Hg, a leading investor in European and transatlantic software, services, and data businesses, announced an evolution in its leadership team with the appointment of Steven Batchelor and Jean-Baptiste (JB) Brian as Managing Partners and Co-Chief Executive Officers. The move signals the firm’s continued focus on long-term growth, client commitment, and its position as a transatlantic leader in software and workplace automation.
Matthew Brockman and Justin von Simson, who have served as Managing Partners and Co-CEOs since 2017, will continue in senior roles at the firm. Brockman will take on the role of Chief Investment Officer and Chair of Hg’s Investment Committee, maintaining a central role in investment activities while focusing more deeply on the firm’s artificial intelligence strategy—a key driver of future global growth in software and services. Von Simson will remain a member of the Hg Board, Investment, and Realisation Committees, continue leading the Munich office, and co-lead the Saturn funds alongside Nic Humphries.
Hg’s rotational leadership model, introduced by founders Ian Armitage and Frances Jacob and later continued by Nic Humphries, Brockman, and von Simson, has become a cornerstone of the firm’s enduring stability and partnership ethos. This model allows senior partners to periodically assume firmwide management responsibilities while maintaining active roles in investment and operational leadership.
Batchelor and Brian have been long-serving partners at Hg, first working together in the early 2000s. Both have been instrumental in shaping the firm’s strategic direction through their involvement on the Hg Board and Senior Leadership Team, as well as on the Investment, Realisation, and Valuation Committees. Their experience spans investments, capital solutions, operations, and governance.
The appointments represent a continuation of Hg’s deliberate approach to succession planning, as they transition day-to-day leadership to two seasoned partners who combine deep expertise in both investment and client relations.
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“This leadership transition marks the continuation of Hg’s long-term approach to stewardship and growth. Steven and JB have played pivotal roles in developing the firm’s strategy, culture, and client relationships, and they are ideally positioned to lead Hg into its next chapter.”
Matthew Brockman, Chief Investment Officer and Chair of the Investment Committee, Hg
“It’s been a privilege to lead Hg alongside Matthew for the past eight years. Steven and JB have demonstrated exceptional leadership and judgment, and we are confident the firm will continue to thrive under their guidance.”
Justin von Simson, Board Member and Co-Lead of the Saturn Funds, Hg
“We are honored to take on these roles at such an exciting time for Hg and for the software sector more broadly. We remain focused on building lasting partnerships with our clients and investing behind innovation and growth across our portfolio.”
Steven Batchelor and Jean-Baptiste Brian, Co-CEOs and Managing Partners, Hg
