Joe Polaneczky

Joe Polaneczky, Managing Director, joined Merit in 2013. Joe previously worked in Leveraged Finance with GE Antares Capital’s Sponsor Finance Group in Chicago, where he focused on private equity sponsored transactions across a broad range of industries. Prior to joining GE Antares in 2008 with its acquisition of Merrill Lynch Capital, Joe worked in the Corporate Finance Group at Merrill Lynch Capital focusing on middle market, private equity lending. Joe began his career as an investment banking analyst at Cochran Caronia Waller providing mergers and acquisitions advisory services for companies primarily in the financial services and health care industries.

Joe received an M.B.A. from the University of Chicago’s Booth School of Business with concentrations in Finance, Economics and Entrepreneurship. He earned his B.A. in Economics from the University of Chicago where he graduated with honors and played NCAA Division III football. Joe currently serves on the Board of Directors of Propet Footwear, John-Richard Collection, Nester Hosiery, MW Metals Group, and Omni Glass & Paint.

A native of Ohio, Joe has lived in the Chicago area for over 20 years, and currently resides in Hinsdale, IL with his wife and three children. Joe’s non-work activities include coaching his children’s sporting activities and guest lecturing at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.