PPC Team
david baker
Principal - Operations Group
angela baroni
Executive Assistant
benjamin barry
Vice President – Services
haley bass
Executive Assistant
David Baker is a Principal in the Operations Group for Pritzker Private Capital. David works across the PPC Companies on strategy, operational improvements, and consulting projects. David joined PPC in 2019 after having worked with the Firm as an independent consultant since 2015. Prior to being an independent consultant, David served as Vice President of Strategy & International Development at Outerwall (then owner of the Redbox and Coinstar kiosks), a Senior Manager/Principal with Bain & Company, and previously held various consulting roles at Arthur Andersen Business Consulting and UMS Group. David received his M.B.A. from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University and his B.A. from Williams College.
Angela Baroni serves as an Executive Assistant to the Management Committee at Pritzker Private Capital. Angela joined PPC in 2022. Prior to PPC, Angela was an Executive Assistant at GTCR, Rothschild & Co., and Lincoln International. Angela received her B.A. from The University of Illinois at Chicago.
Ben Barry is a Vice President on the Services team for Pritzker Private Capital. Ben works with Kenco Logistics and Valicor. Ben initially joined PPC in 2017 as an Associate and rejoined in 2021 after serving as Chief of Staff at Valicor, a PPC Company, for one year. Prior to PPC, Ben was an Associate at Summit Partners and an investment banking Analyst at Baird. Ben received his B.B.A. from Emory University.
chris brannan
Assistant General Counsel and ESG Officer
chris brickman
Operating Partner - Manufactured Products
spenser brown
Vice President - Manufactured Products
paul carbone
Co-Founder and President
Chris Brannan serves as both the Assistant General Counsel and the Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) Officer for Pritzker Private Capital. As Assistant General Counsel, Chris works with PPC and the PPC Companies on regulatory compliance, transaction execution, and various other legal matters. As ESG Officer, Chris manages PPC’s communications and tracking programs related to ESG and works with the Firm and the PPC Companies to further ESG efforts and initiatives. Chris joined PPC in 2017 as Assistant General Counsel. Prior to PPC, Chris was an attorney in the M&A practices at Winston & Strawn LLP and O’Melveny & Myers LLP. Prior to law school, Chris was a Tax/Assurance Associate at PwC, where he received his CPA license. Chris received his J.D. from the University of Michigan Law School and his B.A. from Bucknell University where he was a member of the baseball team.
Chris Brickman is an Operating Partner for Pritzker Private Capital and co-leads the Firm’s Manufactured Products team. Chris works with Bardstown Bourbon Company, C.H. Guenther & Son, and Monogram Foods. Chris joined PPC in 2023. Prior to PPC, Chris served as President and CEO of Sally Beauty Holdings. Previously, Chris held several senior positions at Kimberly-Clark Corporation, including President – International Consumer, President – Kimberly-Clark Professional, and Senior Vice President of Strategy. Prior to Kimberly-Clark, Chris was a Partner at McKinsey & Company after serving as President & CEO of Whitlock Packaging Corporation. Earlier in his career, he held positions at Guinness Brewing Worldwide and The NutraSweet Company after starting his career at Boston Consulting Group. Chris received his B.A. from Occidental College.
Spenser Brown is a Vice President on the Manufactured Products team for Pritzker Private Capital. Spenser works with Aurorium, NAI Group, and Plaskolite. Spenser joined PPC in 2022. Prior to PPC, Spenser was an Associate at Madison Dearborn Capital Partners and previously was an investment banking Associate and Analyst at Citi. Spenser received his M.B.A. from the Stanford Graduate School of Business and a dual B.S. from Milwaukee School of Engineering. Spenser is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) charterholder.
Paul Carbone is the Co-Founder and President of Pritzker Private Capital. Paul also chairs the PPC Management and Investment Committees and has a particular focus on advancing the development of the family capital industry and PPC’s relationships with the market’s premier family groups. From 2012 to 2022, Paul was President and Managing Partner of Pritzker Private Capital and its predecessor. For the prior 13 years, Paul was the Director and Managing Partner of the Private Equity Group of Robert W. Baird & Co., which makes venture capital, growth equity and buyout investments in smaller, high‐potential companies in the US, Europe and Asia. Prior to 1999, Paul was the Co‐Director of Investment Banking responsible for Robert W. Baird & Co.’s Mergers and Acquisitions Advisory practice. Prior to joining Robert W. Baird & Co. in 1994, Paul was Senior Vice President in the Investment Banking Group at Kidder, Peabody & Co.
Paul serves on the board of trustees/directors of The University of Chicago, University of Chicago Medical Center, The Art Institute of Chicago (Executive Committee and Chair of the Investment Committee), The Larry H. Miller Company, and Misericordia Home as well as its Endowment Fund. He is also a member of the Commercial Club of Chicago and the Economic Club of Chicago.
In 2016, Paul received the Stanley C. Golder Award from the Illinois Venture Capital Association in recognition of his contributions to the private equity industry in Illinois. Paul has served as an EY Entrepreneur of the Year regional judge as well as national judge for the Family Business category. In 2020 and 2022, Family Capital magazine named Paul one of the Top 100 most influential people among family investors and family enterprises.
Paul is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of The College of the University of Chicago. He received his MBA from Harvard Business School.
Paul serves on the board of trustees/directors of The University of Chicago, University of Chicago Medical Center, The Art Institute of Chicago (Executive Committee and Chair of the Investment Committee), The Larry H. Miller Company, and Misericordia Home as well as its Endowment Fund. He is also a member of the Commercial Club of Chicago and the Economic Club of Chicago.
In 2016, Paul received the Stanley C. Golder Award from the Illinois Venture Capital Association in recognition of his contributions to the private equity industry in Illinois. Paul has served as an EY Entrepreneur of the Year regional judge as well as national judge for the Family Business category. In 2020 and 2022, Family Capital magazine named Paul one of the Top 100 most influential people among family investors and family enterprises.
Paul is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of The College of the University of Chicago. He received his MBA from Harvard Business School.
anthony cardona
Principal - Services
meaghan carey
Executive Assistant - PPC Firm Operations
jeff carlson
Head of Technology
carter cast
Operating Partner – Commercial
Anthony Cardona is a Principal on the Services team for Pritzker Private Capital. Anthony works with Highline Warren, Kenco Logistics, and Valicor. Anthony initially joined PPC in 2014 as an Associate and re-joined in 2018 after business school. Prior to PPC, Anthony was an investment banking Analyst at Lincoln International. Anthony received his M.B.A. from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University, where he was a Zell Fellow, and his B.S. from Washington and Lee University, where he graduated Omicron Delta Kappa.
Meaghan Carey is an Executive Assistant to the Firm Operations Team for Pritzker Private Capital. Meaghan joined PPC in 2021. Prior to PPC, Meaghan supported the General Counsel, CFO, Managing Principal, and Investment Committee Members at Walton Street Capital and was on the staff support team at Heidrick & Struggles. Meaghan received her B.A. from St. Ambrose University.
Jeff Carlson is Head of Technology for Pritzker Private Capital and oversees PPC’s IT team and provides strategic and tactical guidance as well as develops cross-collaboration across the IT professionals at the PPC Companies. Jeff joined PPC in 2020 after previously having served as Director of Information Technology at Pritzker Group since 2014. Prior to PPC/Pritzker Group, Jeff was a Vice President of Information Technology at SunTrust Robinson Humphrey, a Vice President at Bank of America, and a Senior Developer at Vista Software Solutions (now JDA Software). Jeff received his M.S. and B.S. from Northern Illinois University.
Carter Cast is an Operating Partner for Pritzker Private Capital and works across the PPC Companies on commercial excellence activities that drive primary demand. Carter joined PPC in 2023 after having served as a Senior Advisor to the Firm for many years. Carter concurrently serves as the Michael S. and Mary Sue Shannon Clinical Professor of Entrepreneurship at Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management. He is also a member of the Kellogg Co. board of directors (NYSE: K). Prior to his teaching career, Carter launched and served as CEO of Walmart.com and was part of the launch team for Blue Nile, Inc., the leading online seller of diamonds and fine jewelry. Earlier in his career, Carter spent over a decade at PepsiCo Inc. where he ran the corn chip and salsa categories for Frito Lay, Inc. Carter received his M.B.A. from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University and his B.A. from Stanford University.
thomas chadwick
Principal - Manufactured Products
dennis choi
Senior Associate
esther choi
Human Resources Coordinator
rebecca converse
Head of Global Strategic Partnerships
Thomas Chadwick is a Principal on the Manufactured Products team for Pritzker Private Capital. Thomas works with Aurorium, NAI Group, Plaskolite, and Technimark. Thomas joined PPC in 2017 as an Associate. Prior to PPC, Thomas was an Associate at Madison Dearborn Capital Partners and an Investment Banking Analyst at Deutsche Bank. Thomas received his M.B.A. from Harvard Business School and his B.B.A. from the University of Wisconsin – Madison.
Esther Choi is a Human Resources Coordinator for Pritzker Private Capital and supports all internal HR functions at PPC. Esther joined PPC in 2022. Prior to PPC, Esther was a Human Resources Coordinator and Office Manager at Envoy Global, a Legal Assistant at Trivedi & Khan, P.C., and a Customer Service Specialist at the Georgia Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division. Esther received her B.B.A. from Georgia State University.
Rebecca Converse is the Head of Global Strategic Partnerships for Pritzker Private Capital. Rebecca focuses on developing relationships and communications for PPC’s investor partners as well as oversees PPC’s events, marketing, and communications team. Rebecca joined PPC in 2021. Prior to PPC, Rebecca founded and served as Managing Principal of Cycle Communications, a specialty consulting group focused on investor relations and communications development initiatives for private equity firms and investors. Previously, Rebecca began her career and spent 17 years with Wind Point Partners, where she was ultimately the Director of Investor Relations, Marketing, and Communications. Rebecca received her M.B.A. from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University and her B.A. from the University of Michigan.
juan crawford
Associate
bradley davis
Finance Manager
brooke delpiccolo
Senior Associate - Partner Relations and Marketing
kaitlyn desai
Principal - Manufactured Products
Juan Crawford is an Associate for Pritzker Private Capital. Juan works with Aurorium. Juan joined PPC in 2023. Prior to PPC, Juan was an investment banking Associate at Bank of America and an investment banking Analyst at BMO Capital Markets. Juan received his B.S.B.A. from the University of Missouri.
Bradley Davis is the Finance Manager for Pritzker Private Capital and supports financial reporting, fund management functions, and accounts payable process. Bradley joined PPC in 2019 as a Senior Accountant. Prior to PPC, Bradley was a Senior Associate at RSM US LLP where he focused on private equity tax compliance. Bradley received his dual B.S. from Indiana University. Bradley is a licensed Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in Illinois.
Brooke DelPiccolo is a Senior Associate on the Partner Relations and Marketing team for Pritzker Private Capital and focuses on materials development, information requests, and portal management for the Firm’s investor partners. Brooke joined PPC in 2022. Prior to PPC, Brooke was a Senior Associate at Dubin Clark & Company, Inc., an Analyst at Deutsche Bank, and held an investor relations support role at Audax Group. Brooke received her B.A. and B.B.A. from the University of Wisconsin – Green Bay.
Kaitlyn Desai is a Principal on the Manufactured Products team for Pritzker Private Capital. Kaitlyn works with PLZ and ProAmpac. Kaitlyn joined PPC in 2019 as a Vice President after serving as an intern during business school. Prior to PPC, Kaitlyn was an Associate Director at SSA & Company, a Finance Coordinator at Livestream, and an Analyst at Deutsche Bank. Kaitlyn received her M.B.A. from The University of Chicago Booth School of Business and her B.A. from Claremont McKenna College, where she was a Robert Day Scholar and four-time letter winner as a member of the lacrosse team.
amanda essay
Vice President - Financial Performance
cait farry
Event Coordinator
kaz frazier
Administrative Assistant
david gau
Chief Operating Officer and Head of Operations
Amanda Essay is Vice President – Financial Performance for Pritzker Private Capital. Amanda works with PPC and across the PPC Companies on accounting, finance, and reporting matters. Amanda joined PPC in 2018 as Finance Manager. Prior to PPC, Amanda was a Transaction Services Senior Associate and Associate at PwC’s capital markets and accounting advisory group. Amanda received her M.S. and her B.A. from Vanderbilt University, where she was a four-time monogram winner as a member of the soccer team. Amanda is a licensed Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in Illinois.
Cait Farry is an Event Coordinator for Pritzker Private Capital and manages internal and external events across the Firm. Cait joined PPC in 2019 as an Executive Assistant. Prior to PPC, Cait was a Marketing and Project Support Coordinator at William Blair. Cait serves as a member on the Young Professionals Board of Ascend Justice. Cait received her B.A. from the University of Puget Sound, where she was a member of the swim team.
Kaz Frazier is an Administrative Assistant for Pritzker Private Capital and assists in office reception, coordination, meetings, and projects. Kaz joined PPC in 2023. Prior to PPC, Kaz was a Community Manager Coordinator at Equilibria and worked as a Social Media & Digital Marketing Specialist for Gage Marine, Pier 290, and Lake Geneva Cruise Line. Kaz received her B.A. from the University of Alabama.
David Gau is Chief Operating Officer and Head of Operations for Pritzker Private Capital. David joined PPC in 2014 and previously served as an Operating Partner and Co-Head of the Manufactured Products sector team. David works with Aurorium, Bardstown Bourbon Company, C.H. Guenther & Son, Highline Warren, Monogram Foods, PathGroup, Plaskolite, PLZ, ProAmpac, and Technimark. David joined PPC after a 30-year career building and operating multi-national organizations. Prior to PPC, he served as CEO of Intersystems, a manufacturer of material handling equipment for agricultural and industrial applications. Prior to Intersystems, he served as EVP of Global Commercial Operations and Group President of Industrial Fluid Power for Gates Corp. Prior to Gates Corp., he served as President of Air System Components, a division of Tomkins. David received his B.S. from the University of Nebraska at Omaha.
tim giulianelli
Vice President of Automation
parker hewitt
Associate
david hirsch
Chief Financial Officer – Operations Group
phillip iler
Vice President - Manufactured Products
Tim Giulianelli is Vice President of Automation for Pritzker Private Capital. Tim focuses on evaluating and implementing technology and automation systems manufacturing and production facilities across the PPC Companies. Tim joined PPC in 2022. Prior to PPC, Tim served as Senior Global Automation Engineer at Jabil Packaging Solutions (formerly Nypro), a Lead Process Engineer at Spectrum Control (now API technologies), and an Automation Engineer at Erie County Plastics. In addition, Tim honorably served six years in the United States Marine Corps. Tim received an A.S. from College of the Desert and holds multiple industrial PC/PLC process computer platform programming, lean manufacturing, and technical certifications.
David Hirsch is Chief Financial Officer – Operations Group for Pritzker Private Capital. David focuses on accounting, finance, and reporting across the PPC Companies. David initially joined PPC (then PGPC) in 2013 as Vice President – Finance. Prior to PPC, David was a Transaction Services Manager at Crowe and a Senior Auditor at Deloitte. David received his M.A.S. and B.S. from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. David is a Certified Public Accountant (inactive).
Phil Iler is a Vice President on the Manufactured Products team for Pritzker Private Capital. Phil works with Bardstown Bourbon Company, C.H. Guenther, and Monogram Foods. Phil initially joined PPC in 2016 as an Associate and re-joined the Firm in 2020 after business school. Prior to PPC, Phil was an investment banking Analyst at SunTrust Robinson Humphrey. Phil received his M.B.A. from The University of Chicago Booth School of Business and his B.S. in Finance from Wake Forest University.
matthew kasper
Vice President – Operations and Strategic Finance
ben keating
Associate
eric kieras
Investment Partner - Services
jen klein
Paralegal
Matthew Kasper is Vice President – Operations & Strategic Finance for Pritzker Private Capital. Matthew works with the PPC Companies to support the execution of strategic, financial, and operational value creation initiatives. Matthew joined PPC in 2020 as an Associate. Prior to PPC, Matthew was an investment banking Analyst at RBC Capital Markets. Matthew received his B.S. from Indiana University.
Ben Keating is an Associate for Pritzker Private Capital. Ben works with Valicor. Ben joined PPC in 2022. Prior to PPC, Ben was an investment banking Analyst at Goldman Sachs and an investment banking Analyst at Wells Fargo Securities. Ben received his M.S. and his B.B.A. from the University of Cincinnati.
Eric Kieras is an Investment Partner for Pritzker Private Capital and co-leads the Firm's Services team. Eric works with Energy Distribution Partners (EDP), Highline Warren, Kenco Logistics, and Valicor. Eric joined PPC in 2020. Prior to PPC, Eric was a Managing Director at JZ Partners and previously an investment banker at P&M Corporate Finance. Eric received his B.B.A. from the University of Michigan.
Jen Klein is a Paralegal for Pritzker Private Capital. Jen supports an array of legal aspects of PPC and PPC Company operations, including regulatory compliance, transaction execution, and other governance matters. Jen joined PPC in 2022. Prior to PPC, Jen held several roles operational support roles at Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP, Jenner & Block LLP, Aon, and Bartlit Beck LLP. Jen completed the Paralegal Studies program at Webster University and received her B.S. from the University of Missouri.
erica kosches
Associate
kati kostyk
Executive Assistant
emma lee
Associate
tom leverton
Operating Partner - Services
Kati Kostyk is an Executive Assistant to the Strategic Partnerships team and other team members at Pritzker Private Capital. Kati joined PPC in 2023. Prior to PPC, Kati was an Executive Assistant at Lincoln International LLC and an Administrative Assistant at Swidler Spanola & Company. Kati received her B.F.A. from Ball State University.
Tom Leverton is an Operating Partner for Pritzker Private Capital and co-leads the Firm’s Services team. Tom works with Energy Distribution Partners (EDP), Highline Warren, Kenco Logistics, and Valicor. Tom joined PPC in 2020. Prior to PPC, Tom served as CEO of CEC Entertainment, the parent company of Chuck E. Cheese and Peter Piper Pizza. Prior to CEC Entertainment, Tom served as CEO of Topgolf and as CEO of Omniflight. Previously, he held senior operating roles at FedEx Office and TXU Energy after starting his career as a consultant at Bain & Company. Tom received his M.B.A. from The Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth and his B.A. from Duke University.
mike manno
Vice President – Services
connor marks
IT Support Specialist
keely murphy
Technology Project Manager
charles muth
Senior Associate
Mike Manno is a Vice President on the Services team for Pritzker Private Capital. Mike works with Energy Distribution Partners (EDP), Highline Warren, and PathGroup. Mike joined PPC in 2021. Prior to PPC, Mike was Vice President at Flexpoint Ford, an Associate at Genstar Capital, and an investment banking Analyst at Baird. Mike received his M.B.A. from Harvard Business School and his B.S. from the University of Notre Dame.
Keely Murphy is a Technology Project Manager for Pritzker Private Capital and focuses on assisting with technology initiatives at the Firm as well as the PPC Companies. Keely joined PPC in 2022. Prior to PPC, Keely held various technology consulting roles at Accenture and Baker Tilly. Keely received her B.B.A. from the University of Wisconsin – Madison.
michael nelson
Managing Partner and Head of Investing
stephanie paine
Partner and Chief Financial Officer
casey perz
Associate, Partner Relations and Marketing
tony pritzker
Co-Founder, Chairman, and Chief Executive Officer
Michael Nelson is the Managing Partner and Head of Investing for Pritzker Private Capital. Michael joined PPC in 2012 and previously served as an Investment Partner and Co-Head of the Manufactured Products sector team. Michael works with Aurorium, Energy Distribution Partners, Highline Warren, Kenco Logistics, NAI Group, Technimark, and Valicor. Prior to PPC, Michael was a Managing Director at Wind Point Partners, a private equity investment firm based in Chicago, where he led investments in specialty manufacturing and packaging and served on the boards of seven different portfolio companies. Prior to Wind Point, Michael co-founded and served as Vice President of Finance for Esurg Corporation, a private equity-backed distributor of medical and pharmaceutical supplies. Previously, Michael spent four years in investment banking with Vector Securities. Michael serves on the board of the Chicago Jesuit Academy, which provides a full-scholarship college prep educational opportunity for economically disadvantaged youth in Chicago. Michael received his M.B.A. from Harvard Business School and his B.B.A. from the University of Michigan.
Stephanie Paine, Partner, is Chief Financial Officer and Chief Administrative Officer for Pritzker Private Capital. Stephanie is responsible for overseeing the financial reporting, tax, fund management, human resources, and IT functions. Stephanie joined PPC in 2017 as Chief Financial Officer. Prior to PPC, Stephanie held operations and accounting roles at various private equity, venture capital and hedge fund managers, including Healthbox Global Partners, Conversus Asset Management, Adams Street Partners, and Maverick Capital. She began her career as an auditor at PwC. Stephanie received her M.A. and B.A. in from the University of Texas at Austin.
Casey Perz is an Associate on the Partner Relations and Marketing team for Pritzker Private Capital and focuses on developing information tracking systems, firm-wide marketing materials, PR initiatives, and other communications. Casey joined PPC in 2023. Prior to PPC, Casey was a Marketing Analyst at GCM Grosvenor. Casey received her B.A. from Indiana University.
Tony Pritzker is Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Pritzker Private Capital, where he has spent over twenty years as an active investor and board member in middle-market companies across the manufactured products and business services segments. Tony works with Bardstown Bourbon Company, C.H. Guenther & Son, Kenco Logistics, PLZ, and ProAmpac. Tony’s operating experience includes serving as Chairman of AmSafe Partners, a leader in aircraft seating restraints; President of Baker Tanks, one of the nation’s leading tank and pump equipment rental business; and a variety of leadership roles at Marmon Group, where he served as a Group Executive. Tony supports a variety of causes and campaigns and currently serves as a Director or Board Member of the following institutions: Anthony Pritzker Family Foundation, Hammer Museum, Harvard Westlake School, International Medical Corps, Pritzker Family Foundation, UCLA Institute of the Environment and Sustainability, and the UCLA Institute for Carbon Management. For his stewardship, Tony has received honors from UCLA Neurosurgery, Friends of Sheba Medical Center in Israel, Young Presidents’ Organization, and the American Jewish University’s Brandeis Bardin Institute. Tony received his M.B.A. from The University of Chicago Booth School of Business and his B.A. from Dartmouth College.
rachel roberts
Executive Assistant
miguel roman
Accounts Payable Clerk
judy schroffel
Senior Executive Assistant
anish sharan
Head of Digital Transformation
Rachel Roberts is an Executive Assistant for Pritzker Private Capital supporting Tony Pritzker. Rachel joined PPC in 2023. Prior to PPC, Rachel worked with several high-level executives in entertainment, real estate, and consumer products. Rachel received her B.A. from the University of Wisconsin – Madison.
Miguel Roman is the Accounts Payable Clerk for Pritzker Private Capital and oversees invoicing, cash reconciliation, and the billing database. Miguel joined PPC in 2022. Prior to PPC, Miguel was an Accounts Payable Specialist at USG Corporation. Miguel received his B.S. from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
Anish Sharan is Head of Digital Transformation for Pritzker Private Capital. Anish focuses on spearheading digital strategy and operational improvement activities across the Firm and the PPC Companies. Anish joined PPC in 2022 and brings over 20 years of experience in digital innovation, process optimization, and platform modernization. Prior to PPC, Anish served as the Director of Business Improvement at CME Group and previously held various senior operational roles across digital and technology companies such as Nielsen, Leo Burnett, and Motorola. Anish received his M.B.A. from The University of Chicago Booth School of Business, his M.S. from Michigan State University, and is a certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt.
sarah simao
Executive Assistant
bradley smith
Tax Director
renee stock
Fund Controller
matthew talarico
Associate
Sarah Simao is an Executive Assistant to the Manufactured Products team for Pritzker Private Capital. Sarah joined PPC in 2022. Prior to PPC, Sarah was a Project Manager at Edelman and an Executive Coordinator at Canivello, a talent agency in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Sarah received her B.A. from Columbia College Chicago and a Postgraduate diploma in Business Administration from Fundação Getulio Vargas in Brazil.
Bradley Smith is a Tax Director for Pritzker Private Capital and is responsible for tax planning and compliance matters. Bradley joined PPC in 2022. Prior to PPC, Bradley was a Senior Manager at KPMG. Bradley received his M.B.A. from The University of Chicago Booth School of Business, his M.S. from the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign, and his B.S. in Accounting from Syracuse University. Bradley is a licensed Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in Illinois.
Renee Stock is a Fund Controller for Pritzker Private Capital and is responsible for overseeing the fund financial reporting process. Renee joined PPC in 2022. Prior to PPC, Renee was a Senior Manager, Audit and provided ESG consulting and assurance services at Grant Thornton. Previously, Renee worked on the external financial reporting team of a Fortune 50 healthcare company. She began her career at PwC. Renee received her M.S. and B.B.A. from the University of Notre Dame. Renee is a licensed Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in Illinois.
ethan thomas
Senior Associate
chris trick
Investment Partner - Manufactured Products
caitlin valko
Office Administrator
brad west
Partner and General Counsel / Chief Compliance Officer
Ethan Thomas is an Associate for Pritzker Private Capital. Ethan works with C.H. Guenther & Son, Kenco Logistics, and PathGroup. Ethan joined PPC in 2021 as an Associate. Prior to PPC, Ethan was an investment banking Associate at Goldman Sachs. Ethan received his B.A. from Michigan State University.
Chris Trick is an Investment Partner for Pritzker Private Capital and co-leads the Firm’s Manufactured Products team. Chris works with Bardstown Bourbon Company, C.H. Guenther & Son, Monogram Foods, NAI Group, PLZ, and ProAmpac. Chris joined PPC in 2017 as a Vice President. Prior to PPC, Chris was an Associate at KRG Capital Partners and previously was an investment banking Analyst at Baird. Chris also played professional hockey in the ECHL. Chris received his M.B.A. with honors from The University of Chicago Booth School of Business and his B.B.A. from the University of Notre Dame where he was a four-time monogram winner as a member of the hockey team.
Caitlin Valko is an Office Administrator for Pritzker Private Capital and assists in overall office management and coordination, conferencing, administrative activities, and other projects. Caitlin joined PPC in 2021 and previously was an Office Administrator for Pritzker Group. Caitlin received her B.A. from the University of South Carolina where she was a member of the NCAA Carolina Girls Dance Team.
Brad West, Partner, is General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer for Pritzker Private Capital. Brad is responsible for managing the legal aspects of the Firm’s operations, including transaction execution, corporate governance, risk management, media relations, and regulatory compliance. Brad initially joined PPC (then PGPC) in 2014 as Vice President – Legal. Prior to PPC, Brad worked in the private equity, finance, and transactions practice of Vedder Price, P.C. and in the corporate and securities group at Mayer Brown LLP. Brad received his J.D. from the University of Minnesota Law School and his B.B.A. from the University of Wisconsin – Madison.
Silvia Yim is a Vice President of Human Resources for Pritzker Private Capital and oversees all Human Resources functions for PPC as well as developing cross-collaboration across the HR professionals at the PPC Companies. Silvia joined PPC in 2018 as a Human Resources Manager. Prior to PPC, Silvia was a Human Resources Generalist at an IT consulting firm and a Human Resources Administrative Assistant at Deerfield Public Schools District 109. Silvia received her B.S. from Trinity International University.
Management Committee
paul carbone
Co-Founder and President
david gau
Chief Operating Officer and Head of Operations
michael nelson
Managing Partner and Head of Investing
tony pritzker
Co-Founder, Chairman, and Chief Executive Officer
Paul Carbone is the Co-Founder and President of Pritzker Private Capital. Paul also chairs the PPC Management and Investment Committees and has a particular focus on advancing the development of the family capital industry and PPC’s relationships with the market’s premier family groups. From 2012 to 2022, Paul was President and Managing Partner of Pritzker Private Capital and its predecessor. For the prior 13 years, Paul was the Director and Managing Partner of the Private Equity Group of Robert W. Baird & Co., which makes venture capital, growth equity and buyout investments in smaller, high‐potential companies in the US, Europe and Asia. Prior to 1999, Paul was the Co‐Director of Investment Banking responsible for Robert W. Baird & Co.’s Mergers and Acquisitions Advisory practice. Prior to joining Robert W. Baird & Co. in 1994, Paul was Senior Vice President in the Investment Banking Group at Kidder, Peabody & Co.
Paul serves on the board of trustees/directors of The University of Chicago, University of Chicago Medical Center, The Art Institute of Chicago (Executive Committee and Chair of the Investment Committee), The Larry H. Miller Company, and Misericordia Home as well as its Endowment Fund. He is also a member of the Commercial Club of Chicago and the Economic Club of Chicago.
In 2016, Paul received the Stanley C. Golder Award from the Illinois Venture Capital Association in recognition of his contributions to the private equity industry in Illinois. Paul has served as an EY Entrepreneur of the Year regional judge as well as national judge for the Family Business category. In 2020 and 2022, Family Capital magazine named Paul one of the Top 100 most influential people among family investors and family enterprises.
Paul is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of The College of the University of Chicago. He received his MBA from Harvard Business School.
Paul serves on the board of trustees/directors of The University of Chicago, University of Chicago Medical Center, The Art Institute of Chicago (Executive Committee and Chair of the Investment Committee), The Larry H. Miller Company, and Misericordia Home as well as its Endowment Fund. He is also a member of the Commercial Club of Chicago and the Economic Club of Chicago.
In 2016, Paul received the Stanley C. Golder Award from the Illinois Venture Capital Association in recognition of his contributions to the private equity industry in Illinois. Paul has served as an EY Entrepreneur of the Year regional judge as well as national judge for the Family Business category. In 2020 and 2022, Family Capital magazine named Paul one of the Top 100 most influential people among family investors and family enterprises.
Paul is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of The College of the University of Chicago. He received his MBA from Harvard Business School.
David Gau is Chief Operating Officer and Head of Operations for Pritzker Private Capital. David joined PPC in 2014 and previously served as an Operating Partner and Co-Head of the Manufactured Products sector team. David works with Aurorium, Bardstown Bourbon Company, C.H. Guenther & Son, Highline Warren, Monogram Foods, PathGroup, Plaskolite, PLZ, ProAmpac, and Technimark. David joined PPC after a 30-year career building and operating multi-national organizations. Prior to PPC, he served as CEO of Intersystems, a manufacturer of material handling equipment for agricultural and industrial applications. Prior to Intersystems, he served as EVP of Global Commercial Operations and Group President of Industrial Fluid Power for Gates Corp. Prior to Gates Corp., he served as President of Air System Components, a division of Tomkins. David received his B.S. from the University of Nebraska at Omaha.
Michael Nelson is the Managing Partner and Head of Investing for Pritzker Private Capital. Michael joined PPC in 2012 and previously served as an Investment Partner and Co-Head of the Manufactured Products sector team. Michael works with Aurorium, Energy Distribution Partners, Highline Warren, Kenco Logistics, NAI Group, Technimark, and Valicor. Prior to PPC, Michael was a Managing Director at Wind Point Partners, a private equity investment firm based in Chicago, where he led investments in specialty manufacturing and packaging and served on the boards of seven different portfolio companies. Prior to Wind Point, Michael co-founded and served as Vice President of Finance for Esurg Corporation, a private equity-backed distributor of medical and pharmaceutical supplies. Previously, Michael spent four years in investment banking with Vector Securities. Michael serves on the board of the Chicago Jesuit Academy, which provides a full-scholarship college prep educational opportunity for economically disadvantaged youth in Chicago. Michael received his M.B.A. from Harvard Business School and his B.B.A. from the University of Michigan.
Tony Pritzker is Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Pritzker Private Capital, where he has spent over twenty years as an active investor and board member in middle-market companies across the manufactured products and business services segments. Tony works with Bardstown Bourbon Company, C.H. Guenther & Son, Kenco Logistics, PLZ, and ProAmpac. Tony’s operating experience includes serving as Chairman of AmSafe Partners, a leader in aircraft seating restraints; President of Baker Tanks, one of the nation’s leading tank and pump equipment rental business; and a variety of leadership roles at Marmon Group, where he served as a Group Executive. Tony supports a variety of causes and campaigns and currently serves as a Director or Board Member of the following institutions: Anthony Pritzker Family Foundation, Hammer Museum, Harvard Westlake School, International Medical Corps, Pritzker Family Foundation, UCLA Institute of the Environment and Sustainability, and the UCLA Institute for Carbon Management. For his stewardship, Tony has received honors from UCLA Neurosurgery, Friends of Sheba Medical Center in Israel, Young Presidents’ Organization, and the American Jewish University’s Brandeis Bardin Institute. Tony received his M.B.A. from The University of Chicago Booth School of Business and his B.A. from Dartmouth College.
Partners
chris brickman
Operating Partner - Manufactured Products
paul carbone
Co-Founder and President
carter cast
Operating Partner – Commercial
david gau
Chief Operating Officer and Head of Operations
Chris Brickman is an Operating Partner for Pritzker Private Capital and co-leads the Firm’s Manufactured Products team. Chris works with Bardstown Bourbon Company, C.H. Guenther & Son, and Monogram Foods. Chris joined PPC in 2023. Prior to PPC, Chris served as President and CEO of Sally Beauty Holdings. Previously, Chris held several senior positions at Kimberly-Clark Corporation, including President – International Consumer, President – Kimberly-Clark Professional, and Senior Vice President of Strategy. Prior to Kimberly-Clark, Chris was a Partner at McKinsey & Company after serving as President & CEO of Whitlock Packaging Corporation. Earlier in his career, he held positions at Guinness Brewing Worldwide and The NutraSweet Company after starting his career at Boston Consulting Group. Chris received his B.A. from Occidental College.
Paul Carbone is the Co-Founder and President of Pritzker Private Capital. Paul also chairs the PPC Management and Investment Committees and has a particular focus on advancing the development of the family capital industry and PPC’s relationships with the market’s premier family groups. From 2012 to 2022, Paul was President and Managing Partner of Pritzker Private Capital and its predecessor. For the prior 13 years, Paul was the Director and Managing Partner of the Private Equity Group of Robert W. Baird & Co., which makes venture capital, growth equity and buyout investments in smaller, high‐potential companies in the US, Europe and Asia. Prior to 1999, Paul was the Co‐Director of Investment Banking responsible for Robert W. Baird & Co.’s Mergers and Acquisitions Advisory practice. Prior to joining Robert W. Baird & Co. in 1994, Paul was Senior Vice President in the Investment Banking Group at Kidder, Peabody & Co.
Paul serves on the board of trustees/directors of The University of Chicago, University of Chicago Medical Center, The Art Institute of Chicago (Executive Committee and Chair of the Investment Committee), The Larry H. Miller Company, and Misericordia Home as well as its Endowment Fund. He is also a member of the Commercial Club of Chicago and the Economic Club of Chicago.
In 2016, Paul received the Stanley C. Golder Award from the Illinois Venture Capital Association in recognition of his contributions to the private equity industry in Illinois. Paul has served as an EY Entrepreneur of the Year regional judge as well as national judge for the Family Business category. In 2020 and 2022, Family Capital magazine named Paul one of the Top 100 most influential people among family investors and family enterprises.
Paul is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of The College of the University of Chicago. He received his MBA from Harvard Business School.
Paul serves on the board of trustees/directors of The University of Chicago, University of Chicago Medical Center, The Art Institute of Chicago (Executive Committee and Chair of the Investment Committee), The Larry H. Miller Company, and Misericordia Home as well as its Endowment Fund. He is also a member of the Commercial Club of Chicago and the Economic Club of Chicago.
In 2016, Paul received the Stanley C. Golder Award from the Illinois Venture Capital Association in recognition of his contributions to the private equity industry in Illinois. Paul has served as an EY Entrepreneur of the Year regional judge as well as national judge for the Family Business category. In 2020 and 2022, Family Capital magazine named Paul one of the Top 100 most influential people among family investors and family enterprises.
Paul is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of The College of the University of Chicago. He received his MBA from Harvard Business School.
Carter Cast is an Operating Partner for Pritzker Private Capital and works across the PPC Companies on commercial excellence activities that drive primary demand. Carter joined PPC in 2023 after having served as a Senior Advisor to the Firm for many years. Carter concurrently serves as the Michael S. and Mary Sue Shannon Clinical Professor of Entrepreneurship at Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management. He is also a member of the Kellogg Co. board of directors (NYSE: K). Prior to his teaching career, Carter launched and served as CEO of Walmart.com and was part of the launch team for Blue Nile, Inc., the leading online seller of diamonds and fine jewelry. Earlier in his career, Carter spent over a decade at PepsiCo Inc. where he ran the corn chip and salsa categories for Frito Lay, Inc. Carter received his M.B.A. from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University and his B.A. from Stanford University.
David Gau is Chief Operating Officer and Head of Operations for Pritzker Private Capital. David joined PPC in 2014 and previously served as an Operating Partner and Co-Head of the Manufactured Products sector team. David works with Aurorium, Bardstown Bourbon Company, C.H. Guenther & Son, Highline Warren, Monogram Foods, PathGroup, Plaskolite, PLZ, ProAmpac, and Technimark. David joined PPC after a 30-year career building and operating multi-national organizations. Prior to PPC, he served as CEO of Intersystems, a manufacturer of material handling equipment for agricultural and industrial applications. Prior to Intersystems, he served as EVP of Global Commercial Operations and Group President of Industrial Fluid Power for Gates Corp. Prior to Gates Corp., he served as President of Air System Components, a division of Tomkins. David received his B.S. from the University of Nebraska at Omaha.
eric kieras
Investment Partner - Services
tom leverton
Operating Partner - Services
michael nelson
Managing Partner and Head of Investing
stephanie paine
Partner and Chief Financial Officer
Eric Kieras is an Investment Partner for Pritzker Private Capital and co-leads the Firm's Services team. Eric works with Energy Distribution Partners (EDP), Highline Warren, Kenco Logistics, and Valicor. Eric joined PPC in 2020. Prior to PPC, Eric was a Managing Director at JZ Partners and previously an investment banker at P&M Corporate Finance. Eric received his B.B.A. from the University of Michigan.
Tom Leverton is an Operating Partner for Pritzker Private Capital and co-leads the Firm’s Services team. Tom works with Energy Distribution Partners (EDP), Highline Warren, Kenco Logistics, and Valicor. Tom joined PPC in 2020. Prior to PPC, Tom served as CEO of CEC Entertainment, the parent company of Chuck E. Cheese and Peter Piper Pizza. Prior to CEC Entertainment, Tom served as CEO of Topgolf and as CEO of Omniflight. Previously, he held senior operating roles at FedEx Office and TXU Energy after starting his career as a consultant at Bain & Company. Tom received his M.B.A. from The Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth and his B.A. from Duke University.
Michael Nelson is the Managing Partner and Head of Investing for Pritzker Private Capital. Michael joined PPC in 2012 and previously served as an Investment Partner and Co-Head of the Manufactured Products sector team. Michael works with Aurorium, Energy Distribution Partners, Highline Warren, Kenco Logistics, NAI Group, Technimark, and Valicor. Prior to PPC, Michael was a Managing Director at Wind Point Partners, a private equity investment firm based in Chicago, where he led investments in specialty manufacturing and packaging and served on the boards of seven different portfolio companies. Prior to Wind Point, Michael co-founded and served as Vice President of Finance for Esurg Corporation, a private equity-backed distributor of medical and pharmaceutical supplies. Previously, Michael spent four years in investment banking with Vector Securities. Michael serves on the board of the Chicago Jesuit Academy, which provides a full-scholarship college prep educational opportunity for economically disadvantaged youth in Chicago. Michael received his M.B.A. from Harvard Business School and his B.B.A. from the University of Michigan.
Stephanie Paine, Partner, is Chief Financial Officer and Chief Administrative Officer for Pritzker Private Capital. Stephanie is responsible for overseeing the financial reporting, tax, fund management, human resources, and IT functions. Stephanie joined PPC in 2017 as Chief Financial Officer. Prior to PPC, Stephanie held operations and accounting roles at various private equity, venture capital and hedge fund managers, including Healthbox Global Partners, Conversus Asset Management, Adams Street Partners, and Maverick Capital. She began her career as an auditor at PwC. Stephanie received her M.A. and B.A. in from the University of Texas at Austin.
tony pritzker
Co-Founder, Chairman, and Chief Executive Officer
chris trick
Investment Partner - Manufactured Products
brad west
Partner and General Counsel / Chief Compliance Officer
Tony Pritzker is Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Pritzker Private Capital, where he has spent over twenty years as an active investor and board member in middle-market companies across the manufactured products and business services segments. Tony works with Bardstown Bourbon Company, C.H. Guenther & Son, Kenco Logistics, PLZ, and ProAmpac. Tony’s operating experience includes serving as Chairman of AmSafe Partners, a leader in aircraft seating restraints; President of Baker Tanks, one of the nation’s leading tank and pump equipment rental business; and a variety of leadership roles at Marmon Group, where he served as a Group Executive. Tony supports a variety of causes and campaigns and currently serves as a Director or Board Member of the following institutions: Anthony Pritzker Family Foundation, Hammer Museum, Harvard Westlake School, International Medical Corps, Pritzker Family Foundation, UCLA Institute of the Environment and Sustainability, and the UCLA Institute for Carbon Management. For his stewardship, Tony has received honors from UCLA Neurosurgery, Friends of Sheba Medical Center in Israel, Young Presidents’ Organization, and the American Jewish University’s Brandeis Bardin Institute. Tony received his M.B.A. from The University of Chicago Booth School of Business and his B.A. from Dartmouth College.
Chris Trick is an Investment Partner for Pritzker Private Capital and co-leads the Firm’s Manufactured Products team. Chris works with Bardstown Bourbon Company, C.H. Guenther & Son, Monogram Foods, NAI Group, PLZ, and ProAmpac. Chris joined PPC in 2017 as a Vice President. Prior to PPC, Chris was an Associate at KRG Capital Partners and previously was an investment banking Analyst at Baird. Chris also played professional hockey in the ECHL. Chris received his M.B.A. with honors from The University of Chicago Booth School of Business and his B.B.A. from the University of Notre Dame where he was a four-time monogram winner as a member of the hockey team.
Brad West, Partner, is General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer for Pritzker Private Capital. Brad is responsible for managing the legal aspects of the Firm’s operations, including transaction execution, corporate governance, risk management, media relations, and regulatory compliance. Brad initially joined PPC (then PGPC) in 2014 as Vice President – Legal. Prior to PPC, Brad worked in the private equity, finance, and transactions practice of Vedder Price, P.C. and in the corporate and securities group at Mayer Brown LLP. Brad received his J.D. from the University of Minnesota Law School and his B.B.A. from the University of Wisconsin – Madison.
Investments
benjamin barry
Vice President – Services
spenser brown
Vice President - Manufactured Products
anthony cardona
Principal - Services
thomas chadwick
Principal - Manufactured Products
Ben Barry is a Vice President on the Services team for Pritzker Private Capital. Ben works with Kenco Logistics and Valicor. Ben initially joined PPC in 2017 as an Associate and rejoined in 2021 after serving as Chief of Staff at Valicor, a PPC Company, for one year. Prior to PPC, Ben was an Associate at Summit Partners and an investment banking Analyst at Baird. Ben received his B.B.A. from Emory University.
Spenser Brown is a Vice President on the Manufactured Products team for Pritzker Private Capital. Spenser works with Aurorium, NAI Group, and Plaskolite. Spenser joined PPC in 2022. Prior to PPC, Spenser was an Associate at Madison Dearborn Capital Partners and previously was an investment banking Associate and Analyst at Citi. Spenser received his M.B.A. from the Stanford Graduate School of Business and a dual B.S. from Milwaukee School of Engineering. Spenser is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) charterholder.
Anthony Cardona is a Principal on the Services team for Pritzker Private Capital. Anthony works with Highline Warren, Kenco Logistics, and Valicor. Anthony initially joined PPC in 2014 as an Associate and re-joined in 2018 after business school. Prior to PPC, Anthony was an investment banking Analyst at Lincoln International. Anthony received his M.B.A. from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University, where he was a Zell Fellow, and his B.S. from Washington and Lee University, where he graduated Omicron Delta Kappa.
Thomas Chadwick is a Principal on the Manufactured Products team for Pritzker Private Capital. Thomas works with Aurorium, NAI Group, Plaskolite, and Technimark. Thomas joined PPC in 2017 as an Associate. Prior to PPC, Thomas was an Associate at Madison Dearborn Capital Partners and an Investment Banking Analyst at Deutsche Bank. Thomas received his M.B.A. from Harvard Business School and his B.B.A. from the University of Wisconsin – Madison.
dennis choi
Senior Associate
juan crawford
Associate
kaitlyn desai
Principal - Manufactured Products
parker hewitt
Associate
Juan Crawford is an Associate for Pritzker Private Capital. Juan works with Aurorium. Juan joined PPC in 2023. Prior to PPC, Juan was an investment banking Associate at Bank of America and an investment banking Analyst at BMO Capital Markets. Juan received his B.S.B.A. from the University of Missouri.
Kaitlyn Desai is a Principal on the Manufactured Products team for Pritzker Private Capital. Kaitlyn works with PLZ and ProAmpac. Kaitlyn joined PPC in 2019 as a Vice President after serving as an intern during business school. Prior to PPC, Kaitlyn was an Associate Director at SSA & Company, a Finance Coordinator at Livestream, and an Analyst at Deutsche Bank. Kaitlyn received her M.B.A. from The University of Chicago Booth School of Business and her B.A. from Claremont McKenna College, where she was a Robert Day Scholar and four-time letter winner as a member of the lacrosse team.
phillip iler
Vice President - Manufactured Products
ben keating
Associate
eric kieras
Investment Partner - Services
erica kosches
Associate
Phil Iler is a Vice President on the Manufactured Products team for Pritzker Private Capital. Phil works with Bardstown Bourbon Company, C.H. Guenther, and Monogram Foods. Phil initially joined PPC in 2016 as an Associate and re-joined the Firm in 2020 after business school. Prior to PPC, Phil was an investment banking Analyst at SunTrust Robinson Humphrey. Phil received his M.B.A. from The University of Chicago Booth School of Business and his B.S. in Finance from Wake Forest University.
Ben Keating is an Associate for Pritzker Private Capital. Ben works with Valicor. Ben joined PPC in 2022. Prior to PPC, Ben was an investment banking Analyst at Goldman Sachs and an investment banking Analyst at Wells Fargo Securities. Ben received his M.S. and his B.B.A. from the University of Cincinnati.
Eric Kieras is an Investment Partner for Pritzker Private Capital and co-leads the Firm's Services team. Eric works with Energy Distribution Partners (EDP), Highline Warren, Kenco Logistics, and Valicor. Eric joined PPC in 2020. Prior to PPC, Eric was a Managing Director at JZ Partners and previously an investment banker at P&M Corporate Finance. Eric received his B.B.A. from the University of Michigan.
emma lee
Associate
mike manno
Vice President – Services
charles muth
Senior Associate
michael nelson
Managing Partner and Head of Investing
Mike Manno is a Vice President on the Services team for Pritzker Private Capital. Mike works with Energy Distribution Partners (EDP), Highline Warren, and PathGroup. Mike joined PPC in 2021. Prior to PPC, Mike was Vice President at Flexpoint Ford, an Associate at Genstar Capital, and an investment banking Analyst at Baird. Mike received his M.B.A. from Harvard Business School and his B.S. from the University of Notre Dame.
Michael Nelson is the Managing Partner and Head of Investing for Pritzker Private Capital. Michael joined PPC in 2012 and previously served as an Investment Partner and Co-Head of the Manufactured Products sector team. Michael works with Aurorium, Energy Distribution Partners, Highline Warren, Kenco Logistics, NAI Group, Technimark, and Valicor. Prior to PPC, Michael was a Managing Director at Wind Point Partners, a private equity investment firm based in Chicago, where he led investments in specialty manufacturing and packaging and served on the boards of seven different portfolio companies. Prior to Wind Point, Michael co-founded and served as Vice President of Finance for Esurg Corporation, a private equity-backed distributor of medical and pharmaceutical supplies. Previously, Michael spent four years in investment banking with Vector Securities. Michael serves on the board of the Chicago Jesuit Academy, which provides a full-scholarship college prep educational opportunity for economically disadvantaged youth in Chicago. Michael received his M.B.A. from Harvard Business School and his B.B.A. from the University of Michigan.
matthew talarico
Associate
ethan thomas
Senior Associate
chris trick
Investment Partner - Manufactured Products
Ethan Thomas is an Associate for Pritzker Private Capital. Ethan works with C.H. Guenther & Son, Kenco Logistics, and PathGroup. Ethan joined PPC in 2021 as an Associate. Prior to PPC, Ethan was an investment banking Associate at Goldman Sachs. Ethan received his B.A. from Michigan State University.
Chris Trick is an Investment Partner for Pritzker Private Capital and co-leads the Firm’s Manufactured Products team. Chris works with Bardstown Bourbon Company, C.H. Guenther & Son, Monogram Foods, NAI Group, PLZ, and ProAmpac. Chris joined PPC in 2017 as a Vice President. Prior to PPC, Chris was an Associate at KRG Capital Partners and previously was an investment banking Analyst at Baird. Chris also played professional hockey in the ECHL. Chris received his M.B.A. with honors from The University of Chicago Booth School of Business and his B.B.A. from the University of Notre Dame where he was a four-time monogram winner as a member of the hockey team.
Operations
david baker
Principal - Operations Group
chris brickman
Operating Partner - Manufactured Products
jeff carlson
Head of Technology
carter cast
Operating Partner – Commercial
David Baker is a Principal in the Operations Group for Pritzker Private Capital. David works across the PPC Companies on strategy, operational improvements, and consulting projects. David joined PPC in 2019 after having worked with the Firm as an independent consultant since 2015. Prior to being an independent consultant, David served as Vice President of Strategy & International Development at Outerwall (then owner of the Redbox and Coinstar kiosks), a Senior Manager/Principal with Bain & Company, and previously held various consulting roles at Arthur Andersen Business Consulting and UMS Group. David received his M.B.A. from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University and his B.A. from Williams College.
Chris Brickman is an Operating Partner for Pritzker Private Capital and co-leads the Firm’s Manufactured Products team. Chris works with Bardstown Bourbon Company, C.H. Guenther & Son, and Monogram Foods. Chris joined PPC in 2023. Prior to PPC, Chris served as President and CEO of Sally Beauty Holdings. Previously, Chris held several senior positions at Kimberly-Clark Corporation, including President – International Consumer, President – Kimberly-Clark Professional, and Senior Vice President of Strategy. Prior to Kimberly-Clark, Chris was a Partner at McKinsey & Company after serving as President & CEO of Whitlock Packaging Corporation. Earlier in his career, he held positions at Guinness Brewing Worldwide and The NutraSweet Company after starting his career at Boston Consulting Group. Chris received his B.A. from Occidental College.
Jeff Carlson is Head of Technology for Pritzker Private Capital and oversees PPC’s IT team and provides strategic and tactical guidance as well as develops cross-collaboration across the IT professionals at the PPC Companies. Jeff joined PPC in 2020 after previously having served as Director of Information Technology at Pritzker Group since 2014. Prior to PPC/Pritzker Group, Jeff was a Vice President of Information Technology at SunTrust Robinson Humphrey, a Vice President at Bank of America, and a Senior Developer at Vista Software Solutions (now JDA Software). Jeff received his M.S. and B.S. from Northern Illinois University.
Carter Cast is an Operating Partner for Pritzker Private Capital and works across the PPC Companies on commercial excellence activities that drive primary demand. Carter joined PPC in 2023 after having served as a Senior Advisor to the Firm for many years. Carter concurrently serves as the Michael S. and Mary Sue Shannon Clinical Professor of Entrepreneurship at Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management. He is also a member of the Kellogg Co. board of directors (NYSE: K). Prior to his teaching career, Carter launched and served as CEO of Walmart.com and was part of the launch team for Blue Nile, Inc., the leading online seller of diamonds and fine jewelry. Earlier in his career, Carter spent over a decade at PepsiCo Inc. where he ran the corn chip and salsa categories for Frito Lay, Inc. Carter received his M.B.A. from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University and his B.A. from Stanford University.
amanda essay
Vice President - Financial Performance
david gau
Chief Operating Officer and Head of Operations
tim giulianelli
Vice President of Automation
david hirsch
Chief Financial Officer – Operations Group
Amanda Essay is Vice President – Financial Performance for Pritzker Private Capital. Amanda works with PPC and across the PPC Companies on accounting, finance, and reporting matters. Amanda joined PPC in 2018 as Finance Manager. Prior to PPC, Amanda was a Transaction Services Senior Associate and Associate at PwC’s capital markets and accounting advisory group. Amanda received her M.S. and her B.A. from Vanderbilt University, where she was a four-time monogram winner as a member of the soccer team. Amanda is a licensed Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in Illinois.
David Gau is Chief Operating Officer and Head of Operations for Pritzker Private Capital. David joined PPC in 2014 and previously served as an Operating Partner and Co-Head of the Manufactured Products sector team. David works with Aurorium, Bardstown Bourbon Company, C.H. Guenther & Son, Highline Warren, Monogram Foods, PathGroup, Plaskolite, PLZ, ProAmpac, and Technimark. David joined PPC after a 30-year career building and operating multi-national organizations. Prior to PPC, he served as CEO of Intersystems, a manufacturer of material handling equipment for agricultural and industrial applications. Prior to Intersystems, he served as EVP of Global Commercial Operations and Group President of Industrial Fluid Power for Gates Corp. Prior to Gates Corp., he served as President of Air System Components, a division of Tomkins. David received his B.S. from the University of Nebraska at Omaha.
Tim Giulianelli is Vice President of Automation for Pritzker Private Capital. Tim focuses on evaluating and implementing technology and automation systems manufacturing and production facilities across the PPC Companies. Tim joined PPC in 2022. Prior to PPC, Tim served as Senior Global Automation Engineer at Jabil Packaging Solutions (formerly Nypro), a Lead Process Engineer at Spectrum Control (now API technologies), and an Automation Engineer at Erie County Plastics. In addition, Tim honorably served six years in the United States Marine Corps. Tim received an A.S. from College of the Desert and holds multiple industrial PC/PLC process computer platform programming, lean manufacturing, and technical certifications.
David Hirsch is Chief Financial Officer – Operations Group for Pritzker Private Capital. David focuses on accounting, finance, and reporting across the PPC Companies. David initially joined PPC (then PGPC) in 2013 as Vice President – Finance. Prior to PPC, David was a Transaction Services Manager at Crowe and a Senior Auditor at Deloitte. David received his M.A.S. and B.S. from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. David is a Certified Public Accountant (inactive).
matthew kasper
Vice President – Operations and Strategic Finance
tom leverton
Operating Partner - Services
keely murphy
Technology Project Manager
anish sharan
Head of Digital Transformation
Matthew Kasper is Vice President – Operations & Strategic Finance for Pritzker Private Capital. Matthew works with the PPC Companies to support the execution of strategic, financial, and operational value creation initiatives. Matthew joined PPC in 2020 as an Associate. Prior to PPC, Matthew was an investment banking Analyst at RBC Capital Markets. Matthew received his B.S. from Indiana University.
Tom Leverton is an Operating Partner for Pritzker Private Capital and co-leads the Firm’s Services team. Tom works with Energy Distribution Partners (EDP), Highline Warren, Kenco Logistics, and Valicor. Tom joined PPC in 2020. Prior to PPC, Tom served as CEO of CEC Entertainment, the parent company of Chuck E. Cheese and Peter Piper Pizza. Prior to CEC Entertainment, Tom served as CEO of Topgolf and as CEO of Omniflight. Previously, he held senior operating roles at FedEx Office and TXU Energy after starting his career as a consultant at Bain & Company. Tom received his M.B.A. from The Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth and his B.A. from Duke University.
Keely Murphy is a Technology Project Manager for Pritzker Private Capital and focuses on assisting with technology initiatives at the Firm as well as the PPC Companies. Keely joined PPC in 2022. Prior to PPC, Keely held various technology consulting roles at Accenture and Baker Tilly. Keely received her B.B.A. from the University of Wisconsin – Madison.
Anish Sharan is Head of Digital Transformation for Pritzker Private Capital. Anish focuses on spearheading digital strategy and operational improvement activities across the Firm and the PPC Companies. Anish joined PPC in 2022 and brings over 20 years of experience in digital innovation, process optimization, and platform modernization. Prior to PPC, Anish served as the Director of Business Improvement at CME Group and previously held various senior operational roles across digital and technology companies such as Nielsen, Leo Burnett, and Motorola. Anish received his M.B.A. from The University of Chicago Booth School of Business, his M.S. from Michigan State University, and is a certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt.
Firm Operations
angela baroni
Executive Assistant
haley bass
Executive Assistant
chris brannan
Assistant General Counsel and ESG Officer
meaghan carey
Executive Assistant - PPC Firm Operations
Angela Baroni serves as an Executive Assistant to the Management Committee at Pritzker Private Capital. Angela joined PPC in 2022. Prior to PPC, Angela was an Executive Assistant at GTCR, Rothschild & Co., and Lincoln International. Angela received her B.A. from The University of Illinois at Chicago.
Chris Brannan serves as both the Assistant General Counsel and the Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) Officer for Pritzker Private Capital. As Assistant General Counsel, Chris works with PPC and the PPC Companies on regulatory compliance, transaction execution, and various other legal matters. As ESG Officer, Chris manages PPC’s communications and tracking programs related to ESG and works with the Firm and the PPC Companies to further ESG efforts and initiatives. Chris joined PPC in 2017 as Assistant General Counsel. Prior to PPC, Chris was an attorney in the M&A practices at Winston & Strawn LLP and O’Melveny & Myers LLP. Prior to law school, Chris was a Tax/Assurance Associate at PwC, where he received his CPA license. Chris received his J.D. from the University of Michigan Law School and his B.A. from Bucknell University where he was a member of the baseball team.
Meaghan Carey is an Executive Assistant to the Firm Operations Team for Pritzker Private Capital. Meaghan joined PPC in 2021. Prior to PPC, Meaghan supported the General Counsel, CFO, Managing Principal, and Investment Committee Members at Walton Street Capital and was on the staff support team at Heidrick & Struggles. Meaghan received her B.A. from St. Ambrose University.
jeff carlson
Head of Technology
esther choi
Human Resources Coordinator
rebecca converse
Head of Global Strategic Partnerships
bradley davis
Finance Manager
Jeff Carlson is Head of Technology for Pritzker Private Capital and oversees PPC’s IT team and provides strategic and tactical guidance as well as develops cross-collaboration across the IT professionals at the PPC Companies. Jeff joined PPC in 2020 after previously having served as Director of Information Technology at Pritzker Group since 2014. Prior to PPC/Pritzker Group, Jeff was a Vice President of Information Technology at SunTrust Robinson Humphrey, a Vice President at Bank of America, and a Senior Developer at Vista Software Solutions (now JDA Software). Jeff received his M.S. and B.S. from Northern Illinois University.
Esther Choi is a Human Resources Coordinator for Pritzker Private Capital and supports all internal HR functions at PPC. Esther joined PPC in 2022. Prior to PPC, Esther was a Human Resources Coordinator and Office Manager at Envoy Global, a Legal Assistant at Trivedi & Khan, P.C., and a Customer Service Specialist at the Georgia Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division. Esther received her B.B.A. from Georgia State University.
Rebecca Converse is the Head of Global Strategic Partnerships for Pritzker Private Capital. Rebecca focuses on developing relationships and communications for PPC’s investor partners as well as oversees PPC’s events, marketing, and communications team. Rebecca joined PPC in 2021. Prior to PPC, Rebecca founded and served as Managing Principal of Cycle Communications, a specialty consulting group focused on investor relations and communications development initiatives for private equity firms and investors. Previously, Rebecca began her career and spent 17 years with Wind Point Partners, where she was ultimately the Director of Investor Relations, Marketing, and Communications. Rebecca received her M.B.A. from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University and her B.A. from the University of Michigan.
Bradley Davis is the Finance Manager for Pritzker Private Capital and supports financial reporting, fund management functions, and accounts payable process. Bradley joined PPC in 2019 as a Senior Accountant. Prior to PPC, Bradley was a Senior Associate at RSM US LLP where he focused on private equity tax compliance. Bradley received his dual B.S. from Indiana University. Bradley is a licensed Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in Illinois.
brooke delpiccolo
Senior Associate - Partner Relations and Marketing
cait farry
Event Coordinator
kaz frazier
Administrative Assistant
jen klein
Paralegal
Brooke DelPiccolo is a Senior Associate on the Partner Relations and Marketing team for Pritzker Private Capital and focuses on materials development, information requests, and portal management for the Firm’s investor partners. Brooke joined PPC in 2022. Prior to PPC, Brooke was a Senior Associate at Dubin Clark & Company, Inc., an Analyst at Deutsche Bank, and held an investor relations support role at Audax Group. Brooke received her B.A. and B.B.A. from the University of Wisconsin – Green Bay.
Cait Farry is an Event Coordinator for Pritzker Private Capital and manages internal and external events across the Firm. Cait joined PPC in 2019 as an Executive Assistant. Prior to PPC, Cait was a Marketing and Project Support Coordinator at William Blair. Cait serves as a member on the Young Professionals Board of Ascend Justice. Cait received her B.A. from the University of Puget Sound, where she was a member of the swim team.
Kaz Frazier is an Administrative Assistant for Pritzker Private Capital and assists in office reception, coordination, meetings, and projects. Kaz joined PPC in 2023. Prior to PPC, Kaz was a Community Manager Coordinator at Equilibria and worked as a Social Media & Digital Marketing Specialist for Gage Marine, Pier 290, and Lake Geneva Cruise Line. Kaz received her B.A. from the University of Alabama.
Jen Klein is a Paralegal for Pritzker Private Capital. Jen supports an array of legal aspects of PPC and PPC Company operations, including regulatory compliance, transaction execution, and other governance matters. Jen joined PPC in 2022. Prior to PPC, Jen held several roles operational support roles at Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP, Jenner & Block LLP, Aon, and Bartlit Beck LLP. Jen completed the Paralegal Studies program at Webster University and received her B.S. from the University of Missouri.
kati kostyk
Executive Assistant
connor marks
IT Support Specialist
stephanie paine
Partner and Chief Financial Officer
casey perz
Associate, Partner Relations and Marketing
Kati Kostyk is an Executive Assistant to the Strategic Partnerships team and other team members at Pritzker Private Capital. Kati joined PPC in 2023. Prior to PPC, Kati was an Executive Assistant at Lincoln International LLC and an Administrative Assistant at Swidler Spanola & Company. Kati received her B.F.A. from Ball State University.
Stephanie Paine, Partner, is Chief Financial Officer and Chief Administrative Officer for Pritzker Private Capital. Stephanie is responsible for overseeing the financial reporting, tax, fund management, human resources, and IT functions. Stephanie joined PPC in 2017 as Chief Financial Officer. Prior to PPC, Stephanie held operations and accounting roles at various private equity, venture capital and hedge fund managers, including Healthbox Global Partners, Conversus Asset Management, Adams Street Partners, and Maverick Capital. She began her career as an auditor at PwC. Stephanie received her M.A. and B.A. in from the University of Texas at Austin.
Casey Perz is an Associate on the Partner Relations and Marketing team for Pritzker Private Capital and focuses on developing information tracking systems, firm-wide marketing materials, PR initiatives, and other communications. Casey joined PPC in 2023. Prior to PPC, Casey was a Marketing Analyst at GCM Grosvenor. Casey received her B.A. from Indiana University.
rachel roberts
Executive Assistant
miguel roman
Accounts Payable Clerk
judy schroffel
Senior Executive Assistant
sarah simao
Executive Assistant
Rachel Roberts is an Executive Assistant for Pritzker Private Capital supporting Tony Pritzker. Rachel joined PPC in 2023. Prior to PPC, Rachel worked with several high-level executives in entertainment, real estate, and consumer products. Rachel received her B.A. from the University of Wisconsin – Madison.
Miguel Roman is the Accounts Payable Clerk for Pritzker Private Capital and oversees invoicing, cash reconciliation, and the billing database. Miguel joined PPC in 2022. Prior to PPC, Miguel was an Accounts Payable Specialist at USG Corporation. Miguel received his B.S. from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
Sarah Simao is an Executive Assistant to the Manufactured Products team for Pritzker Private Capital. Sarah joined PPC in 2022. Prior to PPC, Sarah was a Project Manager at Edelman and an Executive Coordinator at Canivello, a talent agency in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Sarah received her B.A. from Columbia College Chicago and a Postgraduate diploma in Business Administration from Fundação Getulio Vargas in Brazil.
bradley smith
Tax Director
renee stock
Fund Controller
caitlin valko
Office Administrator
brad west
Partner and General Counsel / Chief Compliance Officer
Bradley Smith is a Tax Director for Pritzker Private Capital and is responsible for tax planning and compliance matters. Bradley joined PPC in 2022. Prior to PPC, Bradley was a Senior Manager at KPMG. Bradley received his M.B.A. from The University of Chicago Booth School of Business, his M.S. from the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign, and his B.S. in Accounting from Syracuse University. Bradley is a licensed Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in Illinois.
Renee Stock is a Fund Controller for Pritzker Private Capital and is responsible for overseeing the fund financial reporting process. Renee joined PPC in 2022. Prior to PPC, Renee was a Senior Manager, Audit and provided ESG consulting and assurance services at Grant Thornton. Previously, Renee worked on the external financial reporting team of a Fortune 50 healthcare company. She began her career at PwC. Renee received her M.S. and B.B.A. from the University of Notre Dame. Renee is a licensed Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in Illinois.
Caitlin Valko is an Office Administrator for Pritzker Private Capital and assists in overall office management and coordination, conferencing, administrative activities, and other projects. Caitlin joined PPC in 2021 and previously was an Office Administrator for Pritzker Group. Caitlin received her B.A. from the University of South Carolina where she was a member of the NCAA Carolina Girls Dance Team.
Brad West, Partner, is General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer for Pritzker Private Capital. Brad is responsible for managing the legal aspects of the Firm’s operations, including transaction execution, corporate governance, risk management, media relations, and regulatory compliance. Brad initially joined PPC (then PGPC) in 2014 as Vice President – Legal. Prior to PPC, Brad worked in the private equity, finance, and transactions practice of Vedder Price, P.C. and in the corporate and securities group at Mayer Brown LLP. Brad received his J.D. from the University of Minnesota Law School and his B.B.A. from the University of Wisconsin – Madison.
Silvia Yim is a Vice President of Human Resources for Pritzker Private Capital and oversees all Human Resources functions for PPC as well as developing cross-collaboration across the HR professionals at the PPC Companies. Silvia joined PPC in 2018 as a Human Resources Manager. Prior to PPC, Silvia was a Human Resources Generalist at an IT consulting firm and a Human Resources Administrative Assistant at Deerfield Public Schools District 109. Silvia received her B.S. from Trinity International University.
