and Managing Partner of Wynnchurch, says: “The closing of our most recent investment fund at $1.2 billion is a testament to the team we have built and the consistent returns we have generated for our investors. Chris and Ian have been leading contributors to these results for over ten years, playing integral roles in a significant number of Wynnchurch's most successful investments. They have demonstrated outstanding leadership skills and character and, on behalf of Frank Hayes, Terry Theodore and myself, it gives me great pleasure to announce their promotions to Partner.”
Chris O’Brien joined Wynnchurch in 2000. He has served on the Boards of SafeWorks, Webex, Pro-Fab, Humanetics, Wolverine, US Manufacturing and US Pipe. In 2013, he was part of the Wynnchurch team recognized by the TMA for their work on US Pipe as a recipient of the Large Turnaround of the Year. Chris earned his MBA with honors from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and earned his undergraduate degree with honors from the University of Notre Dame. He is also a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA).
Ian Kirson joined Wynnchurch in 2004. He has served on the Boards of SafeWorks, Highway Technologies, Henniges, Senco, JAC Products, Northstar Aerospace, IronForm and US Manufacturing. In 2013, he was part of the Wynnchurch team recognised by the Global M&A Network for their work on Northstar Aerospace as a recipient of Chapter 11 Reorganisation of the Year, Small Mid Markets. Ian earned his JD with honours from Harvard Law School and earned his undergraduate degree with highest honours from the University of Illinois. He also serves as Wynnchurch’s General Counsel.
