Ex-3i US appt.

WHI Capital Partners, a Chicago-based lower mid-market private equity firm has appointed Martin Gagen, former CEO and president of 3i, to its advisory board. He will assist WHI Capital Partners in enhancing its deal flow, evaluating investment opportunities, managing its portfolio companies and setting the firm’s strategic direction.

Gagen has been in the private equity industry for around 20 years, spending most of that as a member of 3i’s executive board and as CEO of the firm’s US and Asian businesses. During his tenure, he was responsible for the global direction of 3i’s 14-country organisation, founded its US investment operation, and led 3i’s expansion into China. He was co-head of 3i’s UK business where he oversaw its London-based technology and management buyout groups and led the group’s asset management, corporate finance and legal teams.

Gagen qualified as a chartered accountant with Arthur Andersen, and has also worked for Investcorp in the USA, Italy, France, and the UK where he focused on luxury goods companies including Gucci, Chaumet, Breguet, and Saks Fifth Avenue, as well as industrial companies including Club Car and Meuller Pumps.