Phoenix Equity Partners (Phoenix), a UK private equity firm specialising in working alongside founder-entrepreneurs in the lower mid-market, has made a series of promotions and new appointments within its investment team, following a strong 2024.
Natacha Hirchovitch, who joined Phoenix in 2022 and has played a key role in several high-profile transactions, has been promoted from Investment Executive to Investment Manager. Meanwhile, James Hope, who has been with the firm since March 2020, has advanced from Fund & Portfolio Manager to Fund & Portfolio Director.
Lauren Sinclair-Williams has joined as Legal Director.
Phoenix has also welcomed Vanessa Xie as Investment Manager and Prachi Agarwal as Investment Executive. Xie brings extensive experience, having held Associate Investment positions at PwC Australia and Allegro Funds over the past four years. Agarwal meanwhile, joins following a five-year spell at KPMG UK, where she most recently served as an M&A Manager.
The latest round of new hires and promotions follow a hugely successful period for the firm in 2024. Phoenix raised more capital than ever last year, securing £400m for its latest flagship fund and £200m for its first continuation fund. Additionally, the firm returned more than £250m to its investors through the sale of four companies from its 2016 fund.
