Bregal Investments, the private equity platform backed by the billionaire Brenninkmeijer family, has named Neil Syers as Chief Financial Officer, reinforcing its senior leadership bench as it continues to expand across strategies and geographies, according to a report by Bloomberg.
Syers, who previously served as CFO at Hayfin Capital Management, steps into the London-based role with immediate effect. His appointment marks a key addition to Bregal’s executive team following a series of recent leadership changes, including the departure of CEO Alain Carrier and the passing of CIO Ryan Selwood last year.
With more than a decade of experience at Hayfin – one of Europe’s leading private credit managers – Syers brings extensive expertise in financial operations and strategic oversight. His background includes earlier roles at Henderson Global Investors and EY, as well as a founding partnership at Hayfin in 2009. He exited the firm in March following its recent management buyout.
In a statement, Lawrence Brenninkmeyer, Deputy Chairman at Bregal, said Syers will bring strategic perspective and operational excellence to the firm’s global finance function as it advances its growth agenda.
Established in 2002 to manage the private equity interests of the Brenninkmeijer family – best known for founding the C&A retail chain – Bregal now oversees approximately €19bn in assets under management.
Since opening to third-party capital in 2016, the firm has broadened its investment footprint beyond its original remit, reflecting the family’s broader efforts to diversify outside of retail.
Syers’ arrival coincides with the formation of an interim leadership team at Bregal, as the firm evaluates its long-term executive structure.
