Andrew Cosslett has joined private equity firm Advent International as an Operating Partner.
Cosslett will work closely with Advent’s Retail, Consumer and Leisure team to identify new investment opportunities across Advent’s global network, with a particular focus on the leisure sector. He will also be available to support Advent’s current and future portfolio company activity as appropriate.
Cosslett’s career spans 35 years, during which time he has held a number of senior positions across a wide range of companies in the retail, consumer and leisure sectors. He began his career at Unilever before holding significant management positions at Cadbury Schweppes plc, including Regional President for EMEA and Chief Executive of the Asia Pacific business. Between 2005 and 2011 Cosslett was CEO of InterContinental Hotels Group PLC, the largest hotel group in the world[i]. During this time he was also Chairman of Duchy Originals Ltd between 2005 and 2008. Currently Cosslett is Chairman of the Fitness First Group having been CEO since 2012 to July this year. He is also Chairman of England Rugby 2015, the organising committee for Rugby World Cup 2015 and an independent director of the Rugby Football Union.
Andy Dawson, Managing Director and Head of Advent’s Retail, Consumer and Leisure team in Europe, says: “We are pleased to welcome Andrew Cosslett to Advent’s Operating Partner Program. Throughout our history, Advent has consistently invested in the retail, consumer and leisure sectors with great success, and, with the addition of Andrew’s broad experience and expertise, our capabilities will be further enhanced, particularly in the leisure sector. His guidance and support will be extremely valuable for the firm as we continue to source investment opportunities on an international scale.”
Cosslett adds: “I am delighted to be working with Advent. Their sector approach, global network and strong track record of creating value make them a compelling partner. I look forward to working with the team and drawing on my experience and network to find exciting new investment opportunities.”
