H.I.G. Capital: Brian Schwartz Appointed Chief Executive Officer As Leadership Transition Advances

By Amit Chowdhry • Today at 10:32 AM

H.I.G. Capital has appointed Brian Schwartz as Chief Executive Officer, marking a key leadership transition for the global alternative investment firm as it positions for its next phase of growth.

Schwartz, a long-time member of the firm’s leadership team and previously Co-President, succeeds Co-Founder Sami Mnaymneh, who will transition to Executive Chairman alongside Co-Founder Tony Tamer. In his new role, Mnaymneh will remain actively involved in the firm’s strategic direction and continue serving on investment committees.

The transition reflects the continued evolution of H.I.G. as a scaled global platform. The firm, which manages approximately $74 billion in capital, has expanded significantly since its founding in 1993, now operating across private equity, credit, and real assets with more than 1,000 employees in 18 offices worldwide.

Schwartz joined H.I.G. in 1994 and has held multiple senior leadership roles. As Co-President for more than six years, he oversaw day-to-day operations and played a central role in shaping the firm’s global multi-strategy platform, working closely with the co-founders to drive growth and strategic initiatives.

Alongside the CEO appointment, H.I.G. promoted Doug Berman, Head of U.S. Private Equity, to Co-President, where he will serve with Rick Rosen. Berman has been instrumental in expanding the firm’s U.S. private equity business and strengthening its middle-market investment platform.

The leadership changes are intended to support continued growth and ensure operational continuity as H.I.G. builds on its established position in the middle market.

KEY QUOTES:

“For more than three decades, H.I.G. has built a leading position in the middle market, combining global reach with an operational approach to value creation that has delivered exceptional results for our investors. The firm has reached a scale and depth of leadership where this transition is both natural and strategically important. Brian has been instrumental to our success and a key driver of the firm’s growth and evolution. I am confident that under his leadership, H.I.G. is very well positioned to further build on its middle market leadership position. I look forward to working with him as the firm builds on its strong foundation.”

Sami Mnaymneh, Co-Founder and Incoming Executive Chairman of H.I.G. Capital

“It is an honor to step into the role of CEO and to lead H.I.G. at this important point in its evolution. I am deeply grateful to Sami and Tony for building a firm defined by disciplined investing, operational focus, and a strong culture. With our differentiated platform and experienced team, we are well positioned to capitalize on opportunities and continue delivering strong outcomes for our investors.”

Brian Schwartz, Chief Executive Officer of H.I.G. Capital

“Having led our U.S. Private Equity business, I’ve spent my time focused on investing, building businesses, and working closely with management teams. In this role, my priority is to ensure we stay disciplined in how we invest, stay close to our portfolio companies, and continue to execute at a high level across the firm. I look forward to partnering with Brian and Rick as we continue to execute on the opportunities we see in our markets.”

Doug Berman, Co-President of H.I.G. Capital