REDBIRD CAPITAL PARTNERS - Key Persons
Alec Scheiner is a Partner of the Firm and leads its Sports and Media investment business.
In his current role, Alec helps oversee the Firm's investments in Fenway Sports Group, OneTeam Partners, and RedBird FC (comprised of Toulouse FC, the Rajasthan Royals and Zelus Analytics) and is actively involved in the Firm's investments in Dream11, The SpringHill Company, Collector's Universe and RedBall Acquisition Corp.
Alec has led OneTeam's remarkable growth trajectory, resulting in 10x its original earnings in two years and has helped architect the company's partnerships with Electronic Arts, Dapper Labs, Fanatics Trading CardCo and DraftKings. Under Alec's stewardship, Toulouse Football Club has been the highest performing Ligue 2 team, and in less than a year Fenway Sports Group has added another Top 4 US league with the acquisition of the Pittsburgh Penguins. In addition, the Firm's publicly traded RedBall Acquisition Corp has reached an agreement to merge with SeatGeek, an innovative mobile technology-based ticketing platform that is a leader in both the primary and secondary ticketing markets.
Prior to joining RedBird, Alec had a successful 12-year operating career in sports. From 2012 to 2016, Alec was President of the Cleveland Browns, and under his leadership the team set sales records for season tickets, club seats, suites and corporate partnerships. The team increased its gate revenue by almost 20% during this period and had the second-fastest-growing corporate partnership revenue in the NFL.
In his current role, Alex is actively involved with the investments across the current Financial Services portfolio.
Prior to joining RedBird, Alex was an Investment Banking Analyst at Wells Fargo Securities, where he advised on mergers and acquisitions, leveraged buyouts and debt and equity financings in the Financial Institutions space.
In his current role, Alex focuses on Energy and CCS investments and is actively involved in the management and oversight of the Firm's investments in Aethon United, Aethon III, Black Mountain STX, CapturePoint, CapturePoint Solutions, FireBird Energy, Four Corners Petroleum, Lambda Energy Resources, Lambda Carbon Solutions, Permian Production Partners, RedElephant, and Tally Energy Services. Alex serves on the Board of Directors of CapturePoint, CapturePoint Solutions, RedElephant, and Tally Energy Services.
Prior to joining RedBird, Alex was a Vice President at Pine Brook Partners, a New York based private equity firm that makes control investments in the Energy and Financial Services sectors. At Pine Brook, Alex was responsible for deal sourcing, transaction execution, and portfolio oversight of the firm's Energy, Energy Transition, and Infrastructure investments. Prior to Pine Brook, Alex was an Investment Banking Analyst at Evercore Partners where he advised on mergers and acquisitions, activism defense, equity and debt financings and leveraged buyouts across the energy and infrastructure sectors.
Alex received a B.B.A. in Finance from the Cox School of Business at Southern Methodist University and was a member of the Portfolio Practicum Honors Program. Alex now serves as a Board member on SMU's Spindletop Fund, a student-managed fund that makes long-only energy investments as part of the SMU endowment.
Job Titles:
- Managing Director
- Managing Director of the Firm
Alex Blankfein is a Managing Director of the Firm and focuses on Consumer investments.
Job Titles:
- Partner
- Partner of the Firm
Andrew Lauck is a Partner of the Firm and helps lead the Dallas office as well as the Firm's Consumer investment business.
Job Titles:
- Partner
- Partner of the Firm
Andy Gordon is a Partner of the Firm and leads the Firm's Los Angeles office as well as its Technology, Media & Telecom ("TMT") investment vertical and its Capital Markets activities.
Prior to joining RedBird, Ashleigh was a Managing Direct at Greystone & Co where she oversaw the Accounting and Finance Department. She held various Finance roles across the firm throughout her 13-year tenure.
Ashleigh received both a B.A. in Business and Accounting from Atlantic Technological University and a M.S. in Finance from the Technological University of Dublin.
Job Titles:
- Operating Partner of the Firm
Brent Stehlik is an Operating Partner of the Firm and as well as the President of OneTeam Partners.
Prior to joining RedBird, Chase was an Investment Banking Analyst at Credit Suisse, where she advised and executed on mergers and acquisitions and leveraged buyouts in the Financial Sponsors Group. In her current role, she works on the Capital Partnerships team focusing on limited partner relationships and capital raising initiatives.
Job Titles:
- Head
- Head of Capital Partnerships
In her current role, Colleen is responsible for all existing and prospective Limited Partner relationships. As part of her responsibilities, Colleen oversees fund formation, new and ongoing diligence requests, fund communication and reporting, and manages client relationships. In addition, Colleen is involved in the Firm's ongoing efforts and commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
Prior to RedBird, Colleen was a senior member of the Business Development team at Lone Star, an $85 billion real estate, equity, credit fund. While at Lone Star, Colleen focused on the firm's marketing and fundraising efforts, as well as managing investor relations. She focused primarily on North American LPs including consultants and public pension plan clients. Prior to Lone Star, Colleen was a Relationship Manager in the Marketing and Investor Relations Group at Och-Ziff Capital Management. Before joining Och-Ziff, Colleen was a Relationship Manager at UBS Wealth Management. Colleen began her career at J.P. Morgan Private Bank as an investor and advisor to families and institutionally sized private accounts.
Philanthropically, Colleen is involved with the Junior League of New York City, an organization of women committed to promoting volunteerism, developing the potential of women, and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers.
Job Titles:
- Partner
- Partner of the Firm
Dan Swift is a Partner of the Firm and focuses on Portfolio Monitoring and Capital Markets activities.
Vice President Dana Covo Dana Covo is a Vice President of the firm. In her current role, Dana works closely with Institutional and EFO partners to tailor investment solutions which help bring strategic capital partners to RedBird portfolio companies, develop co-investment opportunities and connect global family offices. Prior to joining RedBird, Dana spent four years at the J.P. Morgan Private Bank. In her most recent role, she was an Investment Specialist in the Global Investment Opportunities group (GIO), a team that provides both long term and tactical multi-asset class investment ideas to the firm's most active and sophisticated Individual and family office clients. Prior to GIO, Dana was part of the Global Investments Business Strategy team. In her role, she helped oversee the management of 700 global Investment advisors. Dana received a B.A. with honors in English Literature from Emory University where she graduated Summa Cum Laude.
In his current role, David focuses on Media, Entertainment and Consumer investments.
Prior to joining Redbird, David spent over 20 years with Goldman Sachs' Merchant Banking Division where he was a Managing Director in their private equity investment business. He worked closely with Gerry Cardinale for over a decade helping to build the Merchant Bank's TMT investment business. He invested over $4 billion in the U.S., primarily in the Media, Communications, Entertainment and Consumer sectors. David went on to establish and run the Merchant Bank's Latin America investment business, opening their first office in São Paulo.
During his tenure, David worked closely with entrepreneurs and management teams to build several successful industry leading platform companies, including the Yankees Entertainment & Sports ("YES") Network, the #1 Regional Sports Network in the United States. He is currently the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Oncoclinicas, one of the world's largest private providers of cancer care.
Philanthropically, David is a Member of Stanford Law School's Board of Visitors and Dean's Advisory Council. He serves on the President's Advisory Council on Economics of Brown University and is a member of Newark Academy's Board of Trustees. David received a BA from Brown University, a JD from Stanford Law School and an MBA from the Stanford Graduate School of Business.
Prior to joining RedBird, David was the Managing Director of Shipston Group Limited, a private equity firm focused on both international and domestic investments across a wide range of industries, including automotive, biotech, real estate, and fintech. During his 13 years at Shipston Group Limited, David was instrumental in the transformation of several of the Company's investments into global businesses, many of which were built as platform buy-and-builds. David also directed the reorganization and prioritization of investments with the focus on the monetization of legacy investments through both private and public market transactions. David was a member of Shipston's Investment Committee, supervising all aspects of the corporate finance and M&A execution.
Among his many investments, David led Shipton's roll up and integration of multiple high-precision machining companies and low-pressure aluminum casting suppliers to create Mobex Global. Mobex Global is a fully integrated globally trusted partner to the automotive, heavy-duty, construction, agriculture, and industrial markets, and is at the forefront of the evolving mobility industry. In addition, David positioned the IPOs of both China Maple Leaf Educational Systems and Genscript Biotech Corp, solving complicated jurisdictional and governance issues resulting in successful exits. Maple Leaf was the largest private boarding school system in China and Genscript Biotech Corp was a leading Hong Kong gene and cell therapy provider with a current market cap of $37 Billion HK.
In his current role at RedBird, David is actively involved in the sourcing and due diligence process involved with new investment opportunities, as well as actively involved in the management and oversight of the Firm's investments in Compass Datacenters, Main Event, and Aquarian Holdings.
Philanthropically, David is an Advisor Advocate for the OKU Foundation and serves on the Board of the Boston Winter Ball. David is also an advisor to the Michael and Elizabeth Dingman Foundation.
In his current role, David is responsible for all financial activities for the firm, including accounting and investor reporting operations, risk management and tax planning.
Prior to joining RedBird, David was the Chief Financial Officer at Irving Place Capital for eight years. Prior to Irving Place Capital, David worked for six years as Controller in the Private Equity Group at The Blackstone Group. David also spent time with Geller & Co. and Arthur Andersen as a Senior Accountant.
David holds a B.B.A. degree from the Goizueta Business School at Emory University and is a Certified Public Accountant.
Job Titles:
- Dean Pacinelli Is a Senior Associate of the Firm
- Senior Associate / Dean Pacinelli
In his current role, Dean is actively involved with the investments across the current Sports and TMT portfolios.
Prior to joining RedBird, Dean was previously an Analyst at UBS Investment Bank where he worked in the Global Industries Group, focused on Industrial Technology and Tech-Enabled Services.
He received a B.S. in Finance from the Pennsylvania State University.
Job Titles:
- Vice President
- Vice President of the Firm
Dillon West is a Vice President of the Firm and focuses on Media, Entertainment and Consumer investments.
In her current role, Elizabeth is actively involved with investments across the current Consumer, TMT, Sports, and Energy portfolios.
Prior to joining RedBird, Elizabeth was an Investment Banking Analyst at Barclays Capital, where she advised on mergers and acquisitions, restructurings, and debt and equity financings.
Elizabeth received a B.B.A. in Finance from the McCombs School of Business and a B.A. in Plan II Honors at The University of Texas at Austin.
In his current role, Gavin is actively involved with investments across the current Sports portfolio.
Prior to joining RedBird, Gavin was an Analyst in the Investment Banking Division of Guggenheim Securities, where he advised a variety of clients within the Technology, Media & Telecommunications Group on mergers and acquisitions, activism defense, equity and debt financings and leveraged buyouts.
Gerry Cardinale - CEO, Chief Investment Officer, Founder
Job Titles:
- Chief Investment Officer
- Founder
- Managing Partner
- Trustee of the Mount Sinai Health System
Gerry Cardinale is the Founder, Managing Partner and Chief Investment Officer of the firm.
In his current role, Griffin is actively involved in the management and oversight of the Firm's Energy and Energy Solutions investments.
Prior to joining RedBird, Griffin was an Associate at Stronghold Investment Management, a Dallas based private equity firm that focused on investments in the real-assets space. At Stronghold, Griffin was responsible for deal sourcing, transaction execution, and portfolio oversight of the firm's Energy investments. Prior to Stronghold, Griffin was an Analyst with Citigroup in the Investment Banking Global Energy Group in Houston.
Griffin graduated Summa Cum Laude from SMU and received a B.B.A in Finance from the Cox School of Business and received a minor in Engineering Management, Information and Systems from the Lyle School of Engineering.
Job Titles:
- Partner
- Chairman of the Investment Committee for the University of Mississippi
- Partner of the Firm
Hunter Carpenter is a Partner of the Firm and helps lead the Dallas office as well as the Firm's Energy, Energy Solutions and Industrials investments.
Job Titles:
- Vice President
- Vice President of the Firm
Irene Keskinen is a Vice President of the Firm and focuses on Financial Services investments.
Vice President Isaac Halyard Isaac Halyard is a Vice President of the Firm. In his current role, Isaac focuses on Sports & Media investments and is actively involved in the management and oversight of the investments in A.C. Milan, the SpringHill Company, Dream Sports, Fenway Sports Group, RedBird FC and the YES Network. He was also involved with RedBird's prior investments in OneTeam Partners and On Location Experiences. Isaac serves on the Board of Directors of A.C. Milan and Toulouse FC. Isaac was previously an Analyst in the Investment Banking Division of The Goldman Sachs Group, where he advised a variety of clients within the Technology, Media & Telecommunications Group on mergers and acquisitions, activism defense, equity and debt financings and leveraged buyouts. Philanthropically, Isaac is on the Advisory Board of FC Harlem, a specialized non-profit program for talented and committed minority youth ages 10-19 who often do not get opportunities to pursue soccer development at the highest levels. The program's development model consists of licensed, competent coaches who use the small spaces of the inner cities, immigrant culture and creativity of the neighborhoods to develop dynamic soccer players. Isaac received a B.A. in Economics and a minor in African and African American Studies from Stanford University.
In his current role, Jake is actively involved with the investments across the current Consumer portfolio.
Prior to joining RedBird, Jake was an Investment Banking Analyst at Evercore Partners, where he advised on mergers and acquisitions, restructurings, and debt and equity financings in the Transportation and Infrastructure sectors. He began his career at Stifel as an Investment Banking Analyst advising companies on M&A and equity financings in the Healthcare Group.
Jake received a B.A. in Political Science and History from the University of Pennsylvania.
In his current role, Jason is actively involved with the investments across the current Financial Services portfolio.
Prior to joining RedBird, Jason was an Investment Banking Analyst at UBS, where he advised on mergers and acquisitions, leveraged buyouts, and debt and equity financings in the Financial Institutions Group.
Jason received a B.S. in Finance from the Stern School of Business at New York University.
Job Titles:
- Advisor
- Advisor of the Firm
Jason Port is an Advisor of the Firm focused on its Venture and Emerging Growth investment vertical.
Job Titles:
- CEO of the RedBird IMI
- Chief Executive Officer, RedBird IMI, Operating Partner, RedBird Capital Partners
Jeff Zucker is the CEO of the RedBird IMI and an Operating Partner at RedBird Capital Partners. RedBird IMI is a joint investment vehicle focused on acquiring, investing in and building large scale media, entertainment and sports content properties on a global basis.
In his current role, Jordan is actively involved with the investments in across the current Sports portfolio.
Jordan was a member of SEO and BLK Capital Management and was the inaugural intern for Access Distributed and the CEO, Founder, and Chairman of his own nonprofit, Diverse Leaders for Tomorrow.
Job Titles:
- Partner
- Partner of the Firm
Julia Wittlin is a Partner of the Firm and leads the Firm's Miami office as well as its Venture and Emerging Growth investment vertical.
Vice President Katherine Kapnick Katherine is a Vice President of the firm. In her current role, Katherine is actively involved in the management and oversight of the investments in Compass Datacenters, Constellation Affiliated Partners and Grafine Partners. Prior to joining RedBird, Katherine worked as COO and Co-Founder of Hill House Home, a direct-to-consumer home goods brand. Katherine started her career as an analyst at L Catterton, a global private equity firm, where she evaluated leveraged buyout and minority investment opportunities within the Consumer sector. Katherine received a B.A. in English from the University of Virginia, with high honors. She received an M.B.A. from Yale School of Management.
Job Titles:
- Managing Director
- Managing Director at the Firm
Kevin is a Managing Director at the Firm and helps lead its Sports and Media investment business.
Prior to joining RedBird, Kimberly was a Vice President of Finance at Benefit Street Partners. Prior to BSP, Kimberly worked in a financial reporting capacity at CAN Capital. She also spent time as an auditor at PricewaterhouseCoopers.
Kimberly received a B.B.A. degree from James Madison University, a M.S. degree in Professional Accounting from the Stillman School of Business, and is a Certified Public Accountant.
In his current role, Kyle is actively involved with the investments across the current TMT portfolio.
Prior to joining RedBird, Kyle was an Associate at Golden Gate Capital, a San Francisco-based private equity firm, where he evaluated leveraged buyout, minority investment, and bankruptcy restructuring opportunities.
Prior to Golden Gate, Kyle was an Analyst in the Investment Banking Division of The Goldman Sachs Group, where he advised a variety of clients within the Technology, Media & Telecommunications Group on mergers and acquisitions, activism defense, equity and debt financings, and leveraged buyouts.
Kyle received a B.S. in Finance from the Stern School of Business at New York University.
Marc Younan is a member of the Capital Partnerships team.
In his current role, Marc is responsible for all existing and prospective Limited Partner relationships in Europe, Middle East, and Asia.
Prior to joining RedBird, Marc was a senior member of the Business Development/Institutional Sales team at Goldman Sachs Asset Management. As an Executive Director, Marc focused on institutional client's fund raising across all asset classes and strategic relationships in the Middle East and New Markets. Prior to Goldman, Marc began his career at Bank Audi in Lebanon where he held several positions across retail product development, consumer lending and client service.
Marc holds a B.S in Finance (Honour List) and an MBA (Distinguish List), both from the American University of Science and Technology (AUST) in Beirut.
Prior to joining RedBird, Mark was the Chief Strategy Officer of MacAndrews & Forbes Holdings, a diversified entity with portfolio companies in media, entertainment, consumer products, gaming, biotech, defense and technology.
Prior to MacAndrews & Forbes, Mark was a partner at Endeavor, responsible for overseeing the agency's corporate marketing, commercial, digital and new business efforts. Prior to Endeavor, Mark was the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer at Interpublic Sports and Entertainment Group, where he oversaw multiple divisions, including Octagon, Octagon Motorsports, Initiative Media, PMK/BNC, Rogers & Cowens and GM EventWorks. Mark was also vice chairman of McCann-Erickson WorldGroup. In his various roles, Mark has created and managed sponsorship and media transactions with professional and amateur sports leagues, global artists, musicians and athletes, including NBA, Premier League, MLB, NFL, Live Nation, The Rolling Stones, Jay Z, the Grateful Dead and LeBron James.
In 2008, Mark founded Art & Science ("A&S") to provide strategic marketing, communications, creative services and sponsorship portfolio management to a global set of Fortune 500 companies. A&S, via its Artists in Residence program, creates proprietary marketing solutions in partnership with companies to help increase market share, drive revenue and enhance business results. In 2021, RedBird acquired A&S to be a strategic growth partner for RedBird portfolio companies.
Philanthropically, Mark has been actively involved in raising support for COVID relief. He produced two documentaries, including "Sparks in the Darkness" and the "Surge at Mt. Sinai" as well as the music series "Pay it Forward for Small Business." Together with Bobby Shriver and Bono, Mark is the co-creator of Product (RED), a global AIDS/HIV relief organization, which has raised more than $700 million from global consumers.
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Finance Associate
Matthew Shearin is a Finance Associate of the firm.
Prior to joining RedBird, Matt was an Associate in the fund accounting group at Centerbridge Partners. Prior to Centerbridge, Matthew worked as a Senior Audit Associate at Ernst & Young, LLP.
Matthew received both a B.S. in Accounting and an M.B.A. in Financial Management from the Hagan School of Business at Iona University.
Job Titles:
- Principal Communications Group
Principal Communications Group: Melissa Zukerman | melissa@pcommgroup.com and Paul Pflug | paul@pcommgroup.com
Job Titles:
- Chief Compliance Officer
- Counsel
- Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer of the Firm
Michael Chiaravalloti is the Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer of the Firm.
Job Titles:
- Partner
- Partner of the Firm
Mike Zabik is a Partner of the Firm and leads its Financial Services investment business.
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Mezerhane Is an Associate of the Firm
In his current role, Nelson is actively involved with the investments across the current Consumer and Sports portfolios.
Prior to joining RedBird, Nelson was previously an Analyst at Morgan Stanley where he worked in the Consumer Retail Group, focused on VMS and Global Beverage.
He received a B.S. in Finance and Accounting from the Stern School of Business at New York University.
Job Titles:
- Principal
- Principal of the Firm
Niraj Shah is a Principal of the Firm and focuses on Sports and Media investments.
In his current role, Noah is actively involved with investments across the Venture and Emerging Growth investment vertical.
Prior to joining RedBird, Noah was an Investment Banking Analyst at Moelis & Company, where he advised on mergers and acquisitions, restructurings, and debt and equity financings.
In his current role, Oscar is actively involved with investments across the current TMT and Consumer portfolios.
Prior to joining RedBird, Oscar was an Investment Banking Analyst at Jefferies Group LLC where he worked in the Global Mergers & Acquisitions Group, focused on the Automotive Aftermarket, Consumer and Sports sectors.
Pechie Wat is a Finance Associate of the firm.
Prior to joining RedBird, Pechie held various positions at Investment Management Corporation of Ontario (IMCO) and the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPPIB).
Pechie received a B.A. in Political Science from the University of Toronto.
Job Titles:
- Partner
- President
- Member of the Cornell University ILR Finance Council
In his current role, Robert oversees the non-investment operations of the Firm, including Capital Partnerships, Finance and Legal & Compliance. Since joining RedBird in 2017, Robert has helped to drive AUM growth from $1 billion to $7 billion and has diversified RedBird's LP base to include global blue-chip pension plans, endowments, insurance companies, asset managers and family offices. He has also built internal teams to further support and institutionalize the Firm's operating infrastructure.
In addition to his Firm responsibilities, Robert is also involved in select Financial Services investments, including Main Street Advisors, Grafine Partners and Vida Capital. In this capacity, he advises on product creation, business building and capital advisory.
Prior to joining RedBird, Robert worked for ten years at JPMorgan most recently as Global Head of the Alternative Investments Group - a hedge fund, private equity/credit and real estate platform with over $80 billion in assets under supervision. During his tenure at JPMorgan, Robert was also President of J.P. Morgan Alternative Asset Management, a $13 billion hedge fund solutions provider that served both institutional and retail investors globally. He also served on the Private Bank's Global Investment Review Committee, the Private Equity Portfolio Advisory Committee, the firm's Commercial Real Estate Council, the Investment Management Americas Operating Committee, and the Private Bank Investment Team.
Philanthropically, Robert is a member of the Cornell University ILR Finance Council and has been a board member of Make a Wish Foundation of New York. He is also a Friend of the Bruce Springsteen Archives & Center for American Music.
Job Titles:
- Finance Manager
- Finance Manager of the Firm
Tim Lee is a Finance Manager of the Firm.
Prior to joining RedBird, Tim was a Senior Fund Accountant at American Securities, LLC. Prior to American Securities, Tim worked as a Senior Audit Associate at RSM US LLP.
Tim received both a B.B.A. and M.S. in Accountancy from Baruch College and is a Certified Public Accountant.
Vice President Toby Lee Toby Lee is a Vice President of the firm. In his current role, Toby is actively involved with the investments in Constellation Affiliated Partners, Majority Strategies, OneTeam Partners and Zenith Shipping. Toby was previously an Investment Banking Analyst at Lazard Freres & Co., where he advised on mergers and acquisitions, activism defense, equity and debt financings and leveraged buyouts in the Technology Group. Toby received a B.B.A. in Finance and Real Estate from the Goizueta Business School at Emory University.
Job Titles:
- Managing Director
- Managing Director of the Firm
- Member of the New York Regional Board for the College Foundation of the University of Virginia
Tyler Alexander is a Managing Director of the Firm and focuses on TMT investments.