Executive moves, week of Aug. 25, 2008

Key Venture Partners loses Dame to buyoutsDavid Dame, one of the three managing directors of Key Venture Partners, is leaving the firm to become an operating partner at an undisclosed middle-market buyout firm, as first reported last week by peHUB, a PE Week affiliate publication.

The firm’s remaining two partners, Ted Mocarski and John Ward, focus on communication and data services companies, whereas Dame had specialized on enterprise software. Waltham, Mass.-based Key Venture—which makes growth financings in tech companies with revenue between $5 million and $25 million—last closed a fund in 2003, when it raised $100 million from sole limited partner Key Corp. Key had pledged to anchor the next fund, though no date has been set on when that would take place.

No word on whether the firm will hire a new investor with IT experience. Key Venture was an investor in cell tower operator Optasite, which is pending a $430 million acquisition by SBA Communications Corp.

Gerstner to step down as Carlyle Chairman

Lou Gerstner announced last week that he plans to step down as chairman of The Carlyle Group, effective Sept. 30. Gerstner, former CEO of IBM and RJR Nabisco, has held the post since 2003. Gerstner plans to stay involved with Carlyle as a senior advisor for the firm’s buyout funds in Asia, Europe and United States, though his level of involvement was not made clear. His successor as chairman has not yet been named.

Chrysalis names Willmoth venture partner

Chrysalis Ventures has named John Willmoth as a venture partner and will focus on media and communications. He joined the firm last year as an executive-in-residence, after having served as vice president of business development with Sprint Nextel Corp. The Louisville, Ky.-based firm raised $163 million for a balanced stage fund in 2006.

Brenneman joins CCMPGreg Brenneman has agreed to join New York-based buyout firm CCMP Capital Advisors as chairman and a member of the firm’s investment committee, effective Sept. 30. He currently is CEO of sandwich chain Quiznos, where he will stay on as executive chairman. Prior to Quiznos, Brenneman served as CEO of Burger King.

Windspeed promotes Safaii

Lexington, Mass.-based early stage firm Windspeed Ventures promoted David Safaii to principal. He joined the firm in 2004.

Michel moves to SeguinPeter Michel has joined Woburn, Mass.-based private equity firm Seguin Partners as an operating partner. He previously was a CEO with Brink’s Home Security.

Haji to ride with El Dorado Ventures

Sheeraz Haji has joined El Dorado Ventures as an entrepreneur-in-residence. Haji will work with Menlo Park, Calif.-based venture firm to identify new opportunities in online marketing, Web-based consumer applications, software-as-a-service and green consumer services. He previously was president of EDV portfolio company Convio.

Evergreen hires WhatleyEdward Whatley has joined Evergreen Pacific Partners as a senior vice president. He previously was an investment banker with Credit Suisse. The Seattle-based private equity firm recently closed its second fund with $425 million in commitments.

IVP names Maltz VP

Jules Maltz has joined Institutional Venture Partners as a vice president. He will focus on growth capital and later stage tech investments. Maltz previously was with 3i and, before that, worked in business development for AdMob.