Top Influencers: 6 UK Managing Director, London’s To Follow in 2022

Michael has been at the forefront of the development of European technology private equity as it grew from a fledgling niche into the multi-billion dollar market it is today. He has been a member of the Executive Committee of the European Venture Capital Association (EVCA) and chaired its Venture Capital Committee from 2002 to 2006. Michael also led Kennet’s investment in Paragon Software (acquired by Openwave), Altitun (acquired by ADC Telecommunications), No Wires Needed (acquired by Intersil), Monis (acquired by Sungard Data Systems), and Ubizen (acquired by Cybertrust). Michael founded Kennet in 1997. Earlier, he was responsible for establishing the international operations of Thompson Clive & Partners in California and Paris. Michael holds a B.A. with highest honours from Harvard University, and received an M.Sc. from Cambridge University where he was a Marshall Scholar. Born in the United States, Michael has lived in several European countries and speaks fluent French. Learn more about Michael Elias on Crunchbase…

Charles is a Managing Director in the London office of OMERS Private Equity, having joined the team in September 2017. He is part of the investment team focusing on direct investments in Europe. He was involved in the acquisition of Alexander Mann Solutions in 2018, and is now a non-executive board director with that asset. Before joining OMERS, Charles spent 12 years at Cinven, where he was involved in a range of private equity transactions and investments, including Smurfit Kappa, PizzaExpress, Gala Coral, CPA Global and Kurt Geiger. Charles has an MA (Cantab) in Natural Sciences from Cambridge University. Learn more about Charles Miller-Jones on Crunchbase…

Hillel works closely with the management teams of European technology companies to exploit growth opportunities such as addressing new market segments and geographies. Hillel joined Kennet as a Director from ETV Capital, where he undertook numerous transactions providing hybrid debt and equity-based capital to technology companies across Europe & the US. Prior to this Hillel worked as a Management Consultant at KPMG, advising clients on strategic, performance management and regulatory issues. Earlier, Hillel worked in Corporate Development at two internet businesses in South Africa. Hillel is a board member of SaaS based bookkeeping automation vendor Receipt Bank, mobile video language learning platform ABA English, SaaS based accounts receivable automation company Rimilia, mobile market research and analytics company RealityMine, advertising technology provider Adikteev (through the acquisition of Trademob), and online mass customisation provider Spreadshirt. Hillel was previously on the board of Rivo Software which was acquired by Sphera Solutions. Hillel is a CFA Charterholder. He holds a Bachelors Degree in Law from the University of South Africa, an Honours Degree in Economics and a Masters Degree in Economics (cum laude) from the University of Johannesburg. Learn more about Hillel Zidel on Crunchbase…

Isabelle is Managing Director at OMERS Private Equity Europe, based in London. She leads sourcing, execution and portfolio management of private equity investments in Europe, and is responsible for the origination of deals in France. Since joining in 2012, Isabelle has been involved in OMERS Private Equity’s investments in V. Group, Civica, ERM and Trescal, and has served as Director of Civica and Trescal. Before joining OMERS Private Equity, Isabelle worked at Bridgepoint for four years, and Arcapita for six years, where she assessed and invested in businesses across a range of sectors in both the U.K. and France. Isabelle received a Master’s in Management and a Diplome de Grande Ecole, both from ESCP Europe. Learn more about Isabelle Pagnotta on Crunchbase…

Learn more about Matt Montagano on Crunchbase…

Tom Pepper leads Vibrant’s sales operations in both the UK and international markets. Since joining Vibrant in 2009, he has been responsible for managing all revenue, strategic relationships and brand engagement programs. With 10 years of digital experience, Tom is a well-regarded speaker on the latest trends in digital advertising and has spoken at many industry events including IAB, Internet World and TFM&A. Before joining Vibrant, Tom worked for Advertising.com, IPC Media and Haymarket Publications, specializing in new business acquisition, client sales and online branding solutions. Tom is a graduate in Politics and Economics from the University of East Anglia. Learn more about Tom Pepper on Crunchbase…