Americas  Rising Dealmakers

“Distinction in Dealmaking”

WHAT, introduction: The inaugural A-list features highly accomplished, brilliant, and talented young dealmakers from the North American investor, legal and advisory transactional communities.

WHY, value: “Once in a life-time” recognition, validates the individual’s record and enthusiasm for executing value-creating deals. Likewise, these professionals will progressively take-on leadership role at their firms and industries for years to come.

WHO, criteria: Objectively selected based on the young professional’s deal execution track record, seven plus years of industry experience, and unique abilities – personifying the “Distinction in Dealmaking” qualities.

2018, The List: Features 50 professionals comprising of 18 dealmakers from the private and growth equity investor class, 12 from the financial advisory group, 20 lawyers, and a total of 7 young women executives.

The List: 2018

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Leon Chen
Profession: Growth Equity Investor
Location: Los Angeles, California
Education: University of Wisconsin

Leon concentrates on sourcing and evaluating growth investment opportunities, and management of portfolio companies. Earlier this year, Leon was involved in the sale of Consero Global Solutions to Ottawa-based, CareWorx, a provider of managed services solutions.

Rafael Cofiño
Profession: Growth Equity Investor
Location: Boston, Massachusetts
Education: M.B.A., Harvard Business School

Rafael is responsible for sourcing investment opportunities in the tech, consumer and health care related industries. Rafael was most recently involved in recapitalization of Nashville-based Vatica Health, and Columbus-based, Quantum Health.

Brian Decker
Profession: Private Equity Investor
Location: San Francisco, California
Education: M.Eng., Electrical Engineering, Cornell University

Brian concentrates on identifying investments in the infrastructure software and security related sectors. Notable transactions closed by Brian include purchase of Bomgar, as well as Sandvine acquisition by Procera Networks.

Inna Etinberg
Profession: Private Equity Investor
Location: New York, New York.
Education: Dartmouth College

Inna focuses on investments in wide spectrum of industries including business services, healthcare and specialty chemicals. Most recently Inna was involved in the Sale of PeroxyChem to Evonik Industries, and Sale of East Balt Bakeries to Grupo Bimbo.

Tim Heston
Profession: Private Equity Investor
Location: San Mateo, California
Education: M.B.A., Haas School of Business, UC Berkeley

Tim is responsible for evaluating investment opportunities, and management of portfolio company including add-on acquisitions. Tim was involved in Bertram’s investment in Maxcess and recent sale of Maxcess to Berwind Corporation.

Brett A. Hickey
Profession: Lender, Investor
Location: New York, New York.
Education: McGill University

Brett is involved in all aspects of identifying, evaluating and executing investments in the mid-to small market segments. He oversees Direct Investments to Businesses, Strategic and SBIC funds Investments and the Secondary Fund Investments platforms.

Scott Hoch
Profession: Growth Equity Investor
Location: Charlotte, North Carolina
Education: Furman University

Scott concentrates on souring investment opportunities in the software, B2B and tech-enabled services industries. Scott was recently involved in the Sale of Zephyr to SmartBear Software, Sale of Wilson Human Capital Group to CIP Capital, and Sale of Simpli.fi.

Farah Khan
Profession: Growth and Private Equity Investor
Location: New York, New York.
Education: M.B.A., Stanford University, School of Business

Farah focuses on Latin American investment opportunities for the global consumer sector investor, L Catterton. Farah was involved in investments in the Sao Paulo-based Espaçolaser, and St. Marche, a premium supermarket chain.

John D. Kos
Profession: Private Equity Investor
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Education: M.B.A., Harvard Business School

John is primarily responsible for investments in the Healthcare related industries at GTCR. John was involved in the sale of GreatCall, a healthcare IT company to Best Buy earlier this year.

Ethan K. Liebermann
Profession: Growth Equity Investor
Location: Boston, Massachusetts
Education: M.B.A., Harvard Business School

Ethan is responsible for identifying and managing investments within the Healthcare practice. Notable deals involving Ethan include investment in Aldevron, Datix, as well as sale of EviCore Healthcare to Express Script as part of the investor group.