Private equity success hinges on more than financial acumen—it depends on people who can spot opportunities and transform companies. Waud Capital Partners exemplifies this truth in its recent announcement of key leadership promotions, highlighting a talent philosophy that traces back to its founding.
The Chicago-based firm recently elevated Tim Cremieux, Kyle Lattner, and Paul Sutphin to Partner positions, while also promoting Mike Lehman to Principal. These advancements reflect the firm’s commitment to recognizing exceptional professionals who deliver results across its healthcare and technology investment portfolios.
“At Waud Capital, we firmly believe that exceptional people drive exceptional value, and it holds true in both our portfolio and firm,” said Reeve B. Waud, Founder and Managing Partner of Waud Capital Partners. This statement captures the people-first approach that has characterized the firm since its establishment in 1993.
Specialized Expertise Across Critical Sectors
The promotions strengthen Waud Capital’s expertise across crucial sectors. Cremieux, who joined in 2017, brings specialized knowledge in pharma services and medication supply chain operations. Lattner, with the firm since 2013, offers insights into medical device services and behavioral health. Sutphin, also a decade-long veteran, contributes technology expertise across software and healthcare IT.
This strategy of developing specialized talent connects directly to Reeve Waud’s early vision for the firm. By creating teams with deep sector knowledge, Waud Capital has completed more than 480 investments since its inception, building a track record of successful partnerships with management teams across healthcare and technology.
From Vision to Implementation
One notable example is Acadia Healthcare, where Reeve Waud’s talent-focused approach helped establish what would become a leading behavioral health provider. The company demonstrates how Waud Capital’s emphasis on exceptional leadership translates into successful investments.
Chris Graber, Partner and Head of the Healthcare Group, noted that the newly promoted partners “have demonstrated extraordinary leadership, delivering value, insights and expertise to their portfolio companies and contributing to the continued success of Waud Capital.”
Cultivating Tomorrow’s Leaders
This culture of internal advancement ensures continuity in the firm’s investment approach. Each promotion represents not just recognition of past achievements but strategic positioning for future opportunities. The newly elevated leaders have already demonstrated their capabilities through investments like PharmAlliance, Science Exchange, and ongoing support for portfolio companies including Ivy Rehab.
What sets Waud Capital apart is its systematic talent development. The firm doesn’t just recruit experienced professionals—it provides pathways for growth, allowing team members to deepen their industry expertise while taking on increasing responsibility. This creates a virtuous cycle where institutional knowledge combines with fresh perspectives.
Positioned for Future Growth
As Justin DuPere, Partner and Co-Head of the Software & Technology Group, explained, “These promotions underscore our momentum going into 2025 as we look to deploy capital across key sectors. Our newly elevated leaders exemplify our talent-led, thesis-driven investment approach.”
The focus on developing leaders from within reflects Reeve Waud’s long-term perspective on building a sustainable firm. By investing in people who share the firm’s values and vision, Waud Capital ensures that its founding principles will guide investments even as it continues to grow and adapt to market opportunities.
This talent strategy positions Waud Capital to maintain its momentum as it enters its fourth decade of private equity investing, with a leadership team prepared to identify promising companies and create lasting value.
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