Boston-based private equity firm Berkshire Partners has appointed Sharlyn C Heslam and Elizabeth L Hoffman (pictured) as Managing Directors effective January 1, 2011. They join the twelve current Managing Directors of Berkshire in managing the firm and its affiliated investment funds. Heslam, who is the firm’s General Counsel, joined Berkshire

Mistral Equity Partners, a private equity firm specialising in the consumer and retail sectors, has promoted three members of its investment team.   Griffin Whitney and Christopher Bradley have both been promoted to principal, and Elizabeth Nations has been promoted to senior associate. “We are delighted to recognise Griffin, Chris

Green Courte Partners, a private equity investment firm targeting niche real estate sectors, has promoted Sirina R. Jimenez and Antonia A. Anagnostopoulos to vice president and Jordan T. Kerger to senior associate.  Since joining Green Courte in July 2006, Jimenez has made significant contributions to the firm’s land-lease community portfolio

Private equity-backed absence management company FirstCare has appointed Richard Burrell, one of the health sector’s leading investors, as non-executive chairman. Following a career in investment banking and property fund management, Burrell founded Assura, a listed provider of primary care buildings and services.  Earlier this year, Burrell led the disposal of

Fortress Investment Group has appointed David Barry as a member of the company’s board, effective 1 January 2011. Barry will serve as a class I director. The board has also appointed Barry to its audit committee and nominating, corporate governance and conflicts committee. Barry will replace Howard Rubin, who will

Samena Capital has appointed Ekaterina Sharashidze as an executive director focusing on strategy and business development. She will lead Samena Capital’s efforts in identifying direct investment opportunities and evaluating new strategic partnerships.   Sharashidze brings with her over 15 years of business experience in management consulting, venture capital and investment

The Chicago office of law firm K&L Gates has appointed Robert V. Fitzsimmons as a partner in the firm’s real estate investment, development and finance practice. He joins K&L Gates from Mayer Brown.   Fitzsimmons has extensive experience advising investment entities, banks and not-for-profit organisations in their real estate asset

Elysian Capital, a private equity fund specialising in the UK lower mid-market, has hired James Cunningham as an operating partner. He will work alongside the investment teams in sourcing, assessing and completing acquisitions, and also in advising and mentoring management teams in Elysian Capital’s investee companies. His role will be