Two new partners among raft of promotions at Palatine after milestone year

Private equity firm Palatine has announced a raft of promotions reflecting the team’s contribution over the past 12 months, which saw record levels of investment and exit activity.

Richard Thomas, who leads Palatine’s Midlands office and Business Services sector, and James Gregson who was one of the first people the firm recruited to support its pioneering Impact Fund have been appointed as Partners.

Richard, who recently led the partial sale of CET Group with the sale of its tech-enabled insurance claims management division to HomeServe plc for £53m, and was heavily involved in the investment of global leading sustainability specialists, Anthesis Group.

James recently led the Impact Fund’s successful maiden exit from Yorkshire based company Estio Training. Based in Manchester, he sits on the boards of portfolio companies adult education provider Back2Work Group, and easyfundraising, the UK’s leading charity reward shopping site.

In the value enhancement team, which works across both of Palatine’s funds, Tom Ross-Jones has been promoted to Senior Portfolio Director and Gareth Wilson to Senior Strategic Growth Director.

In addition, London-based Matt Coles who sits in the board of Impact Fund portfolio companies; Trades Skills 4U and tranScrip and Birmingham-based Tom Hustler, who was involved in the partial sale of CET Group and investment in Anthesis Group, have both been promoted to Investment Director. Meanwhile, Manchester-based Lois Evans, who oversees the firm’s  communications channels, has been promoted to Marketing Manager.

This raft of promotions comes off the back of a very successful 2021 for Palatine that saw the firm successfully exit six investments, make four new investments and raise its fourth Buyout Fund.

Gary Tipper, Managing Partner at Palatine, said: “Palatine is a people business. The success of 2021 is down to our passionate and dedicated team. We are therefore delighted to welcome Richard and James into the Partner group in recognition of their significant contributions to the business.

“It is great to see them and the other members of the team developing their skills with us and making a positive difference to our portfolio companies and the wider economy. All richly deserve these promotions.

“Moving into the New Year, the team is looking to continue the success of 2021 building on our brand purpose, Positive Equity, because we believe private equity can be a force for good in business, society and the planet.

“We have an exciting pipeline of new investments and strategic acquisitions for our portfolio businesses, while after a record year for exits in 2021, further activity is expected here too.”