SOVEREIGN CAPITAL - Key Persons
I joined Sovereign in 2019 to support several members of the investment team including partners Dominic Dalli, David Myers and Jake Warman.
In my career I have held a variety of Executive Assistant roles in both the public and private sectors, including FTSE 100 companies and in the Mayor of London's office. During this period I studied for my BA (Hons) in International Relations and Politics.
Sovereign had always stood out for me as a firm that truly focused on supporting growth - be it organically or through acquisition. Since joining the firm in early 2017, and now heading Sovereign's focus on Financial Services & Insurance and Education & Training, I've witnessed the hands-on approach every member of the team dedicates to delivering this.
I joined Sovereign in early 2022 to focus on investment opportunities in Healthcare & Pharma Services, Education & Training and Business & Technology Services - three sectors where Sovereign has a great track record.
I was drawn to Sovereign by the strength of the specialist research team, and now have the opportunity to work with exciting companies to support and help realise their ambitions. For me, it is Sovereign's commitment to growth, both organically and through acquisition, that makes it such a compelling place to work.
I have always enjoyed researching a wide range of sectors and then deep diving into industries and businesses, learning how they're structured and what makes them tick. I indulged this interest in my previous role at GLG (Gerson Lehrman Group), where I worked closely with several UK hedge funds across their investment process - through idea generation, top-down company analysis and generally supporting their portfolios. Given the emphasis on primary research, I was lucky enough to work closely with industry-leading founders and entrepreneurs - something I continue to do at Sovereign.
My first client in my role as an auditor with Grant Thornton at the start of my career was a private equity house - I was hooked. I went on to spend several years at Deloitte Corporate Finance before joining Sovereign in 2002. In 2020 I was thrilled to become the firm's Managing Partner.
When I came to Sovereign, my expertise already lay in healthcare, one of our key areas of sector focus. I've led a number of investments in this area at Sovereign including Xendo, City & County Healthcare Group, National Fostering Agency, SENAD, Eden Futures and Nurse Plus as well as investments in the business service sector such as Alcumus.
They say you never get a second chance to create a good first impression so, as part of the Reception team, I like to make all our guests feel comfortable and welcome from the moment they arrive.
I joined Sovereign in 2017 and really enjoy the energy in the business. Our meeting rooms are always pretty busy, whether with a portfolio company board meeting or a business owner coming in to talk about the growth plans for their business. I enjoy meeting guests and helping to ensure the smooth running of the meeting rooms.
Prior to Sovereign, I was responsible for administrative duties and aiding the Finance team at Cicons Constructions. Before that, I was with Empire Services, which specialises in covering reception areas for buildings.
I have a degree in Design from the University of West London so most of my spare time is spent working on creative projects.
I like to make all our guests feel comfortable and welcome from the moment they arrive.
Emma Flin - Chief Investment Officer
I joined Sovereign in 2020 after spending 10 years with Capita plc as Corporate Development Director, leading the Group's acquisition and disposal activity as well as supporting management teams to define and fulfil their strategic objectives.
Prior to this, I spent eight years working as a Corporate Finance Adviser, initially with Dresdner Kleinwort Benson and latterly with Landsbanki where I focused on M&A for mid-market companies. I graduated from Durham University with a BA in Economics, and whilst working for Capita I completed an MBA at Cranfield.
I joined Sovereign as an investment manager in 2020 after spending six years in M&A advisory, firstly at KPMG and thereafter at pan-European boutique investment bank Robert W Baird. Prior to that I worked within KPMG's management consulting business, having started my career at PwC in 2009, where I qualified as a chartered accountant.
Over this time, I have worked across a number of sectors namely business services, technology, healthcare and industrials and have experience in closing deals across the UK, Europe and US.
I joined Sovereign in early 2022 with responsibility for researching and analysing new business opportunities across service-based sectors.
Sovereign's reputation for building long-term relationships is initially what drew me here. I have seen the commitment to creating lasting value through partnership where trust, transparency and a common goal lead to extraordinary results.
Jake is the Talent Partner at Sovereign, where he is responsible for C-Suite management enhancement for both existing portfolio companies and new transactions across all Sovereign deal origination activities.
He has an extensive network within the industry through which he has originated both platform and bolt-on investments for our funds.
An Investment Director at Sovereign, I joined the team in 2019 to focus on opportunities in the financial services sector. I arrived following five fantastic years of strategy consulting with Monitor Deloitte, where I worked across industries and disciplines but with a strong focus in innovation and growth hacking for financial services firms.
Having worked in a small family publishing company for many years, when the time came to sell the business in 2017 I was heavily involved in the sale process. During this time I was introduced to the dynamics of both trade and private equity bidders, which I found fascinating. Having experienced the challenges, and eventual joys, of selling a family business from one side of the desk, joining Sovereign presented the perfect opportunity to continue that work from the other angle.
In my time at Sovereign I've played a lead role in our investment in LB Group and ongoing work in the accountancy space. I am also involved in our work with Skerritts, the successful IFA business, helping to deliver transformational growth through both investment in technology and carefully selected acquisitions. In addition, I am supporting Murgitroyd, one of the largest IP practices in Europe, as it continues its international expansion. It's a real pleasure to work closely with such talented and focused management teams and support their ambitions to develop and grow their businesses with Sovereign's partnership.
I find that the most important thing when engaging in discussions with business founders and owners is to listen carefully, understand their ambitions and then be honest about whether Sovereign is the right partner for them. I have always found the most productive professional relationships are founded on this sort of openness and trust. We can crunch all the numbers in the world, but the most important thing is always the cultural fit and alignment of objectives from the very start.
A long time ago I was a philosophy student and pursued that interest to a PhD from Durham - I still harbour hopes of returning to the lecture hall one day. I have, in the past, been a keen surfer, racket sports player and guitarist, but today I'm gladly sacrificing some devotion to those hobbies in favour of spending time with my wife and two young children.
As a Director at Sovereign, I have the great fortune to meet with talented entrepreneurs and hear the stories of how they built their businesses, many times from grassroots. Having the opportunity to partner them to help the next step in their journey unfold is something I really enjoy.
I joined Sovereign from Lazard in 2018 where I worked in M&A, specialising in Technology and Education. Prior to that I was at PwC in Transaction Services where I qualified as a Chartered Accountant.
At Sovereign, I have worked on a number of deals, including the management buy-out of Skerritts and the nine subsequent bolt-on acquisitions, and the creation of a trust and corporate services group through three acquisitions. Other deals have included the take-private of Murgitroyd PLC and the platform investment of Premier Park and its subsequent transformational bolt-on of UKCPM. Most recently, I led our investment in LB Group, and look forward to working with the business on their acquisition program.
From a portfolio perspective, I have led three exits including the sale of BIMM, which we sold to ICG plc following the acquisitions of Performers College and Northern Ballet School.
I joined Sovereign in 2013 as I knew it was a great opportunity to learn some new skills. Now as part of the Sovereign team, and leading a number of our investments, I've seen how our sector understanding, Buy & Build capability and focus on technology transformation can help us create winning partnerships with owner-managers.
Job Titles:
- Head of Investor Relations
I was appointed to the investment team in 2022 as Head of Investor Relations to support Sovereign's investor relations programme.
Before this I was at global infrastructure investment manager AMP Capital for five years, where I ran the Investment Specialist Team, and helped raise the firm's second flagship global fund. Prior to AMP I was in the business development and product team at Hamilton Lane, working across their full product offering.
Sovereign's approach to investment through Buy & Build and its successful track record were key attractions to me. It's a proven approach that strongly resonates with the firm's investors, long-standing and new alike. I was equally attracted by the quality of the team and the firm's collaborative approach.
I started my career in 2005 at Bank of America Merrill Lynch as an analyst in Fixed Income at the height of the financial crisis, the very same day that Merrill Lynch was bailed out and acquired by Bank of America. The financial world was melting around me and it was truly a baptism of fire.
I graduated from Oxford University with an MChem in Chemistry. When not at my desk I'm partial to a good session at Barry's Bootcamp or any boutique fitness class. I'm often found on top of a mountain during the school holidays, and I love creating beautiful cakes when I can!
I've been with Sovereign since the beginning, so I've really seen the firm grow into the organisation it is today. Throughout this time, I've been PA to Andrew Hayden. I also look after Partners Kevin Whittle, Alex Hay and Andrew Pars.
In addition to my PA role, I'm office manager and work to ensure the smooth running of day-to-day operations from IT systems to maintenance. A self-confessed organiser, I enjoyed managing the fit-out and relocation to the new offices in Victoria Street - there was never a dull moment!
Prior to joining Sovereign, I worked for Lane, Clark & Peacock. I've also attained diplomas in Business, Marketing and Secretarial Studies. Sovereign do quite a number of marketing events and I'm involved with their organisation - this follows on from earlier in my career here when I was involved with supporting the marketing programme.
I joined the team in 2010 and manage our reception area and meeting rooms.
Throughout my career, I've always aimed to continuously improve the clients' meet-and-greet experience, and my role here is no exception. Sovereign is very much a people business, so being front of house I look to ensure that all our guests are warmly looked after from the moment they arrive.
Before I joined Sovereign, I had a long career with Barclays Bank, covering both retail and premier banking in a variety of roles. I was responsible for setting up and managing a premier unit based at Canary Wharf, the first of its kind in the country. I also managed the bank's Wimbledon Village branch for two years. Prior to this, I worked for a worldwide private healthcare company and a Japanese investment bank, where I was responsible for improving and overseeing their reception area following a building move.
Throughout my career, I've always aimed to continuously improve the clients' meet and greet experience, and my role here is no exception.
In my free time I love to relax with an early morning swim and then potter in my beautiful garden. I also love to travel via the Cunard fleet to new places in great comfort and safety.
Matthew Rowe - Chief Investment Officer
I joined Sovereign from Barclays where I spent four years exclusively in the UK M&A Advisory team, primarily working in the TMT, Healthcare and Business Services sectors.
Today an Investment Director, I joined Sovereign as an Investment Manager at the start of 2020 from Fenchurch Advisory Partners where I was focused exclusively on financial services M&A. Prior to this, I was a management consultant for KPMG where I qualified as an accountant.
I joined Sovereign as an Investment Manager in 2021, drawn to the firm's exceptional track record of supporting high-quality businesses to deliver transformational growth through a strategy of Buy & Build.
Job Titles:
- Head of Marketing & Communications
I started my career as a journalist, initially covering the infrastructure sector before entering the world of private equity and venture capital at Thomson Financial, and I've never looked back.
In 2010 I joined the British Private Equity & Venture Capital Association (BVCA), first as PR Manager and then Communications Director, where I oversaw the organisation's media, marketing and publishing activities. From there I moved to British Patient Capital, the commercial subsidiary of the British Business Bank that specialises in venture and growth capital, and ran their communications programme before joining Sovereign in February 2023.
I have long been familiar with Sovereign and its reputation as one of the leading private equity houses in the mid-market space.
I joined the Sovereign team in 2019 to focus on opportunities to invest in businesses within Business & Technology Services space - a large and fascinatingly diverse space.
I joined the Sovereign team in 2014. Previously I'd spent four years at Global Leisure Partners where I was Vice President, working on the origination and execution of a range of M&A transactions in the leisure and retail sectors. Prior to this I was at KPMG within their Corporate Finance team, where I was involved with a number of transactions across the consumer, healthcare and media sectors.