In a significant development that showcases Waud Capital Partners’ commitment to internal growth, the Chicago-based private equity firm has promoted three long-standing team members to partner positions. The announcement highlights founder Reeve Waud’s dedication to nurturing talent within the organization he started in 1993.
Leading the group of promotions is Kyle Lattner, whose ten-year journey with Waud Capital exemplifies the firm’s approach to talent development. Since joining in 2013, Lattner has steadily built expertise in healthcare investments, particularly in medical device services and behavioral health sectors. His contributions include steering recent investments in Senior Helpers and Mopec Group, while maintaining long-term relationships with portfolio companies like APDerm and Ivy Rehab.
Paul Sutphin, who also joined in 2013, has risen through the ranks by developing deep expertise in software and technology investments. His portfolio oversight includes Fusion Health, PracticeTek, and Sphere, with his recent leadership in the Science Exchange investment demonstrating his growing influence in the firm’s technology strategy, building on Reeve Waud’s vision for sector specialization.
Tim Cremieux, who came aboard in 2017, represents a more recent success story in Waud Capital’s approach to talent development. His swift advancement to partner status reflects his significant contributions to the healthcare group, including leading the PharmAlliance platform investment and supporting portfolio companies Apotheco and PromptCare.
The promotions extend beyond the partner level, with Mike Lehman’s advancement to principal in the Healthcare Group. Since joining in 2021, Lehman has quickly established himself by supporting key investments including Ivy Rehab and Unifeye Vision Partners, following the successful model established with investments like Acadia Healthcare.
Chris Graber, Partner and Head of the Healthcare Group, notes the impact of these internal advancements: “All of these new Partners have demonstrated extraordinary leadership, delivering value, insights and expertise to their portfolio companies and contributing to the continued success of Waud Capital.”
This focus on internal talent development has contributed to Waud Capital’s growth from a one-person operation to a firm managing $4.6 billion in assets. The strategy has supported the completion of more than 480 investments since the firm’s founding, building expertise across healthcare services and technology sectors.
Looking ahead to 2025, these promotions position Waud Capital to maintain its growth trajectory while preserving its cultural emphasis on talent development. Justin DuPere, Partner and Co-Head of the Software & Technology Group, points to the promotions as evidence of the firm’s momentum: “Our newly elevated leaders exemplify our talent-led, thesis-driven investment approach that will help us successfully capitalize on opportunities in the year to come.”
This latest round of promotions reinforces Waud Capital’s reputation for building lasting careers while fostering expertise in specialized market sectors. As the firm continues its growth trajectory, this proven approach to talent development remains central to its strategy.