Highlander Partners, a leading middle market private equity investment firm based in Dallas, Texas, today announced the following changes to its leadership structure as part of a long-planned transition.
Jeff L. Hull has been appointed to the role of Chief Executive Officer, effective December 1, 2018, in addition to his current role as President and Managing Partner. Michael R. Nicolais will continue as Vice Chairman of the firm through December 31, 2019.
Mr. Hull has been heading Highlander’s North American private equity efforts for a number of years but will assume the duties and oversight of Highlander’s investments throughout Europe and Asia as well. He joined Highlander in 2009, after serving as CEO of several private equity backed companies. His focus has been on direct private investments in the U.S. and establishing Highlander’s very active strategy in middle market private equity transactions.
Mr. Nicolais co-founded Highlander in 2004 with Laurence E. Hirsch. He will continue to oversee several of Highlander’s existing portfolio companies and assist in add-on acquisitions associated with those companies, while also continuing to transition these responsibilities to other Highlander personnel.
Commenting on the transition, Mr. Hirsch, Highlander’s Chairman, expressed his appreciation to Mr. Nicolais stating, “Mike co-founded Highlander with me almost 15 years ago. I can’t thank him enough for what he has accomplished for me, my family and the people of Highlander. Mike built Highlander though immense personal effort; displaying unparalleled drive, tenacity and imagination. Simply stated, there would be no Highlander today without Mike.”
Mr. Hirsch added, “Jeff, after almost 10 years at Highlander, has impressed all of us with his creativity, deep operations knowledge and commitment to our people. He is uniquely capable of raising Highlander to even greater heights while further enhancing the special cultural environment that he and Mike have created.”
Mr. Nicolais commented, “I am very excited to see what new levels of success that Highlander reaches over the next few years. Larry, Jeff and I are very proud of what the firm has become, and we believe that its legacy will survive way beyond our years. It’s a very special place that not only has had incredible financial success, but also built a unique culture that transcends individuals and creates an environment that we believe is second to none. I can’t say enough about how proud we are of what has been created in a relatively short period of time.”
Mr. Hull added, “Mike and I have worked side by side focused on creating a different type of investment firm. In many ways our financial success has been unparalleled, but it’s the special culture and people that make the difference. It is bittersweet to see any succession and transition plan in motion, but we are both confident that Highlander’s success will continue, and we are very proud of what it has become today and what it will become in the future.”
About Highlander Partners
Highlander Partners, L.P. is a Dallas-based private investment firm with over $2.0 billion of assets under management. The firm focuses on making investments in businesses in targeted industries in which the principals of the firm have significant operating and investing experience, including basic manufacturing, food, chemicals, building materials, consumer products, and others. Highlander Partners uses a “buy and build” investment approach, creating value by helping companies grow organically and through acquisitions. For more information, visit www.highlander-partners.com.
