Rufus H Rivers (pictured)has been promoted to Managing Partner of RLJ Equity Partners, LLC. Founded by Robert L Johnson, founder and chairman of The RLJ Companies together with The Carlyle Group, RLJ Equity Partners invests in middle-market leveraged buy-outs, recapitalisations, and growth equity.
"Rufus has been instrumental in developing and helping RLJ Equity Partners achieve its goals and objectives," says Johnson. "Under his leadership, RLJ Equity Partners is recognised as one of the top minority-controlled equity firms and continues to expand its portfolio with reputable companies from around the globe. I am confident in Rufus’ insight and expertise and know he will help to further establish the RLJ brand and solidify our investment presence in a variety of industries."
"We have an exceptional team at RLJ Equity Partners and I look forward to continuing to work with such a talented group as we invest the remainder of this fund, generate superior returns for our investors, and hopefully raise subsequent funds," says Rivers.
Rivers joined RLJ Equity Partners from The Carlyle Group, where he was a Managing Director and Co-Founder of Carlyle Mezzanine Partners, LP, a USD436 million investment fund. Prior to founding Carlyle Mezzanine Partners, Rivers was a Senior Vice President and Principal at TCW/Crescent Mezzanine, LLC.
Prior to TCW/Crescent Mezzanine, Rivers served as the Group Credit/Investment Officer of Heller Financial, Inc. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of Thomas and Betts, Corp. and is the Chairman of LAI, International and Enhanced Recovery Company, LLC. Rivers received his BA from Morehouse College and his MBA from the J.L. Kellogg Graduate School of Management, Northwestern University.
