Private equity firms

Matteo Stefanel, a senior partner at emerging markets-focused private equity firm Abraaj Group, has left the firm, Reuters reported. Stefanel had joined Dubai-based Abraaj in 2008 and was head of special situations group, managed accounts and real estate at the firm, which has about $7.5 billion in assets under management. He was also responsible for a number of the firm’s partner companies.

Altius Associates has appointed Rhonda Ryan as a partner and head of EMEA investments. Ryan, who was previously managing director, head of private funds group Europe for Pinebridge Investments, will be based in the London office, reporting to Brad Young, Co-CEO and head of investment.

The Blackstone Group’s Antony Leung is leaving his role as greater China chairman to lead a Hong Kong-based property conglomerate, Reuters reported. Leung, formerly Hong Kong’s financial secretary, will become the group chief executive officer for Hong Kong-based property conglomerate, the Nan Fung Group, starting in February. He also will retain an advisory role at Blackstone.

EQT Partners AB managing partner Conni Jonsson is to step down from his position in March. Thomas von Koch has been appointed new managing partner. Jonsson will, in his role as working chairman of EQT Holdings AB, continue to work full time for EQT and focus on investment advisory activities and increased interaction with EQT investors.

General Atlantic has hired Gene Lockhart as a special adviser. Lockhart was formerly president and CEO of MasterCard Worldwide. General Atlantic is a global growth equity firm.

Hastings, an international investment firm focused exclusively on infrastructure assets, has named Robert Collins as executive director, head of global investment in North America. Collins, who will be based in New York, previously worked at Greenhill & Co, where he served as managing director, head of infrastructure Americas.

KBS Realty Advisors and KBS Capital Advisors have named Marc DeLuca as eastern regional president. In his new role, DeLuca, who replaces the retiring Chuck Lindwall, will be responsible for all acquisitions, dispositions and asset management activities for KBS in the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic and Southeast. Previously, DeLuca worked at Clarion Partners, where he most recently served as managing director. KBS Realty Advisors is a private equity real estate firm, while KBS Capital Advisors serves as exclusive adviser for KBS’ publicly registered non-traded REITs.

The chief financial officer of Prince Alwaleed bin Talal’s investment vehicle, Kingdom Holding, is to leave the firm, Reuters reported. Shadi Sadeek Sanbar, who has worked with the firm for more than eight years and is seen as a close aide of the Saudi billionaire, will leave the firm at the end of the year.

Providence Equity Partners has hired Josh Empson as a managing director in the firm’s New York office. Previously, Empson worked at NantCapital, an investment firm he co-founded. Headquartered in Providence, Rhode Island, Providence Equity Partners is a private equity firm focused on media, communications, education and information companies.

Red Fort Capital has named Bala Bellur as a principal. Previously, Bellur worked at Deloitte & Touche in the U.S., where he served as a partner. Red Fort Capital is a private equity real estate firm focused on India.

Thomas Franchise Solutions, a growth equity investment firm for franchisors, has hired Tony Jeary as chief strategist. Jeary is the founder of Tony Jeary International, a leadership coaching firm.