Wealth management
10 private equity portfolio operations experts
These ten private equity operating professionals have run portfolio operations and value creation work at private equity and investment firms, with titles such as head of portfolio operations and vice president of portfolio operations. A reader can learn how investment firms work with portfolio company management teams to improve operations.
Professionals to explore
01—10Bala Ganesan
LinkedInExperience: Managing Director Co-Head of Private Equity Portfolio Operations · Oaktree
Managing Director Co-Head of Private Equity Portfolio Operations at Oaktree since February 2017. The listing also shows CEO Oaktree Portfolio Company at Interblock Gaming (2026) and CFO, Board Director Oaktree Portfolio Company at Coriant, Inc. (2018). Former Head of Operational & Digital Transformation V.P. at Yum! Brands (2013–2017) and Head of Corporate Strategy Business Transformation at Mattel, Inc. (2011–2013).
Dan Lantz
LinkedInExperience: Vice President, Portfolio Operations · TSG Consumer Partners
Vice President, Portfolio Operations at TSG Consumer Partners since February 2025, where the profile describes responsibility for driving value creation, strategic growth and operational excellence programs across TSG Consumer’s partner companies. Former Vice President, Transformation at Midland Industries (2024–2025) and Engagement Manager at McKinsey & Company (2020–2024).
Diego Giraldez
LinkedInExperience: Vice President, Portfolio Operations · CORE Industrial Partners
Vice President, Portfolio Operations at CORE Industrial Partners since October 2024. The profile describes working on CORE’s Portfolio Operations team with portfolio management teams on value creation initiatives that drive organic growth and operational excellence, with on-the-ground execution support. Former Engagement Manager (2023–2024) and Associate (2021–2023) at McKinsey & Company.
Erin Caimano
LinkedInExperience: Head of Portfolio Operations, Infrastructure · EQT Group
Head of Portfolio Operations, Infrastructure at EQT Group since September 2024, where the profile describes partnering with EQT investment deal teams to assess operational and process improvement opportunities at individual portfolio companies. Former Chief Transformation Officer at Atlas Holdings LLC (2021–2024) and Executive Director, Operations Transformation - Electrification Products at ABB (2018–2021).
Gia North
LinkedInExperience: Senior Vice President of Private Equity Portfolio Operations · Blackstone
Senior Vice President of Private Equity Portfolio Operations at Blackstone since May 2022, where the profile describes leading portfolio companies' value creation initiatives in areas such as business strategy and operational improvement. Former Private Equity Vice President (2018–2022) and Senior Investment Manager (2015–2018) at Blackstone, and Investment Manager at KKR (2012–2015).
John Kelleher
LinkedInExperience: Managing Partner and Global Head of Operating Team · CVC
Managing Partner and Global Head of Operating Team at CVC since August 2025. The profile says the role heads a global group that partners with CEOs across 150 companies to drive value through operational excellence and levers such as AI/data science, cybersecurity, talent and sustainability. Former Senior Partner (2021–2025) and Partner (2015–2021) at McKinsey & Company.
Keith Belair
LinkedInExperience: Managing Director, Portfolio Operations · Crown Capital
Managing Director, Portfolio Operations at Crown Capital since November 2023, where the profile describes managing portfolio company operations for Crown Capital, a private equity firm investing in lower middle market companies across North America. Also Chief Executive Officer at Aeromist, A Crown Capital Company since November 2023; former Chief Executive Officer at Drake Automotive Group (2016–2021).
Kevin Lessmann
LinkedInExperience: Senior Vice President - Portfolio Operations · Platinum Equity
Senior Vice President - Portfolio Operations at Platinum Equity since January 2025 and former Vice President - Portfolio Operations there (2022–2025). The profile describes responsibility for management and performance improvement of flagship private equity fund investments, including broad-based portfolio operations and end-to-end transformations. Former Vice President of Transformation at Custom Truck One Source (2021–2022).
Kiran Rao
LinkedInExperience: Managing Director, Head of Portfolio Operations, Member of Management Committee · Vector Capital Management
Managing Director, Head of Portfolio Operations, Member of Management Committee at Vector Capital Management since March 2026, where the profile says the role leads the Value Creation Team and oversees operational and AI transformation across the portfolio. Former Chief Operating Officer, Value Creation Team at Vista Equity Partners (2021–2026) and Board Member at PowerSchool (2024–2026).
Wes Lucas
LinkedInExperience: Head Of Operations Resource Group, and Operating Partner to Industrial Growth Group · Gryphon Investors
Head Of Operations Resource Group, and Operating Partner to Industrial Growth Group at Gryphon Investors since September 2017. The profile says the role co-leads the firm’s Industrial Growth Team and heads the Operations Resources Group, working closely with management teams at Gryphon portfolio companies to maximize operating and financial performance. Former President and Chief Executive Officer at Sirva (2008–2017).
Choose the right perspective
Match the person's firm and fund size to yours, since a large global operating team and a lean lower middle market team support portfolio companies in very different ways. Also decide whether you need someone who leads a portfolio operations function or someone who works hands-on inside portfolio companies, and pick accordingly.
Questions to take into the conversation
- 01How do you build a value creation plan with a new portfolio company's management team, and how do you track it after close?
- 02Which operating levers do you push first in the first year of ownership, and why?
- 03How do you staff a portfolio operations team between in-house operators, functional experts and outside advisors?
Reaching private equity portfolio operations experts
How can I contact one of these private equity portfolio operations experts?
Pick one of the 10 people on this page and choose "Book a paid call", or describe your project to find others. You offer a fee for a 15-minute call or a written answer, Instant Expert finds the person's work email and sends the invitation, and they decide whether to accept. The list covers 10 companies, including Oaktree, TSG Consumer Partners and CORE Industrial Partners, based on profile data retrieved on October 3, 2026. Being listed here doesn't mean someone has agreed to take calls.
How much does it cost to reach private equity portfolio operations experts?
You choose the offer, starting at $5 per person. It includes Instant Expert's 20% fee, so an offer that pays the person $100 costs you $125. You're charged only when the person books the call or sends the answer.
What if they don't reply?
You pay nothing. Instant Expert sends follow-up reminders, and if the person hasn't booked or answered within 7 days, the request expires and any hold on your card is released. You can invite several of the 10 people on this list at once and cap your total spend, so you pay only for the ones who accept.
About this directory
This is a professional research starting point based on business profile data retrieved on . Titles and companies reflect that source snapshot and may describe past or present roles. Check the linked profiles for current details. Inclusion does not imply Instant Expert membership or availability.
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