Former Evonik Industries Executive Board Member Dr Dahai Yu joins Advent International’s Operating Partner Program

FRANKFURT, 22 October 2014 – Advent International, one of the largest and most  experienced firms dedicated solely to private equity, today announced that Dr Dahai Yu has been engaged by Advent as an Operating Partner.

An executive with extensive operational expertise in the international chemicals industry, Dr Yu will advise and work closely with Advent’s chemicals team to help source new investment opportunities globally, including China, and support Advent’s global chemicals assets post-investment as appropriate. In this latter capacity, Dr Yu will take on an advisory role at Allnex, a leading global supplier of coating resins and additives, which was formed following Advent’s acquisition of Cytec Industries’ coating resins business last year.

Dr Yu’s industry experience spans over two decades. Most recently, he held various positions at one of the world’s leading specialty chemicals companies, Evonik Industries. He was Head of Agrochemicals and Intermediates at Evonik from 2003 until 2006.  He then became the Regional President of Greater China and was subsequently appointed to the Executive Board in 2011. Dr. Yu´s roles also included Head of Strategic Controlling for the Fine and Industrial Chemicals Division and Corporate Development Director.

Before joining Evonik, Dr Yu achieved a PhD in Chemistry from the University of Hamburg, followed by a Post-Doctoral fellowship scholarship granted by the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation.

Ron Ayles, Managing Director and head of Advent’s chemicals practice, said: “We are pleased to welcome Dahai Yu to our international Operating Partner Program. Advent continues to be an active investor in the chemicals sector and Dahai’s considerable experience will further enhance our capabilities in this market. His expertise and broad, global insight into the industry will provide great support to the firm and our portfolio companies.”

Dr Dahai Yu said: “Advent has been involved in an interesting and diversified portfolio of chemical investments and is well regarded in the sector. In the continued transformation process of the chemical industries private equity can play a pivotal role. I am looking forward to working with the firms existing portfolio companies, as well as working together on new investment opportunities in the chemical space.”

Advent has been active in the chemicals and industrials sector for more than 25 years and has invested in over 25 companies in the sector globally. The firm has developed a strong record in carving out these businesses from multinational corporations and enabling them to become successful, independent companies. Advent’s recent investments in the chemicals and materials sector include Allnex, Maxam, Mondo Minerals, Oxea, H.C. Starck, HT Troplast, Deutek, Bolix, Materis and Vinnolit.

Advent’s Operating Partner Program is a long-established and successful element of the firm’s highly-operational approach to investing. The program includes over 60 senior industry executives, many of whom have been involved as independent advisors on Advent investments. These executives typically assist in activities such as finding attractive investment opportunities, conducting due diligence, and creating and supporting value creation plans in Advent’s portfolio companies.

About Advent International

Founded in 1984, Advent International is one of the largest and most experienced global investors dedicated solely to private equity. Since inception, the firm has invested in more than 290 buyout transactions in 39 countries and today has approximately €23 billion in assets under management. With offices on four continents, Advent has established a globally integrated team of over 170 investment professionals across North America, Europe, Latin America and Asia. The firm focuses on growth and traditional buyout and strategic repositioning transactions across five core sectors, including business and financial services; healthcare; industrial; retail, consumer and leisure; and technology, media and telecoms. After 30 years dedicated to international investing, Advent remains committed to partnering with management teams to deliver sustained revenue and earnings growth for portfolio companies.

For more information, visit adventinternational.com

Media contacts

Fergus Wheeler, Emily Desmier or Ellie Fixter
FTI Consulting
+44 (0)20 3727 1522, 1233 or 1170
adventinternational@fticonsulting.com

 

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