Waud Capital Partners sets sights on 2025 with a strategic expansion of its leadership team, marking a significant evolution in the firm’s 30-year history. The investment firm, which manages $4.6 billion in assets, has announced three partner promotions and one principal advancement that strengthen its position in both healthcare and technology sectors.
These promotions reflect the strategic vision that has guided the company’s transformation from its 1993 founding in Lake Forest to its current status as a major player in middle-market private equity. The approach has proven successful across various sectors, including notable investments like their healthcare platforms.
The newly promoted partners bring complementary expertise that aligns with the firm’s investment philosophy. Tim Cremieux, who joined in 2017, brings pharmaceutical services expertise through his work with PharmAlliance and other healthcare portfolio companies. Kyle Lattner, a 10-year veteran of the firm, contributes deep knowledge in behavioral health and medical device services, demonstrated through successful investments in Senior Helpers and Mopec Group.
Investment success and leadership continue to drive the firm’s growth, with Paul Sutphin strengthening the technology practice through his leadership in software and fintech investments, including the recent Science Exchange deal.
Justin DuPere, Partner and Co-Head of the Software & Technology Group, highlights the strategic importance of these promotions: “Our newly elevated leaders exemplify our talent-led, thesis-driven investment approach that will help us successfully capitalize on opportunities in the year to come.”
The addition of Mike Lehman as principal further enhances the healthcare team’s capabilities. Since joining in 2021, Lehman has contributed to key investments including Unifeye Vision Partners and the firm’s newest healthcare venture, Mopec Group. His promotion underscores the firm’s commitment to developing internal talent while expanding its healthcare expertise.
Chris Graber, Partner and Head of the Healthcare Group, emphasizes the impact of these promotions: “All of these new Partners have demonstrated extraordinary leadership, delivering value, insights and expertise to their portfolio companies and contributing to the continued success of Waud Capital.”
These leadership changes come at a pivotal time for the firm, which has completed more than 480 investments since its founding. The strategy of deploying $75 million to $200 million in growth-oriented companies has proven successful across both healthcare and technology sectors. The expanded leadership team positions the firm to identify and execute on new opportunities while maintaining its selective investment approach.
As the company moves into 2025, these promotions reinforce its commitment to building market-leading companies through specialized expertise and strategic growth. The combination of long-term talent development and sector-focused investment strategy continues to drive the firm’s success in middle-market private equity.
