CIESCO - Key Persons
Alan is a Partner at Ciesco. He brings a wealth of experience gained from a long and successful career that involves roles as an Investment Banker, a commercial Chief Financial/Operational Officer and an effective Non-Executive Chairman.
With a remarkable track record of raising funds for over 100 companies in both public and private markets, as well as spearheading numerous successful M&A transactions, Alan offers Ciesco clients an extensive network of contacts and a proven ability to bring assignments to a successful conclusion. Some of his recent deals include the sale of MediaPath, a leading media consultancy to Ebiquity plc, the sale of Netzkern, a DXP services provider, to Avedon Capital and a fundraising round for HaloSource, a clean water technology company.
Alan graduated from Pembroke College Cambridge, where he went on to qualify as a Chartered Accountant with PwC. He then joined the world of investment banking and for the next 20 years, he worked in equity research, capital markets and corporate finance roles for some of the UK's best-known mid-cap brokers as well as global banks.
Alan's career involved working for a private equity group in a series of financial and operational roles for its international portfolio of businesses and acting as NED and NEC with a London-listed business. Prior to joining Ciesco five years ago, Alan worked as the CFO of Anthesis Group, a rapidly growing sustainability services and solutions provider, which was recently acquired by Carlyle Group. Alan's role at Anthesis involved equity fundraising to support the group's expansion & conducting 11 acquisitions across the UK, USA, Germany, UAE, China and the Philippines.
Annabelle plays a key role in Ciesco's marketing activities, market intelligence and operational processes, working closely with the Ciesco team, clients, and suppliers.
Annabelle efficiently manages the day-to-day operations of the office, ensuring that administrative tasks are carried out meticulously. Her support extends to various aspects of business management, origination, and M&A execution, providing vital assistance to the team.
In addition, Annabelle plays an important role in the Origination and Marketing Intelligence work streams at Ciesco.
One of Annabelle's key responsibilities is diligently tracking deal activity within Ciesco's market intelligence division. By closely monitoring market trends and developments, she contributes to the organisation's comprehensive understanding of the ever-evolving landscape. Furthermore, Annabelle leads the production of Ciesco M&A Reviews and coordinates their Launch events. Annabelle's meticulous attention to detail and organisational skills ensure the success of these initiatives.
Ateesh is a Managing Director at Ciesco with more than a decade of investment banking experience focused on the Technology and Software sector. He brings extensive sector focused transaction experience and an ability to build long term relationships with his clients.
Previously, Ateesh held roles at prestigious firms such as Morgan Stanley, Arma Partners, and DC Advisory. At Morgan Stanley in London, he advised both public and private clients in the Technology sector, offering strategic guidance and facilitating M&A and capital market transactions. During his tenure at Arma Partners, Ateesh specialized in assisting Technology and Software companies with M&A and private capital transactions. More recently, he worked with the DC Advisory team, providing advisory services to Technology and Software businesses in the areas of M&A and capital raises.
With Ateesh's extensive experience, sector-specific transaction knowledge, and ability to foster long-term relationships, he plays a valuable role in Ciesco. His expertise is sought after by businesses in the Technology and Software sector who appreciate his dedication to delivering tailored solutions and achieving successful outcomes.
Ateesh's educational background includes an MBA in Finance from NMIMS University, Mumbai, and a B. Tech degree in ICT from DA-IICT, Gandhinagar.
Job Titles:
- CEO
- Founder
- Founding Partner
Chris is the founding partner and CEO of Ciesco. He has over 35 years of practitioner and advisory experience in the media, marketing and technology sectors and has lived and worked in London, New York and Brussels.
Chris established Ciesco in 2011 and has since become a highly regarded advisor to clients worldwide, assisting them with growth strategies and M&A activities. His extensive expertise spans both industry-specific roles and advisory capacities, providing him with a distinct advantage in deal-making. Chris possesses a remarkable ability to engineer innovative solutions for our clients while ensuring they gain valuable insights and foresight into the post-transaction landscape.
Chris is deeply engaged in all Ciesco deals and plays an integral role in shaping their outcomes. His active participation ensures that our clients receive personalized attention and benefit from his wealth of expertise and insights throughout the entire deal-making process.
Prior to the inception of Ciesco, Chris held prominent executive positions within the industry. He served as the Global Head of M&A and Chief Operating Officer of EMEA at McCann WorldGroup. Additionally, he successfully managed North American Operations at Initiative Media, as well as International Operations at Foote Cone & Belding (FCB) and Bozell. Throughout his career, Chris has fostered valuable relationships with renowned global brands, including automotive giants such as Chrysler and General Motors, as well as technology powerhouses Samsung and Microsoft.
Chris's transactions and clients include some of the world's most successful companies and PE funds in media, consulting, software and business services, including IPG (Interpublic Group), CACI, Accenture, Kantar, Serviceplan Group and Bain Capital.
Colin is a Partner at Ciesco. He is truly a sector specialist and brings over 40 years of experience having worked agency, brand and consultancy side developing and managing blue-chip brands and high-growth businesses.
Colin's role is focused on M&A, business development, marketing strategy and communications, and digital transformation and acceleration. Throughout his career, Colin has been actively involved in growing and selling businesses, bringing a wealth of expertise and a deep understanding of building and managing agency resources and brand teams to drive best practices and foster profitability.
His insights into the client perspectives span multiple categories and sectors, including Technology, Mobile Telecommunications, Financial Services, Pharma & Healthcare, Leisure & Travel, and FMCG.
Prior to joining Ciesco, Colin held significant positions at the industry's most iconic agencies and brands, including JWT, McCann WorldGroup, Grey, and WPP Team Vodafone. His roles included Managing Director, Global Business Director, and Global Operations Director, where he contributed his valuable leadership and expertise to these esteemed organizations.
Daniel provides valuable support on M&A transactions throughout the entire process, from origination to deal completion. He is also an integral part of the Ciesco market intelligence team.
Daniel contributes to the smooth execution of deals and provides valuable insights to the team. His responsibilities encompass research & insights, commercial and financial analysis, and meticulous preparation of transaction documentation. He continuously tracks Technology, Media and Healthcare public market dynamics, private equity trends and general industry developments.
Prior to joining Ciesco, Daniel acquired invaluable experience at PwC, one of the world's leading professional services firms. During his tenure there, he developed a solid foundation in accountancy and financial analysis. He also possesses M&A advisory experience from a corporate finance boutique in the UK.
Daniel's academic journey includes a first-class honours degree in BSc International Business from Loughborough University. As part of his studies, Daniel spent six months in China, allowing him to deepen his understanding of global dynamics and develop a broader perspective on business practices and cultural nuances.
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Partner
- Member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of England & Wales
David is an Associate Partner at Ciesco, bringing with him a wealth of industry expertise in Technology. His extensive experience grants him a profound understanding of the ongoing transformations within the industry, enabling him to provide Ciesco clients with informed, strategic guidance.
David brings a wealth of experience garnered from his involvement with a diverse range of high-profile technology businesses, spanning from start-ups and high-growth ventures to industry giants like Apple/iTunes and Hewlett-Packard. Notably, he served as the Group CFO at AudioBoom, a listed UK business at the forefront of the podcast market.
During his tenure at AudioBoom, David held a pivotal role as a full board member, overseeing financial strategy and reporting. He played a crucial part in leading two successful public funding rounds. Furthermore, he skilfully navigated the complexities of an M&A deal, overcoming takeover panel challenges to secure a successful outcome. David's exceptional business partnering skills have consistently delivered excellent commercial results throughout his career.
With a keen eye for emerging trends and an in-depth knowledge of the evolving technological landscape, David possesses a unique ability to translate his insights into high-quality advice. His deep understanding of the dynamic nature of the Technology sector equips him with the tools to guide Ciesco clients through the ever-changing environment with confidence and strategic clarity.
David is a qualified member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of England & Wales.
Giordano is an integral part of the deal execution team on M&A and Capital Raising transactions at Ciesco, in particular across Sustainability and Technology.
He plays a key role in the day-to-day M&A deal execution, working closely with clients to ensure seamless transactions. Jack's responsibilities encompass a range of critical tasks, including conducting financial analysis, performing valuation exercises, and preparing comprehensive deal documentation. His experience spans key regions such as the US, UK, and APAC, enabling him to provide valuable insights and guidance to clients on a global scale.
Drawing upon a background in Corporate Finance and Chemical Engineering, Jack brings a unique blend of financial acumen and analytical skills to his role. Prior to joining Ciesco, Jack honed his skills and gained valuable experience through his work at a family office and a corporate finance boutique. Jack holds MSc degree in Corporate Finance from Cass Business School and MSc and BEng degrees in Chemical Engineering.
Outside of his professional pursuits, Jack's passion extends to the realm of sports, particularly as a dedicated supporter of Reading FC. In his spare time, he indulges in his love for travel and motor racing.
Marc provides support to the team throughout both the origination and deal processes and works closely with the market intelligence team in analysing global industry trends.
Marc's professional background includes valuable experience at ELCIR, a major industrial, retail, and contracting company in Beirut, Lebanon. This experience further honed his skills and provided him with practical insights into the industry.
Marc's unique perspective is shaped by his diverse international background, having lived in Lebanon, Switzerland, France, and the UK. Being Franco-Lebanese, Marc also possesses a strong command of four languages: French, English, Spanish, and Arabic.
Marc has a strong academic background with a Master's degree in Finance from UCL and a BSc degree in Accounting and Finance from the University of Bath, solidifying his foundation in these key areas.
Outside of work, Marc finds fulfilment in his passion for sports. He actively participates in boxing and triathlon events, where he has achieved notable success. Marc's dedication and perseverance have earned him several regional and national junior championship medals in France. These athletic pursuits showcase his discipline, determination, and ability to perform well under pressure.
Nicolas plays a valuable role in the M&A transaction cycle at Ciesco, providing valuable deal support from the initial stages of origination all the way through to execution.
Nicolas plays a pivotal role at Ciesco, where he assumes a wide range of responsibilities crucial to the smooth progress and successful outcomes of deals. Drawing from his background in Private Equity and Corporate Finance, combined with his in-depth understanding of the Technology industry's services and software landscape, Nicolas brings invaluable perspectives that adds significant value when collaborating with clients.
In addition to his role in deal execution, Nicolas is involved in Ciesco's Origination and Market Intelligence efforts, with a specific focus on the Technology sector. With his comprehensive skill set and deep industry knowledge, Nicolas consistently adds significant value to the organisation and reinforces its reputation as a trusted partner in the Technology sector.
Prior to joining Ciesco, Nicolas was part of the team at TheClubDeal, a Belgium-based private equity firm, where he was actively involved in deal analysis and evaluation. He also worked at Degroof Petercam, a renowned Belgium-based investment house.
Nicolas holds a Master's degree in Finance from IE Business School and a BBA from ICHEC Brussels Management School.
Sarah is an Associate Partner at Ciesco and whilst her current focus is as Consultant Marketing Director for Cluttons, Sarah's expertise in driving business growth through effective use of insight technology and creativity is available to Ciesco clients.
Specifically Sarah brings experience of the different needs of both B2C, B2B and B2B2C! In the B2C arena she has expertise in driving customer loyalty through Brand and Customer engagement. She has developed a detailed understanding of many industry sectors including Automotive, Technology, Telecoms, Retail, Leisure, Gaming and Professional Services, working with exceptional brands.
Prior experience includes Customer Director at Value Retail, the world leader in luxury outlet retailing, where she was responsible for Customer Insights, CRM and Customer Experience. Sarah was Managing Director at marketing consultancy emnoss where she delivered high end consultancy projects for clients as diverse as Co-op/Waitrose/BP/Camelot.
Sarah has also worked in both client side and agency roles including a 14-year spell in Wunderman UK in a variety of roles which culminated in her operating for nearly four years as their COO.
Will supports the deal teams at Ciesco throughout the entire transaction lifecycle, starting from the initial sourcing of transactions all the way to their successful execution.
Will supports seamless deal execution by leveraging his experience in financial and market analysis, meticulous deal documentation, and thorough research. Will has worked on Ciesco transactions across the Healthcare, Software and Media space globally. Beyond his involvement in deal execution, Will actively contributes to Ciesco's Origination and Market Intelligence efforts, with a specific focus on the healthcare and software sectors.