Team
Leadership
christopher bryan
MANAGING PARTNER
Chris formed Highland in 2016 with the premise that there was a significant amount of value creation opportunities in the lower middle market. Chris’ career has spanned private equity as well as corporate restructuring and operational roles, giving him a differentiated background as both an investor and an operator. He has spent a number of years in several C-Suite roles in industries such as value-added distribution, logistics, healthcare services, and business services, all of which serve as areas of focus in Highland’s investment strategy. Chris serves on the HAC Investment Committee and previously served on the Board of Emerald Textiles, Legacy Home Services, Legacy Facility Services, 7 Chakras Life, Aerostar Global, and American EMS.
Currently, Mr. Bryan serves on the Board of Valudor Products, Performance Nutrition, LidoChem, All About People, People Med, Criticuity, and Lung Health Services.
Prior to founding Highland, Chris spent several years at Alvarez & Marsal in the Private Equity & Corporate Restructuring Groups, as well as Wynnchurch Capital. Chris started his career at First Chicago Bank in the Capital Markets Group. Chris received his B.A. from Michigan State University.
DEEPAK RAMANATHAN
HIGHLAND OPERATING PARTNER
Deepak is an Operating Partner with HAC and is responsible for operational diligence and post-execution strategy development and implementation. Deepak provides a wealth of operational leadership as well as Chief Financial Officer services to several of our portfolio companies. He works closely with our portfolio CEOs to develop strategy and lead the build-out of financial services throughout the organization. He also leads the company’s acquisition integration efforts. Deepak has over 20 years of experience leading businesses. Deepak previously worked at prevalent firms such as Regent LP, Brener International, Commonwealth Bank of Australia and the Houston Dynamo Soccer Club. Deepak currently serves on the board of All About People, People Med, CritAcuity, and Lung Health Services.
Bill Edmonds
HIGHLAND OPERATING PARTNER
Bill is an Operating Partner with HAC and is responsible for operational diligence and post-execution strategy development and implementation. Bill provides a wealth of operating experience to assist in formulating and proving out investment theses in our lower middle market opportunities. He also serves as a valuable partner to our Management Teams and Executive Operating resources. Bill has over 20 years of experience leading Distribution & Manufacturing businesses. Bill worked with Mr. Bryan at Alvarez & Marsal as an Operating Partner and led operations at Neebo Inc, a college book administration & managed service business providing campus bookstore oversight and services to 100’s of campus across the country.
Dane Axelgard
Business Development
Dane has 12 years of experience in the healthcare industry working for companies like Stryker, Nuvasive and Commure. For the past 3 years, he has helped transform healthcare organizations with AI, improving margin and adding value. Dane helps Highland with technology diligence, business development, and as a Partner specializing in this field.
Paul kuiper
HIGHLAND OPERATING PARTNER
Paul has spent over 17 years in the HVAC industry driving value and performance across several facets including residential and commercial. He is a demonstrated executive who is a firm believer in marketing, training and culture. Highland has known Paul for 3 years and he joined in 2019 as an Operating Partner specializing in this field. He has spent time leading organizations such as Four Seasons Heating & Cooling in Chicago, Wolff Mechanical in Phoenix, We Care Plumbing, Heating & Air in Murrieta CA, Cooper Heating & Cooling in Denver
AlBERTO MACHADO
HIGHLAND OPERATING PARTNER
Alberto has over 25 years of private equity and operations leadership experience. He has held key leadership roles in organizations such as Nexeo Solutions and Momentive Performance Materials. He currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Valudor Products where he drives overall operations, strategy and sales.