Platinum Equity specializes in acquiring and operating businesses throughout the world. Its portfolio of businesses share common characteristics across a variety of industries, including the automotive aftermarket (Wheel Pros), communications equipment and services (Ulticom), equipment rental and leasing services (Maxim Crane Works) and steel services (Ryerson). Recent acquisitions include Bridge Terminal Transport, CBS Outdoor International and MetoKote.

Software

Platinum Equity

Tom Gores founded [Platinum Equity](/org/platinum-equity) in 1995 and his guidance, core philosophies, and strong principles drive the strategic development and direction of both the firm and its portfolio.

Early in his career, Mr. Gores was an active investor in smaller businesses, where companies often trade principally on their good word and ability to follow through on what they promise. Here he developed his principles of empowerment, hard work, and integrity. As he delivered on commitments made to deal partners, investment bankers, and lenders, Mr. Gores's ability to continually execute larger transactions grew exponentially and made [Platinum Equity](/org/platinum-equity) one of the premiere private equity firms in the world, recognized as one of Forbes’s “Largest Private Companies” within just 4 years of being founded.

Believing that a team of outstanding people could meet almost any challenge, Mr. Gores began selecting the best and brightest he came in contact with to join him. The result is the Partners and Principals who lead [Platinum Equity](/org/platinum-equity) today. Strong relationships, trust in people, and open communication remain key to Mr. Gores's and [Platinum Equity](/org/platinum-equity)’s momentum.

When it comes to his business, Mr. Gores applies philosophies of swift and thorough diligence, sound acquisitions, effective management, and driving value through honest, intelligent operational improvement rather than financial engineering. M&A&O®, his pioneering vision of combining traditional M&A with operational insight, was the direct result of the combination of these philosophies.

Top business publications have recognized [Platinum Equity](/org/platinum-equity) as one of the most important private companies in America, ranking 22nd on the 2015 Forbes list of America's Largest Private Companies and #5 on the 2013 Los Angeles Business Journal list of LA's Largest Private Equity Companies. Mr. Gores appears on both the Forbes list of the World's Billionaires as well as the Forbes list of Richest Americans, and is among the youngest individuals ever to appear on either.

Mr. Gores was born in 1964 and resides primarily in Beverly Hills with his wife and children. When not serving in his role as Chairman and CEO of [Platinum Equity](/org/platinum-equity), Mr. Gores is on either a soccer field or a basketball court coaching youth teams, applying the same principles of hard work and inspiration that he does to his business. Mr. Gores holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Michigan State University.

Tom Gores

Geoffry Anfuso

Mary Ann Sigler joined [Platinum Equity](/org/platinum-equity) in 2004. She is currently responsible for overall accounting, tax, and financial reporting as well as managing strategic planning projects for [Platinum Equity](/org/platinum-equity). In addition to these responsibilities, Ms. Sigler is the firm's Chief Compliance Officer. 

Prior to joining [Platinum Equity](/org/platinum-equity), Ms. Sigler was Senior Partner at Ernst & Young LLP (E&Y). Ms. Sigler’s 25-year career at E&Y began in January 1980 and she made Partner in September 1987. While at E&Y, Ms. Sigler’s clients included: Lockheed Martin Corporation, AOL Time Warner, TRW, [Northrop Grumman](/org/northrop-grumman), Amgen Inc, Allergan Inc, [Teledyne Technologies](/org/teledyne-technologies), Rustic Canyon, and the [Los Angeles Dodgers](/org/los-angeles-dodgers). She was also involved in several high profile acquisitions and dispositions for these clients.

Ms. Sigler holds a Master’s Degree in Business Taxation from the [University of Southern California](/org/university-of-southern-california) and a B.A. in Accounting from the California State University at Fullerton.

Mary Ann Sigler

Johnny O. Lopez is a founding partner of [Platinum Equity](/org/platinum-equity) and remains instrumental to the firm's ongoing evolution. He is a member of Platinum's Investment Committee, continues to actively pursue significant M&A transactions across multiple industries, mentors transaction teams, and is increasingly involved in the firm's business development efforts. Mr. Lopez is also a lead sponsor of Platinum's investment in public securities for control.

In Platinum's early years, Mr. Lopez, under the guidance of Tom Gores, worked to execute upon all of the firm's M&A initiatives including business development and lead generation, transaction execution, and transitioning acquisitions. He established the foundation of the firm's approach to business development, proactively cultivating relationships to generate deal flow by using mail, e-mail, fax, and phone calls--fundamental methods that Platinum still actively applies today.

Along with Mr. Gores, Mr. Lopez has led the deal teams on many of Platinum's major transactions, including negotiations with the Illinois insurance regulators to acquire Broadspire Insurance Services, working directly with Alcatel's former President to produce Platinum's first European acquisition which later became NextiraOne, as well as negotiating with [BASF](/org/basf) and [Deutsche Bank](/org/deutsche-bank) to acquire Dystar from three of Germany's most significant chemical companies (Bayer, [BASF](/org/basf), and Aventis Hoechst). In addition, Mr. Lopez has worked as one of Platinum's transaction ambassadors throughout the European continent where he and other senior Platinum executives introduced the Platinum business model in late 2001.

Mr. Lopez' guidance was essential to Platinum's bankruptcy bid to acquire [Delphi](/org/delphi), one of the world's largest automotive parts manufacturers. The bid ultimately proved unsuccessful, but Tom Gores, Mr. Lopez, and the Platinum transaction team were the catalysts that brought GM, the US Treasury's Auto Task Force, and [Delphi](/org/delphi) management to execute definitive agreements on June 1, 2009. After Platinum's work to win the support of these constituents, [Delphi](/org/delphi) was able to emerge from a 4+ year bankruptcy process.

His contributions to Platinum's mission, principles, and culture have been important factors in the development of the firm's extraordinary teamwork, tenacity, and work ethic. He also helped to develop Platinum's trademark M&A&O strategy and continues to work with Platinum's M&A executives to ensure its successful execution.

Johnny O. Lopez

Bryan Kelln is a Partner, President of Portfolio Operations and member of [Platinum Equity](/org/platinum-equity)'s Investment Committee. He is responsible for all aspects of business strategy and operations at [Platinum Equity](/org/platinum-equity)'s portfolio companies, and is involved in evaluating buy and sell-side opportunities across the firm. He works closely with the firm's Operations Team as well as portfolio company executive management to drive strategic initiatives and to deploy operational resources.

Mr. Kelln is a seasoned executive with a strong track record of conceiving and executing successful strategic and operational transformation programs across a broad range of different industries. His unique combination of financial, management, M&A and operational expertise are well suited to helping create value within Platinum’s portfolio companies.

Mr. Kelln joined [Platinum Equity](/org/platinum-equity) from Nortek, Inc, where he served as Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the $2.4 billion diversified global manufacturer of residential and commercial ventilation, HVAC and home technology convenience and security products.

Previously Mr. Kelln was a senior executive at Jacuzzi Brands, Inc. where he served as President of Jacuzzi, Inc. Prior to Jacuzzi, he was an Operating Executive with The Jordan Company, a private investment firm with more than $6.0 billion of capital under management, where he was involved in acquisitions, divestitures and operations for the firm and served as a board member of portfolio companies.

Mr. Kelln also served as President and CEO of RockShox, Inc.; as Senior Vice President at General Cable Corporation; and as a Partner in the Supply Chain Management Practice of Mercer Management Consulting.

Mr. Kelln received his bachelor’s degree, Summa Cum Laude, from Washington State University and a Masters of Business Administration from [The Ohio State University](/org/the-ohio-state-university), Fisher College of Business. He is married with two children.

Bryan Kelln

Robert Wentworth participates in senior level merger and acquisition activities for [Platinum Equity](/org/platinum-equity) and is a member of the Investment Committee. Mr. Wentworth was previously President and Chief Executive Officer for the North American operations of Platinum portfolio company NextiraOne, where he led its formation and served as its CEO since its inception in 2001.

Prior to joining [Platinum Equity](/org/platinum-equity) in 1997, Mr. Wentworth was President and Chief Executive Officer at Alden Electronics, Inc. where he also served as the company’s Chief Financial Officer. Previously, Mr. Wentworth served as a certified public accountant for fourteen years with Ernst & Young.

Mr. Wentworth grew up in Massachusetts and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting at Bentley College.

Robert J. Wentworth

Stephanie Barter oversees [Platinum Equity](/org/platinum-equity)’s in-house M&A Operations group, a team comprising functional experts across a wide range of operational disciplines that conducts due diligence on prospective acquisitions.  She works closely with [Platinum Equity](/org/platinum-equity)’s M&A teams to deploy diligence resources and ensure that a comprehensive analysis of each prospective investment is completed.  Based on the knowledge acquired during diligence, the M&A Operations team also works hand-in-hand with [Platinum Equity](/org/platinum-equity)’s Portfolio Operations group to develop detailed post-acquisition transition, integration and long-term business plans tailored to the needs of the acquired business.

Ms. Barter joined [Platinum Equity](/org/platinum-equity) in 1998 and has served in a variety of operations capacities, including portfolio company assignments as Chief Operating Officer at Peak Technologies and Chief Information Officer at NextiraOne. Ms. Barter was previously Vice President of Customer Service at Foresight, a company acquired by [Platinum Equity](/org/platinum-equity) in 1996.

Ms. Barter holds a Bachelor's degree in English from the [University of Rhode Island](/org/university-of-rhode-island). 

Stephanie Barter

Louis Samson leads [Platinum Equity](/org/platinum-equity)’s New York/Greenwich and London-based investment teams, manages the operations of the New York, Greenwich and London offices, and is a member of the Investment Committee. In his role, Mr. Samson oversees all financial, operating, tax, and legal aspects of M&A transactions executed by his teams. Additionally, together with the Operations Team, he also provides oversight to the portfolio companies for which he led the acquisition.

Mr. Samson and his team led the acquisitions of American Commercial Lines, Maxim Crane Works, [The San Diego Union-Tribune](/org/the-san-diego-union-tribune-llc), PBH Marine Group, NESCO, BWAY, BlueLine Rental, MACtac, Electro Rent, PAE, United Site Services, Husky Injection Moldings, Hunterstown Power Generation, Ball Metalpack, [Jostens](/org/jostens-inc), [Multi-Color](/org/multi-color), Livingston and [TruckPro](/org/truckpro-llc). In Europe, Mr. Samson and his team have led the Worldwide Flight Services, [Exterion Media](/org/exterion-media), Pattonair/Wesco (now combined and renamed [Incora](/org/incora)), Wyndham European Vacation Rentals (renamed [Awaze](/org/awaze)), Iberconsa, De Wave, Biscuit International and Farnese transactions.

Mr. Samson has 23 years of Mergers and Acquisitions experience and has completed transactions in a variety of industry sectors. Prior to joining [Platinum Equity](/org/platinum-equity), he was a Managing Director in the Mergers & Acquisitions Group at CIBC World Markets and was an M&A lawyer with Stikeman Elliott. Mr. Samson is a graduate of Ottawa University Law School and Le Petit Seminaire de Quebec College.

Louis Samson

Jacob Kotzubei is a Partner and member of Platinum Equity's Investment Committee, leads the Los Angeles headquarters-based investment team, and has oversight responsibility for the investment team in Asia. In addition, Mr. Kotzubei plays a substantial role in raising capital from limited partners for the firm’s investment funds.

Mr. Kotzubei and his team led the acquisitions of or investments in: SourceOne Healthcare (formerly Diagnostic Imaging), Geologic, CompuCom Systems, [Turf Care Supply](/org/turf-care-supply) (formerly a division of Lesco), ESM Group, PNA Group, SDI, Broadleaf Logistic(formerly Canwel Building Products s, a division acquired from [Weyerhaeuser](/org/weyerhaeuser)), [Ryerson](/org/ryerson), Keystone Automotive, SCM Metal Products and Ecka Granules, Ahern Rentals, Canvas Systems, KEMET Corporation, Pomeroy, Schutt Sports, Aquilex, [Neovia Logistics](/org/neovia-logistics-services-llc) (formerly Caterpillar Logistics Services),Artesyn Embedded Technologies (formerly Emerson Embedded Computing & Power), Terratest, PrimeSource, Data Blue, Elevate Textiles (formerly International Textile Group), [Vertiv](/org/vertiv-inc) (formerly the Network Power division of Emerson), Interior Logic Group, Verra Mobility, Yak Access, LifeScan (formerly a division of [Johnson & Johnson](/org/johnson-johnson)), Sigura (formerly the Innovative Water Care division of [Lonza](/org/lonza-group-ag)), [Centerfield](/org/centerfield), Cision, [Ingram Micro](/org/ingram-micro) (formerly owned by HNA Technology), [Club Car](/org/club-car-llc) (formerly a division of Ingersol Rand), CabinetWorks, McGraw Hill Education and Solenis, including related financings and refinancings.

Mr. Kotzubei is the chairman of the board of directors of Verra Mobility (NASDAQ:VRRM) and is a member of the board of directors at [Ryerson](/org/ryerson) (NYSE: RYI) and [Vertiv](/org/vertiv-inc) (NYSE:VRT).

Mr. Kotzubei has more than 25 years of M&A experience, including substantial complex carve-out and public-to-private experience in numerous industries and countries. Prior to joining Platinum Equity in 2002, Mr. Kotzubei was a Vice President of the High Tech Group at Goldman Sachs and was head of the East Coast Semiconductor Group. Previously, he was an M&A attorney with Sullivan & Cromwell in New York.

Mr. Kotzubei received his B.A. from Wesleyan University and his J.D. from Columbia University School of Law where he was elected as a member of The Columbia Law Review. He is a retired member of the New York State Bar.


Jacob Kotzubei

Phil Norment is a member of Platinum's Investment Committee and is a senior advisor on specific operational initiatives throughout the portfolio. He is also the senior executive responsible for evaluating acquisition opportunities and integrating new acquisitions into the portfolio.

Prior to joining [Platinum Equity](/org/platinum-equity) in 1997, Mr. Norment served in a variety of management positions at a major software corporation. Over the course of twelve years he worked in the areas of global support, operations, consultative services and sales support, achieving the position of Chief Operating Officer.

Mr. Norment earned a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and an MBA from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.

Philip Norment

John Diggins brings a comprehensive background in financial growth management and mergers & acquisitions activity to the company, in addition to broad operating experience. Through the successful development and execution of strategic sales and marketing programs, Mr. Diggins is responsible for growing the revenue base of [Platinum Equity](/org/platinum-equity)’s operating companies as well as identifying product strengths to help build market advantage.

Prior to joining Platinum in 1996, Mr. Diggins was CEO for both Pilot Software and Foresight Software, which were acquired by Platinum. He was also a co-founder of Ventec Systems with [Platinum Equity](/org/platinum-equity) Chairman and CEO Tom Gores.

Mr. Diggins holds a B.S. in Business Administration from the University of New Mexico.

John Diggins

Mark Barnhill manages functions connected to capital raising, fund administration, investor relations and corporate and external affairs for [Platinum Equity](/org/platinum-equity) and [Platinum Equity](/org/platinum-equity) Capital Partners.

Mr. Barnhill is responsible for strategic planning and administration of the firm’s private equity fund vehicles. He leads Platinum’s capital raising activities and is its senior relationship manager with investors, who comprise a diverse cross-section of public and private pension funds, financial institutions, foundations and family offices in North America, Europe and Asia.

He is responsible for working with the firm’s M&A&O®  teams on the capital structure and drawdown of investment capital for individual transactions. He also oversees functions related to quarterly and annual reporting and audit, compliance with contractual and regulatory matters related to the funds, and coordination with the funds’ Limited Partner Advisory Committees.

In addition to his fund responsibilities, Mr. Barnhill holds leadership functions connected to strategic planning, recruiting and retention, transaction sourcing, corporate communications and external affairs for [Platinum Equity](/org/platinum-equity) and its operating companies.

Mr. Barnhill was formerly a Senior Partner at Fleishman-Hillard Inc., where he directed the firm’s corporate practice in Los Angeles and managed both domestic and international accounts. Before that he was a senior executive at the Los Angeles Daily News, where he served as Assistant Managing Editor, City Editor, and Washington Bureau Chief. He also spearheaded development of the newspaper’s interactive business and first online site.


Mark Barnhill

Bob Wymbs leads [Platinum Equity](/org/platinum-equity)’s dedicated, in-house sell-side team.  In that capacity, he is responsible for managing a broad range of strategic divestiture opportunities throughout [Platinum Equity](/org/platinum-equity)’s portfolio.

As part of his sell-side responsibilities, Mr. Wymbs has led and negotiated numerous transactions, including full or partial sales of NextiraOne, Clipper Windpower, AEES, Contego, Alliance Entertainment, Acument, and many others.

Mr. Wymbs is a member of the Board of Directors at Megapath Corporation.

Prior to joining [Platinum Equity](/org/platinum-equity) in 2000, Mr. Wymbs spent four years at the [Los Angeles Dodgers](/org/los-angeles-dodgers) and three years at [McKinsey & Company](/org/mckinsey-company), a management consulting firm. At the two firms, he held various positions in strategic development, business development, project management, operations and marketing.

Mr. Wymbs earned a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering from [Rutgers University](/org/rutgers-university) and a Master's of Business Administration from the Wharton School.

Bob Wymbs

Platinum Equity's Leadership Team includes Johnny O. Lopez and 11 others.

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Other teams at Platinum Equity

CEO and Executive Team

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