Star Avenue Capital, a Los Angeles and New York based consumer growth equity vehicle, has appointed private equity veteran Paul Lattanzio as president.
Star was recently formed in partnership with private equity firm Irving Place Capital and entertainment and sports agency Creative Artists Agency.
The firm provides capital and counsel to growth companies in the branded consumer, retail, apparel and fashion industries.
Lattanzio most recently served as a senior managing director and the head of Bear Growth Capital Partners from July 2003 until January 2009. BGCP was a middle-market private equity group formed by, and closely affiliated with, Bear Stearns Merchant Banking, the predecessor of Irving Place Capital.
Lattanzio has more than 23 years of experience working for, founding and/or managing private equity funds at institutions including Bear Stearns, TD Bank, NationsBanc Montgomery Securities and Bankers Trust.
Lattanzio says: “Having been in the private equity business for decades and successfully applying a traditional private equity model to help high-growth companies reach their full potential, it is a thrill to be part of such a differentiated and innovative offering that Star is pioneering. From licensing, marketing, lifestyle and research expertise, to CAA’s influence in and centrality to popular culture, the opportunities are limitless for the ways in which Star can help our portfolio companies. Additionally, I am extremely excited to be back in partnership with the individuals at Irving Place Capital. We have a successful history of working together, and I look forward to replicating that success at Star Avenue Capital.”
“It’s tremendous to have someone with Paul’s experience, reputation, and insight leading Star,” adds Michael Yanover, head of business development at Creative Artists Agency. “He provides the essential knowledge and experience to help entrepreneurs make the most of opportunities, from strategic business decisions to media activation and beyond.”
Joining Lattanzio in his move is Drew Baird, also formerly of BGCP, who will serve as vice president of Star. Baird’s career spans more than a decade in finance and private equity that includes time with both Merrill Lynch and Wachovia Capital Partners, in addition to his time with BGCP.
Lattanzio and Baird will be based in Star’s New York offices.