TRANSOM CAPITAL - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Instructor
- Member of the Leadership Team
- Vice President of Portfolio Talent & Culture
- Vice President of Portfolio Talent & Culture / Administration
As Vice President of Portfolio Talent & Culture, Abby Wilson leads portfolio companies through the journey of aligning people strategy with business strategy. Taking a build with (not for) approach, Abby delivers demonstrable impact by partnering with portfolio company leadership to drive operational and culture excellence.
Prior to joining Transom Capital, Abby was Head of Talent at Arrowroot Capital, a growth-equity firm, where she was responsible for leading the human capital and talent management functions as well as managing the Executive Talent Network and expanding the firm's board members, advisors, and senior executive talent pool. Before Arrowroot, Abby was the Talent Engagement Manager at Green Hasson Janks, a Los Angeles-based professional services firm, where she focused on talent hiring, engagement and retention initiatives and culture development.
Abby holds a Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations from Northwest Missouri State University and is currently completing her Master of Science in Learning & Organizational Change from Northwestern University.
Outside of the office, Abby is a certified spin instructor and leads group spin classes at an LA-based studio.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Leadership Team
- Office Manager
As Transom Capital Group's Office Manager, Ashley Souvenir ensures that the firm's daily operations run smoothly and efficiently. Ashley brings a wealth of knowledge about the firm's practices, procedures, and systems to the position. Also, her passion for event planning and her sharp organizational skills help the entire Transom team thrive.
Prior to joining Transom Capital, Ashley was a Financial Advisor's Assistant at Foresters Financial, an investment firm in Beaverton, Oregon.
Ashley earned her Bachelor of Arts in Communications and a Minor in Business Administration from Washington State University.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Leadership Team
- Senior Vice President, Operations
- Board Member of Seeds of Hope Brazil
As a Senior Vice President overseeing operations, Brendan Hart brings a passion for transforming Transom Capital Group's portfolio companies-and in turn the lives of the people working in them. A world traveler and a doer driven to create positive change through Transom's investments, Brendan brings a keen business sense, a big picture perspective, and a proven ability to drive results.
Prior to joining Transom Capital, Brendan was a Vice President at Lateral Investment Management, a growth-capital firm, where he was responsible for investment activities and portfolio management. Before Lateral, Brendan was an Engagement Manager at McKinsey & Company, where he focused on large-scale operational transformations. Previously, Brendan worked for ExxonMobil as a chemical engineer.
Brendan holds a Bachelor of Science with high honors in chemical engineering from the University of Virginia, where he was both a Jefferson and Rodman Scholar, and a Master of Business Administration from the Harvard Business School.
Outside of work, Brendan serves as a board member of Seeds of Hope Brazil, a nonprofit providing educational and career training to underprivileged and at-risk youth in São Paulo.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Leadership Team
- Vice President
As a Vice President, Conor Davenport plays a key role on Transom Capital's Mergers & Acquisitions team. His keen insight is invaluable in evaluating new investment opportunities and providing support across Transom's portfolio.
Before joining Transom, Conor worked at Ned Davis Research, a global investment research firm based in Venice, Florida.
Conor earned a Bachelor of Arts with honors in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics, as well as a minor in History, from the University of Pennsylvania.
Job Titles:
- Managing Partner
- Member of the Leadership Team
- Managing Partner / Business Development
Prior to joining Transom Capital, James was a Principal at The Gores Group conducting due diligence, executing corporate finance transactions, managing capital markets activities and relationships with global capital providers. Before this, James was a Vice President in the Loan Originations and Loan Sales & Syndications groups at Wells Fargo Capital Finance. Prior to joining Wells Fargo, James was an Associate at Rizvi Traverse Management, a Los Angeles-based private equity firm and a Senior Associate in the Transaction Services Group at PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP.
James has been recognized as a Most Influential Private Equity Investor by the Los Angeles Business Journal, a Rising Star of Private Equity by Mergers & Acquisitions magazine, and a recipient of the Emerging Leaders Award from The M&A Advisor.
James earned a Bachelor of Arts in International Economics from the University of California at Los Angeles. He is also a certified public accountant (inactive).
Outside of the office, James volunteers as a board member of both Redondo Sunset Baseball & Softball and the Children's Bureau President's Invitational Golf Committee.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Leadership Team
- Vice President of Business Development
- Vice President, Business Development / Mergers & Acquisitions
As Vice President of Business Development, James Whittle thrives on building relationships and developing strong networks with investment bankers and business leaders. James brings passion and expertise to his position, and is responsible for identifying, originating, and qualifying new investment opportunities, with a focus on developing intermediary relationships.
Prior to joining Transom, James was a Senior Associate at Wynnchurch Capital, focused on originating and qualifying new investment opportunities. During his time at Wynnchurch, James was responsible for sourcing new platforms and add-on acquisitions across all industries. Previously, he was with Harvey & Company, a leading buy-side acquisition advisory firm.
James received his Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of California, Irvine.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Leadership Team
- Operating Partner
John Maier is an Operating Partner for Transom Capital Group focusing on portfolio company operations. Prior to Transom, Mr. Maier was CEO of Blue Microphones where he led the company into the consumer electronics channel and through two successful sales, growing by 25x during his tenure.
Before joining Blue, Mr. Maier held leadership positions in the musical instrument and professional audio industry at firms such as TC Electronic, Guitar Center, and Alesis Studio Electronics where he gained expertise in new product development, sourcing, distribution, marketing, sales and people & culture.
Mr. Maier holds both a Bachelor of Science in Business Management and a Master of Business Administration from California Lutheran University. He has been a Member of the Board of companies such as Blue Microphones and Tannoy North America. He also serves on the Board of In the Band, an organization focused on providing music programs for children in underserved communities.
Job Titles:
- Co - Founder
- Managing Partner
- Member of the Leadership Team
As Transom Capital Group's Co-Founder and Managing Partner, Ken Firtel believes perseverance is a critical component of success. Ken's passion for driving top tier results for Transom's investors and his down-to-earth approach have shaped a culture where team members thrive on challenges and support each other through collaborative problem solving.
Prior to joining Transom Capital, Ken served as an investment professional at Platinum Equity. During his tenure at Platinum, Ken was responsible for evaluating, structuring, and negotiating transactions as well as transitioning and overseeing operations of portfolio companies. Before joining Platinum, Ken was an Associate in the Transactions Department of O'Melveny & Myers.
Ken holds a Bachelor of Arts in economics from Yale University, a Master of Science, Industrial Relations-Diploma in business studies from the London School of Economics, and a Juris Doctor from the USC Gould School of Law. Ken played Division I soccer at Yale.
Outside of the office, Ken serves on the board of Angel City Sports, an organization focused on providing athletic and other opportunities for children and adults with physical disabilities, and the Los Angeles Breakers Football Club, a youth soccer club.
When he's not at work, Ken loves spending time with his three children (one boy and two girls).
Job Titles:
- Member of the Leadership Team
- Operating Partner
Kenny Ramsey is an Operating Partner for Transom Capital Group focusing on portfolio company operations. Prior to his role with Transom, Mr. Ramsey was CEO of HeathCo, the leading supplier of exterior security and decorative lighting and door chimes. Mr. Ramsey led the company into the connected lighting space selling through home center and hardware channels, while successfully transforming the Company's supply base outside of China maximizing sales and profits for the business.
Before joining HeathCo, Mr. Ramsey held leadership positions in several firms such as Chamberlain, Cannon Equipment, Cooper Lighting and Regent Lighting where he honed his expertise in new product development, sourcing, distribution, marketing, sales, HR and culture development.
Mr. Ramsey holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration from Virginia State University. He has been a Member of the Board of Directors for HeathCo.
Job Titles:
- Chief Financial Officer
- Member of the Leadership Team
As Chief Financial Officer, Nathan Dastic oversees Transom Capital's fund administration and manages relationships with investors. Nathan also provides invaluable guidance in monitoring Transom's portfolio companies.
Prior to joining Transom Capital, Nathan spent five years at Standish Management working with private equity and venture capital clients. During his time at Standish, Nathan advised on fund accounting, fund structuring, compliance, and management company operations.
Before joining Standish, Nathan served as an Experienced Senior Associate at PriceWaterhouseCoopers where he audited private equity clients. During his time at PwC, Nathan was nominated by senior management for the 2009 National PwC Chairman's Award for Excellence in Client Service.
Nathan holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Azusa Pacific University and has completed the CPA exam.
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Member of the Leadership Team
- Associate / Operations
Phil McQuitty is an Associate and is responsible for evaluating new investment opportunities, executing acquisitions, and supporting Transom Capital's existing investment portfolio.
Prior to joining Transom Capital, Mr. McQuitty was a Senior Analyst at ACON Investments where he was involved in evaluating transactions in the aerospace & defense, industrials, business services, and consumer sectors. Before that, Phil worked as an Investment Banking Analyst in the Aerospace, Defense, and Government Services Group at Houlihan Lokey in Washington D.C.
Mr. McQuitty holds a B.B.A. in Finance from The George Washington University.
Job Titles:
- Co - Founder
- Managing Partner
- Member of the Leadership Team
- Member of the Young Presidents' Organization
As a Co-Founder and Managing Partner, Russ Roenick brings a spirit of innovation and a wealth of financial and operational expertise to Transom Capital Group. He thrives on solving complex problems, and has earned a reputation as a responsive, proactive leader who always runs toward the fire.
Prior to joining Transom Capital, Russ was a Junior Partner at McKinsey & Company. At McKinsey, Russ focused on operational transformations across several industries, as well as worked in the firm's Private Equity Practice. Prior to McKinsey, Russ worked as a product developer at Microsoft and an investment banker at Credit Suisse First Boston where he executed corporate finance transactions for high-technology firms.
Russ graduated with honors from the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School of Business and holds a Master of Business Administration from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University.
Outside of the office, Russ is a member of the Young Presidents' Organization, Santa Monica Bay Chapter. He also serves as a coach for each of his sons' baseball teams.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Leadership Team
- Senior Vice President, Finance
As the Senior Vice President, Finance, Ryan Jackson partners with Transom's portfolio company's executive leadership on finance related activities, including financial reporting and compliance, cashflow management, and the successful execution of long-term strategic initiatives designed to generate enterprise value by delivering cross-functional operating efficiencies.
Ryan commenced his career at PricewaterhouseCoopers before serving in various executive-level finance and strategic roles at private equity portfolio companies delivering outcomes-based solutions spanning the portfolio company lifecycle from pre-acquisition diligence to carve-out accounting and post divestiture separation of operations.
Ryan holds a post graduate degree in Accounting from the University of Cape Town and is a licensed accountant in the United States, South Africa and England & Wales.
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Member of the Leadership Team
Sergio Morales is an Associate and is responsible for evaluating new investment opportunities, executing acquisitions, and supporting Transom Capital's existing investment portfolio.
Prior to joining Transom Capital, Mr. Morales was an Investment Banking Analyst in the Technology, Media and Telecommunications Group at Guggenheim Partners in New York.
Mr. Morales holds a B.B.A. in Finance from Florida International University.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Leadership Team
- Principal
As a Principal of Transom Capital Group, Steve Kim draws on his diverse investment experience to source, evaluate, and conduct due diligence on investment opportunities. Steve is particularly passionate about the versatility his position affords him, especially solving complex problems in tandem with the business development and operations teams.
Prior to joining Transom Capital, Steve was a Senior Analyst at Arts & Sciences Investment Management, a macro hedge fund, investing in credit, equities, and commodities. Before that, Steve served for over a decade as a Principal at Ares Management where he invested in distressed debt and special situation opportunities across the capital structure. Before joining Ares, Steve was an associate at Gryphon Investors, a San Francisco-based private equity firm, and an investment banking analyst at DLJ / CSFB's Los Angeles office.
Steve holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the Haas School of Business at the University of California, Berkeley. He has also passed the CFA Level II.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Leadership Team
- Senior Vice President, Operations
Mr. Van Camp is a Senior Vice President responsible for portfolio company operations, passionate about helping businesses to achieve full potential and spearheading innovation. He has deep expertise across sectors and business situations.
Prior to joining Transom Capital, Mr. Van Camp was an Associate Partner at McKinsey & Company where he led strategy development and performance improvement programs in world's most influential businesses and in mid cap enterprises, working shoulder-to-shoulder with frontline and with executives throughout the implementation of value creation initiatives. Mr. Van Camp started his career leading the restructuring and (growth focused) turnaround of his family business, active in building materials.
Mr. Van Camp holds a Master of Science in Civil/Mining Engineering from the Catholic University of Leuven and a Master of Business Administration from the Vlerick Management School.
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Member of the Leadership Team
Travis Baker is an Associate at Transom Capital, taking part in all stages of the investment process. As part of the Mergers & Acquisitions team, Travis assesses new opportunities and aids in the execution of Transom Capital's investments, while supporting existing portfolio companies.
Prior to joining Transom, Travis was an Analyst in the Leveraged Finance group at Barclays in New York City.
Travis earned a B.S.B.A from Georgetown University, double majoring in Finance and Accounting.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Leadership Team
- Senior Vice President of Operations
Prior to joining Transom Capital, Vivek was the Chief Marketing and e-Commerce Officer (CMEO) with a sporting goods manufacturer, retailer and wholesaler, where he ran traditional and digital marketing, e-commerce, and digital technology. Previously, he worked as Chief Digital Officer with VISAX International; SVP and Head of e-Commerce with Nutrisystem; and VP, Digital Marketing and e-Commerce with Royal Caribbean Cruises.
Vivek holds a Bachelor of Science with honors in Chemical Engineering from Indian Institute of Technology, a Master of Business Administration from the Spears School of Business, and a Master of Information Systems from Eller College of Management at the University of Arizona.