Middle market private equity firm Calera Capital has appointed Paul F Walsh (pictured) has joined the firm as a Senior Managing Director.
For the past seven years, Walsh has acted as an Operating Partner for Calera Capital, serving in various operating and managerial roles for the firm’s portfolio companies.
“Paul’s experience and capabilities have allowed him to bring tremendous value to our portfolio companies,” said Jim Farrell, Managing Partner of Calera Capital.
“Calera’s strategy is to partner with founders and management teams and to help them take their businesses to the next level. Paul has proven to be a unique resource in support of our differentiated approach,” adds Calera Capital Managing Partner Mark Williamson.
“As a former CEO and operator, I understand and greatly appreciate the partnership approach of Calera Capital and feel extremely fortunate to be part of the Calera team going forward,” says Walsh.
Walsh is the former Chairman and CEO of eFunds Corporation (NYSE: EFD), a leading provider of risk management, electronic funds transfer services, prepaid card processing, and global outsourcing solutions to more than 10,000 financial services companies in more than 80 countries. During his tenure, Walsh led a dramatic improvement in the company’s operating performance and stock price driven by revenue growth initiatives, strategic acquisitions, rationalisation of non-core assets and cost reductions. Fidelity National Information Services Inc (NYSE: FIS) acquired eFunds in September 2007 for approximately USD1.8 billion.
Walsh has held various senior leadership positions at established businesses including Wright Express (CEO), BancOne Diversified Services (CEO), Norwest Capital Management and Trust (SVP), and Diners Club Germany (CEO).
Walsh serves as Chairman of the Board of Directors of Competitor Group, Inc, a Calera portfolio company engaged in active lifestyle sports events and media. He is also a Director of Staples, Inc. (NASDAQ: SPLS). He has previously served on the Boards of SterlingBackcheck, a former Calera portfolio company that provides technology-enabled employment and background screening services, and Thunderbird School of Global Management.
Walsh received a BS in Engineering from Tufts University and a MBA from Boston University.
