Bernhard Capital Partners Management, LP (“Bernhard Capital” or the “Firm”), a service and infrastructure-focused private equity management firm, today announced that Luther C. “Luke” Kissam, IV has joined Bernhard Capital as a Partner.
Mr. Kissam is a visionary leader and investor in the transitional energy space and has two decades of experience in the operational and financial aspects of major global businesses. He previously served as Chairman and CEO of Albemarle Corporation (NYSE: ALB), a global company with leading positions in lithium and a nearly $16 billion market capitalization. In this role, he spearheaded Ablemarle’s $6.2 billion acquisition of Rockwood Holdings, Inc. in 2014, and helped transform Albemarle into a global leader in the fast-growth lithium business, which is a critical enabler for electric reliability, energy storage and the emerging clean energy economy. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of Albemarle as well as DuPont de Nemours Inc. and OGE Energy Corp.
Jim Bernhard, partner at Bernhard Capital, said, “Luke is an excellent addition to our team and we are thrilled to welcome him to the Firm. He brings strong experience in our core competency areas as well as a history of innovative and forward-looking investments in transitional energy and the renewable future – which we believe will be a significant focus area in 2021 and beyond. Luke’s highly successful 17-year track record as an executive (including as CEO) of Albemarle will enhance our capabilities. As a tried-and-true manager of successful businesses, Luke fits in well with our Firm that is composed largely of industry experts who understand what it takes to drive excellence and help our portfolio companies succeed.”
Luke Kissam said, “I’m excited to be joining this highly successful firm. I’ve known Jim Bernhard for many years and believe the team at Bernhard Capital possess a unique combination of operational know-how and infrastructure sector expertise. They have a strong track record of working with management teams to grow successful companies – which is something that I love doing. Coming on as a partner at Bernhard Capital is the perfect progression from my time leading Albemarle and will allow me to continue to pursue my passion for leading and investing in great companies.”
Bernhard Capital also announced that Jeffrey Koonce and Jonathan de Lauréal have been promoted to Partner and Managing Director, respectively. Mr. Koonce has been with the Firm since January 2015. Mr. de Lauréal has been with the Firm since August 2013.
Jim Bernhard continued, “We’re very happy to be recognizing Jeff and Jonathan, both of whom have impressive backgrounds and have made substantial contributions to our success. Jeff’s extensive and widely recognized expertise in taxation and transactions has proven to be highly impactful in his role and we are excited to welcome him to the partnership. In his years here at Bernhard Capital, Jonathan has grown to take on increasing levels of responsibility building on his investing background. We look forward to both Jeff’s and Jonathan’s continuing success.”
