PLEXUS FUND VI GP - Key Persons
Biography
Aaron joined Plexus in 2024 and is an Associate on the investment team. Aaron focuses on fund management, financial modeling, transaction structuring, due diligence, and portfolio monitoring.
Prior to joining Plexus, Aaron worked as an Investment Banking Analyst at Truist Securities where he focused on providing M&A advisory services to clients in the Telecom industry.
Aaron is a graduate of the University of Florida where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Finance and a Master of Science in Finance.
AJ is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Public Policy.
Biography
Alex is a Partner with Plexus Capital. He serves on the investment committee and heads the firm's new deal execution effort. He is also active in fundraising, sourcing new investment opportunities, and portfolio company oversight. Alex joined Plexus in 2010 as an Associate.
Alex began his career in the investment banking division of BB&T Capital Markets (now BB&T Securities), focusing on sell-side M&A transactions and public equity offerings.
Alex is a graduate of the University of North Carolina where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration.
Job Titles:
- Business Intelligence Analyst
Biography
Andrew joined Plexus in 2022 and is a Business Intelligence Analyst. Before joining Plexus, Andrew worked for Truist supporting their Audit Innovation and Analytics group as a Data Scientist. There he supported audit teams with a focus on data project management, audit engagement analytics support, and automation. He joined Plexus to support the growth of their data and analytics capabilities.
Andrew graduated from North Carolina State University with a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering in 2019 and a Master of Science in Analytics in 2021.
Biography
Barrett joined Plexus in 2014. He is a Principal and focuses on deal execution, portfolio monitoring, and business development.
Barrett began his career at Stephens, Inc., a middle market investment banking firm, then joined SunTrust Robinson Humphrey (STRH) in Atlanta. At STRH, he focused on credit analysis, deal execution, and portfolio monitoring.
Barrett is a graduate of the University of North Carolina where he earned an MBA and of the University of Georgia where he earned a Bachelor of Business Administration.
Biography
Bob is a co-founder and Partner at Plexus Capital. Bob assists Michael Painter in management of the firm and serves on the investment committee, has active portfolio responsibilities, participates on the workout team and serves as chairman of the management company board.
Bob began his career with First Union in 1977 in North Carolina, where he remained until 1983 when he became a founding executive of First Charlotte Bank. As a member of the leadership team at First Charlotte, Bob helped orchestrate the sale of First Charlotte to RBC Bank (fka "Centura Bank") in 1993. Bob became the head of the capital markets group for Centura Bank and formed one of the first bank-owned investment funds, Centura Capital, which proved to be the genesis of the Plexus team's investing experience.
Bob is a graduate of the University of North Carolina where he earned both a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and an MBA. He also served three years in the United States Navy, retiring as a Lieutenant.
Biography
Bob joined Plexus as an Operating Partner in 2020. He is responsible for working with both current portfolio companies as well as new acquisitions. Previously, Bob spent 20 years as an executive in Pentair's Water Segment. During his time at Pentair, Bob was the CFO for several businesses, including Recreational Water, Filtration, Flow Technologies as well as the CFO for the entire Water Segment. Bob was also the President / GM for several Pentair business, including those in Surface Water, Agricultural Spray, Water Transport / Treatment, and Aquaculture. In addition to the CFO and President positions held, Bob was one of Pentair's key M&A leaders and was involved in more than 50 deals over his tenure, including being the deal execution and integration leader for over two dozen acquisitions. Prior to his time at Pentair, Bob spent 10 years at Cummins in a variety of finance roles.
Bob leads Plexus' Finance Center of Excellence, a value creation platform that focuses on institutionalizing small businesses through talent, process, and technology improvements.
Bob received both his MBA and B.S. in Finance from Indiana University.
Biography
Brad joined Plexus in 2012 and is a Partner on the investment team. Brad focuses on leading new investments for Plexus while also sourcing new investment opportunities and assisting with portfolio oversight.
Prior to joining Plexus, Brad completed an internship with WestEnd Advisors where he gained experience in financial analysis, macroeconomic research, and memorandum preparation to support the firm's investment team.
Brad is a graduate of the University of North Carolina where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and Political Science.
Biography
Cameron joined Plexus in 2015. He is a Principal with his main role as a Principal heading up the Originations team where he focuses on new investment partnerships and portfolio company oversight. Prior to Plexus, Cameron worked in the corporate development group of INVISTA, a Koch Industries platform.
Cameron is a graduate of North Carolina State University where he earned an MBA from the Jenkins Graduate School of Management and Bachelor of Science from the Wilson College of Textiles.
Biography
Chris is an Operating Partner with Plexus Capital. He heads the value creation effort for the firm where his team's focus is increasing enterprise value of our portfolio companies. He is a member of the leadership team and active in portfolio company oversight.
Prior to joining Plexus, Chris ran lower-middle market companies where he leveraged his 28 years of experience with GE. While at GE, he held leadership roles in manufacturing, marketing, sales, and service across three different GE businesses.
Chris earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering from West Virginia University and a Master's in Engineering Management from University of Louisville.
Job Titles:
- Chief Operating Officer
- Chief Operating Officer, August 2023
Biography
Chris joined as Chief Operating Officer of Plexus in 2023.
Prior to Plexus, Chris was Principal and Chief Financial Officer of Carlyle's U.S. Buyout and Growth Funds, based in Washington, D.C. During his 10 years at Carlyle, Chris was responsible for operational and financial oversight of U.S. Buyout and Growth funds, including global transaction structuring and execution, fund formation, financial reporting and investor relations for the Americas platform.
Chris began his career at Bank of America and held positions at BearingPoint (formerly KPMG Consulting), Bank of America Global Principal Investments and Corrum Capital.
Chris received his MBA from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and his BS in Finance and Banking from Appalachian State University.
Job Titles:
- CEO of ChemReady
- Executive Partner in Residence
Biography
We are pleased to announce that effective February 2025, Dominik Elsaesser is now CEO of ChemReady. Dominik joined Plexus as an Executive Partner in Residence in 2024. He is a water and wastewater industry consultant with 30 years of global management experience across the chemical and water treatment industries.
Previously, Dominik spent 10 years as an executive at Pentair, serving as CTO of Pentair Consumer Solutions (Residential & Commercial Water Treatment, Pool & Spa), VP & GM of Industrial Filtration, and other VP-level leadership roles for several businesses, including Product, Engineering, and Innovation. Prior to his time at Pentair, Dominik spent 3 years at Ashland (now Solenis), and 17 years at Dow Water Solutions.
Dominik received his PhD in Organic Chemistry from the University of Düsseldorf.
Biography
Don joined Plexus in 2018. He is an Operating Partner. He supports investments, to include Executive Chairman roles, in both our credit-led Stage 1 Funds as well as our Stage 2 Equity Buyout Fund.
Prior to joining Plexus, Don worked for General Motors Corporation and Michelin Tire in engineering roles. He subsequently held senior leadership positions with international companies FIAMM S.p.A, Alcoa Aluminum, and Precision Castparts Corporation. Don enjoys taking his professional experience in a "grounded in reality" approach to our lower middle market businesses.
Don holds dual master's degrees from Northwestern University with an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management and a Masters of Engineering Management from the McCormick School of Engineering. Don obtained his Bachelor's Degree in Engineering from Kettering University.
Biography
Ian joined Plexus in 2021 and is a Vice President on the investment team and focuses on fund management, financial modeling, transaction structuring, due diligence, and portfolio monitoring.
Prior to joining Plexus, Ian worked on the investment team at Stellex Capital Management as well as in the Investment Bank at Bank of America Merrill Lynch.
Ian is a graduate of Yale University where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Economics.
Biography
Jack joined Plexus in 2022 and is a Senior Associate focusing on fund management, financial modeling, transaction structuring, due diligence, and portfolio monitoring. Prior to joining Plexus, Jack began his career as an Associate at CVF Capital Partners, a lower middle market private equity firm in Sacramento, where he worked on deal origination, execution, and portfolio company management.
Jack is a graduate of Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo where he earned a Bachelor of Science, summa cum laude, in Business Administration with a concentration in finance and a minor in Spanish. Jack is also a CFA charterholder.
Job Titles:
- Capital in 2023 As an Operating Specialist
- Operating Specialist
Biography
Jason joined Plexus Capital in 2023 as an Operating Specialist supporting the Operating Partners' value creation efforts with our portfolio companies. Jason has over 27 years of experience in Marketing, Sales, and Operations across financial services, consumer goods, and manufacturing industries. Prior to joining Plexus, he was the Director of Sales and Product Management at Nomaco, headquartered in Zebulon, NC. Jason also spent 13 years at GE Capital / Genworth Financial where he held various roles in Sales, Product management, Segment Marketing, International Strategy, Business Development, and Quality (as a Black Belt). Jason began his career in Sales with Philip Morris USA.
Jason is a graduate of Duke University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Comparative Areas Studies and Marketing & Management.
Job Titles:
- Partner
- Member of Several M & a and Business
- Member of the Senior Leadership Team
- Partner at Plexus Capital
Biography
Jay is a Partner at Plexus Capital. Jay is a member of the senior leadership team and works alongside the other team members to chart the strategy and vision for Plexus. In addition, Jay interacts with investors, assists with sourcing new investment opportunities, and helps oversee the portfolio.
Jay is a graduate of the University of North Carolina where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in English and Interdisciplinary Studies. After UNC, Jay was an investment banking analyst with Bowles Hollowell Conner & Company in Charlotte, NC. After BHC, Jay spent eight years as a Partner at Florida Capital Partners, in Tampa where he helped to lead the firm and to build the firm's business development engine.
In January of 2000, Jay joined Audax Group. During his 19 years with the Audax, he served as senior member of the leadership team of Audax Group and Audax Private Equity. Jay focused on deal sourcing and business development, but also served on the investment committee and played an active role in charting the strategy and direction of the firm, contributing to recruiting, training, investor relations, professional development, financing and portfolio operations.
Jay is an active member of several M&A and business networking organizations, including YPO and ACG.
Jay is originally from Greensboro, North Carolina. Jay and his wife live in Raleigh.
Biography
Jonathan joined Plexus in 2023 and is a Senior Associate focusing on fund management, financial modeling, transaction structuring, due diligence, and portfolio monitoring. Prior to joining Plexus, Jonathan worked as an Associate at Summit Park, a lower middle market private equity firm in Charlotte, where he worked on deal origination, execution, and portfolio company management. Jonathan began his career as an Analyst at Harris Williams, providing M&A advisory services to clients in the business services industry.
Jonathan is a graduate of the University of Virginia where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Systems Engineering.
Biography
Katie joined Plexus Capital in 2015 and is a Principal on the investment team. Katie leads the firm's new deal execution effort and is also active in sourcing investment opportunities and portfolio oversight.
Prior to joining Plexus, Katie worked on the private equity investment team at Thomas H. Lee Partners as well as in the Investment Bank at Credit Suisse.
Katie is a graduate of Georgetown University where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics.
Job Titles:
- Co - Founder and Partner of Plexus Capital
Kel Landis leads Centura Bank's acquisition of First Charlotte, a North Carolina bank co-founded by Bob Anders
Kel Landis, Co-Founder and Partner of Plexus Capital, passed away on January 2, 2021. We are privileged to have known, worked with and learned from Kel these past few decades, through which he has impacted so many individuals, families and businesses. Kel's leadership style and work ethic support the helix of the Plexus DNA.
Kel will be missed dearly while Plexus will live and practice his mantra:
Kel Landis, Co-Founder and Partner of Plexus Capital, passed away on January 2, 2021. We are privileged to have known, worked with and learned from Kel these past few decades, through which he has impacted so many individuals, families and businesses. Kel's leadership style and work ethic support the helix of the Plexus DNA. In 2014, Kel published "The Little Book of Do", where he illustrates the ethos that by doing, we become. In 2019, Plexus created a book for Kel called, "The Little Book of BEing Kel Landis III" to honor his work and inspiration.
Kel was a respected business and community leader, devoted to helping others and inspiring his fellow citizens to do the same. In 2020, Governor Roy Cooper awarded Kel with the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, which is our state's highest civilian honor. Kel served on the UNC-Chapel Hill Board of Trustees, chaired and served on the Board of the Kenan Flagler Business School and the UNC Board of Visitors, and was a member of the UNC Foundation's Board of Directors.
In 2019, the UNC Board of Trustees granted Kel the William Richardson Davie award, which is given to those who exemplify dedication, commitment and service to the University. He was also former chair of the North Carolina Bankers Association, served as Senior Advisor for Business and Economic Affairs for the Governor of North Carolina and served as Trustee of the North Carolina State Supplemental Retirement Fund. Kel was also a Board member for the North Carolina Community Foundation, which helps support community foundations across the state.
Job Titles:
- Assistant
- Senior Executive
Biography
Kelly joined Plexus in 2022 and is a Senior Executive Assistant. Prior to Plexus, Kelly was an Executive Assistant at the Raleigh Chamber where she supported the President and CEO. Kelly began her career in the hospitality industry working in spas and hotels in the Blue Ridge Mountains and moved to Raleigh in 2018.
Kelly is a graduate of Appalachian State University where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Hospitality and Tourism Management and a minor in Non-profit Management.
Biography
Kevin joined Plexus Capital in October 2023 as an Operating Partner, focusing on partnering with portfolio companies to add experience and value. Additionally, he leads the Plexus Commercial Center of Excellence, a platform aimed at enhancing commercial capabilities and go-to-market strategies of portfolio companies.
He joined Plexus after his tenure as CEO at Optimal Blue, a financial technology firm, where he led the company to a successful sale. Before Optimal Blue, Kevin spent 16 years at Genworth Financial in various leadership roles. His last position there was as Senior Vice President of Customer Solutions, where he managed the commercial aspects of the business, including digital marketing, product management, customer experience, and sales force effectiveness. Earlier in his career, Kevin worked as a Consultant for eight years at Accenture, a global management consulting firm.
Kevin holds a Master of Business Administration from Duke University and a Bachelor's degree in Finance from North Carolina State University.
Biography
Kevin joined Plexus Capital in 2016 and is a Vice President on the investment team, focusing on deal originations, transaction structuring and due diligence, and portfolio monitoring. Prior to joining Plexus, Kevin began his career at Bank of America Merrill Lynch in the Sports Finance & Advisory Group, providing investment banking and capital markets solutions to clients in the sports and entertainment industry.
Kevin is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
Job Titles:
- Director of Administration
- Director of Executive Operations
Biography
Lauren joined Plexus in 2020. She is responsible for creating, leading, and overseeing administrative functionalities across the company. Prior to Plexus, Lauren worked at Audax Group in Boston, MA where she supported the executive and business development teams. Lauren began her career at Marriott International as an Event Manager where she executed a wide array of events such as business meetings, galas, and weddings.
Lauren is a graduate of the University of Delaware where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management and a minor in Business Administration.
Biography
Lisa joined Plexus Capital in 2013 is the Director of Accounting on the operations team. Lisa focuses on the firm's accounting, compliance and tax matters.
Prior to joining Plexus, Lisa worked at FORVIS, LLP for 17 years and managed their Small Business Services Group.
Lisa is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Greensboro where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting. Lisa also holds a North Carolina CPA license.
Biography
Louis joined Plexus in 2024 and is an Associate on the investment team. Louis focuses on fund management, financial modeling, transaction structuring, due diligence, and portfolio monitoring.
Prior to joining Plexus, Louis worked as an Investment Banking Analyst at Deloitte Corporate Finance where he provided M&A advisory services to clients in the Consumer and Retail industry.
Louis is a graduate of Michigan State University where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Finance.
Job Titles:
- in 2022 As a Manager
- Manager of Business Development
Biography
Madelaine Thomas joined Plexus in 2022 as a Manager on the Business Development team and focuses on internal operations, data-driven strategic initiatives, and marketing.
Prior to Plexus, Madelaine spent 8 years on the Business Development Team at Audax Private Equity, with a focus on pipeline management and marketing initiatives.
Madelaine graduated from Wittenberg University in 2010 with a degree in Communication.
Biography
Mark joined Plexus in 2020 and is a Vice President on the investment team. Mark focuses on sourcing investment opportunities, structuring transactions, due diligence, and portfolio monitoring. Mark began his career as an Analyst and then Associate in the Healthcare Services Investment Banking Group at Wells Fargo Securities providing M&A advisory and capital markets solutions to healthcare clients.
Mark is a graduate of the University of North Carolina where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
Job Titles:
- Director of Fund and Portfolio Management
- in 2024 As Director of Fund and Portfolio Management
Biography
Matt joined Plexus in 2024 as Director of Fund and Portfolio Management. Prior to joining Plexus, Matt worked at Rockbridge Capital, a private real estate investment firm based in Columbus, Ohio. And prior to Rockbridge, he worked at Thoma Bravo in Chicago overseeing portfolio monitoring, valuation, and reporting.
Matt earned an MBA from Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management and a BSBA from The Ohio State University. Matt is also a CFA Charterholder.
Biography
Michael is a co-founder and the Managing Partner at Plexus Capital. Michael leads the strategic direction of Plexus and heads the investment committee. He is also active in sourcing new investment opportunities and overseeing active portfolio companies.
Michael began his career in 1995 and has spent his entire career in the banking and investment industries. He spent 6 years with RBC Bank (fka "Centura Bank") and worked for the bank's investment fund, Centura Capital, as well as serving on the acquisition team while he reported to Kel Landis. Michael also worked in the investment banking group at Donaldson, Lufkin and Jenrette in New York where he worked in the financial institutions and leveraged finance groups. Before co-founding Plexus, Michael also spent time with Triangle Capital Partners in North Carolina and Endurance Capital Partners in New York.
Michael is a graduate of the University of North Carolina where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
Biography
Mike is a co-founder and Partner at Plexus Capital. Mike leads the effort in managing capital solutions for all incoming opportunities for Plexus and is heavily involved in overseeing deal execution and in portfolio company oversight. He also serves on the Investment Committee.
Mike began his career in 1997 and worked for Townsend Frew and Company, a healthcare focused investment bank in North Carolina. From 1999 to 2002, Mike worked in the capital markets group at RBC Bank (fka "Centura Bank"), where he reported to Bob Anders. After earning his MBA degree, which included a summer job with Lehman Brothers in New York, Mike went to work for Triangle Capital Partners where he focused on new business origination and execution.
Mike is a graduate of the University of North Carolina where he earned both a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and an MBA. Mike lives in Raleigh with his wife, Gloria and their 3 children.
Biography
Paula joined Plexus Capital in the Fall of 2012 and is the Fund Accountant. She focuses on the funds' accounting and cash management.
Paula's career began in Washington, D.C. working with Booz Allen Hamilton. Prior to working for Plexus Capital, Paula worked in the consulting industry for over 10 years.
Paula is a graduate of North Carolina State University where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
Biography
Rachel joined Plexus in April 2023 as an Executive Assistant to support the Deal Execution Team. Prior to Plexus, Rachel was an Administrative Associate at Longfellow Real Estate Partners where she supported the CEO and Partner of Real Estate Operations. She also managed the North Carolina Corporate office and supported initiatives such as corporate giving and investor tours.
Rachel is a graduate of North Carolina State University where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Management with a concentration in Agriculture.
Biography
Rob joined Plexus in 2017 and is a Vice President on the investment team. Rob focuses primarily on due diligence, deal execution, and portfolio oversight.
Prior to joining Plexus, Rob played professional soccer for the Houston Dynamo where he was selected in the second round of the 2015 Major League Soccer draft.
Rob received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and was a letterman on the varsity soccer team.
Job Titles:
- Associate
- in 2023 As an Associate
Biography
Robbie joined Plexus in 2023 as an Associate and focuses on fund management, financial modeling, transaction structuring, due diligence and portfolio monitoring. Robbie began his career as an Analyst and then Associate at Truist Securities, where he provided Investment Banking services in the Consumer & Retail industry.
Robbie is a graduate of the University of North Carolina where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and was a member of the Varsity Men's Basketball team.
Job Titles:
- Chief Financial Officer
- Chief Financial Officer and Chief Compliance Officer of Plexus Capital
Biography
Ronda joined Plexus in 2013. Ronda is the Chief Financial Officer and Chief Compliance Officer of Plexus Capital and focuses on the firm's accounting, financial management, treasury management, tax matters and SBA and SEC regulatory compliance. Ronda has 17 years of experience in public accounting with Dixon Hughes Goodman LLP where she served as an audit partner with a primary focus on private equity funds. In addition to providing financial statement audit services, Ronda also has experience providing on-going business advisory and consulting services including acquisition accounting, due diligence for mergers and acquisitions, and other specialized projects. Ronda's specialized knowledge with private equity funds includes regulatory reporting and investment accounting related to Small Business Investment Companies.
Ronda is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Greensboro where she earned a Master of Science in Accounting.
Job Titles:
- Vice President
- in 2020 As an Associate
Biography
Ryne joined Plexus in 2020 as an Associate and is now a Vice President, focusing on fund management, financial modeling, transaction structuring, due diligence, and portfolio monitoring. He began his career as a U.S. Air Force Officer, serving as an F-15E Weapon Systems Officer, spanning 11 years of service. After leaving Active Duty, Ryne worked as an Associate at UBS in the Financial Institutions Group, providing investment banking and capital markets solutions to clients in the insurance industry.
Ryne is a graduate of The Citadel, where he earned his B.S. in Electrical Engineering. Ryne received an MBA from Duke University, and an M.A. focused in International Relations from the University of Oklahoma.
Job Titles:
- Assistant
- Senior Executive
- Capital in 2023 As a Senior Executive Assistant
Biography
Sarah joined Plexus Capital in 2023 as a Senior Executive Assistant. She began her administrative career at Belk Inc. where she supported multiple executives from the regional to corporate level. Sarah most recently spent several years practicing Residential Real Estate in Raleigh, NC before transitioning to the Plexus team.
Sarah is a graduate of Liberty University where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and Human Services.
Job Titles:
- Head of Capital Formation and Investor Relations
Job Titles:
- Business Development Specialist
Job Titles:
- Chief Administrative Officer Emeritus