James Howland, a former president of financial information provider Dun & Bradstreet International with 22 years of senior executive experience in leadership and operational roles, wil
James Howland, a former president of financial information provider Dun & Bradstreet International with 22 years of senior executive experience in leadership and operational roles, will join Morgan Stanley Private Equity next month as a managing director and operating partner.
Based in New York, Howland will help to identify companies for investment and acquisition opportunities, as well as taking on management and strategic oversight for those businesses. He is the second operating partner to join Morgan Stanley Private Equity, following the appointment of Gary Matthews as a managing director last October.
‘Jim is an accomplished leader whose management expertise and focus on operational excellence will enhance our ability to anticipate market opportunities and create value,’ says Steve Trevor, co-head of both Morgan Stanley Private Equity and Morgan Stanley Investment Management.
Alan Jones, the other co-head of Morgan Stanley Private Equity, adds: ‘With his track record of success in building businesses across varied industry sectors, Jim is a seasoned executive whose strategic insights and network of relationships will considerably strengthen our portfolio company operational capabilities. I look forward to his contributions throughout the many facets of our investment activities.’
Howland was previously president of Dun & Bradstreet’s international business and chief executive of two high-growth businesses, Edison Schools’ educational services group and the Americas division of Regus Business Centers.
Earlier he held various senior management positions within American Express, including president of its London-based international merchant services business, responsible for handling the four million merchants outside of the US that accept the American Express card. Howland began his career as a consultant in McKinsey’s financial services practice.
Morgan Stanley Private Equity, part of Morgan Stanley Investment Management’s merchant banking division, makes private equity and equity-related investments globally. The group’s roots in private equity investing date back to 1985 with the Morgan Stanley Capital Partners private equity funds. To date, Morgan Stanley Private Equity and its predecessor funds have invested nearly USD6.5bn of equity across a broad spectrum of industries.
