Z Capital Partners has named David Barr, Joyce Hrinya and John Dupuy as Partners on Z Capital’s Operating Team. The firm’s Operating Team assists in conducting operational due diligence, building management teams and in value-creation initiatives for Z Capital’s portfolio companies.
“We are very pleased to announce David, Joyce and John as Partners on Z Capital’s Operating Team,” said James Zenni, President and Chief Executive Officer of Z Capital. “Their collective track record of generating growth and transforming businesses is impressive and we will benefit from their combined expertise in various industries where they have significant experience, including retailing, consumer products, consumer food, industrial manufacturing and logistics. We look forward to their contributions to the entire Investment Team as we continue to drive growth and capitalize on opportunities to further enhance our diverse portfolio of companies.”
David Barr is a Managing Director and member of the Operating Team of Z Capital and serves as a director of Mrs. Fields Famous Brands and Real Mex, both Z Capital Partners portfolio companies. Mr. Barr has experience in consumer goods, retail, restaurants and operations including privately held PMTD Restaurants (a franchisee of KFC) and The Jewelry Group (the third largest jewelry retailer in Australia). In addition, he sits on the Board of Directors of Del Frisco Restaurant Group, Charles and Colvard, and Wornick. Mr. Barr previously served as the Chairman of Rita Restaurants (dba Don Pablo’s Mexican Restaurants and Hops Grill & Brewery) from 2007 to 2014. In addition, he was the Chairman of Samuels Jewelers from 2000 to 2006 at which time he led the sale of the company to Gitanjali Gems. From 1994 to 1998, Mr. Barr was the CFO and then the CEO of Great American Cookies, a franchisor and operator of 367 mall based cookie stores, which was eventually sold to Mrs. Fields. He began his career with Price Waterhouse in 1986 and then joined Pizza Hut within its finance department in 1991.
Joyce Hrinya is a Managing Director and member of the Operating Team of Z Capital. Ms. Hrinya serves on the board of Mrs. Fields Famous Brands – a Z Capital portfolio company. Ms. Hrinya has 25 years of experience helping companies build profitable brands. She has held executive positions in marketing, strategic planning, business development and customer satisfaction. Prior to joining Z Capital, Ms. Hrinya served as Founder and Managing Partner of A&R Strategy Partners, a strategic marketing consulting firm that helps companies grow through acquisition and retention of profitable customers. Ms. Hrinya was previously Senior Vice President of Marketing and Customer Satisfaction at Helzberg Diamonds – a Berkshire Hathaway company – from 2004 to 2010, at which time she led all marketing and customer satisfaction functions for Helzberg’s 240 stores and served in a governance role as member of a six person Executive Board. Ms. Hrinya began her career with General Electric Company in 1984 and then joined the Sara Lee Corporation, serving as Strategic Planning and Forecasting Manager from 1988 to 1990; Director of Brand Development both at Coach and Champion Europe from 1990 to 1992; Vice President of Marketing at Aris Isotoner from 1993 to 1996; and Vice President of Business Planning for Playtex from 1996 to 1997. From 1997 to 1999, Ms. Hrinya served as Vice President and General Manager of the Dana Buchman Accessories Division at Liz Claiborne. From 1999 to 2004, Ms. Hrinya served in several positions at Danskin, including General Manager and Senior Vice President of Marketing.
John Dupuy is a Managing Director and member of the Operating Team of Z Capital. Mr. Dupuy serves on the board of MSD Automotive Group, a Z Capital portfolio company. Mr. Dupuy has experience in executing operational turnarounds and business transformations as well as devising growth strategies for middle market industrial, business services and consumer products companies in North America, Europe, Asia and South America. Prior to Z Capital, Mr. Dupuy was an Operating Partner at H.I.G. Bayside Capital and as CEO, led the restructuring of AirNet, a cargo airline and Bayside Capital portfolio company. Prior to Bayside Capital, Mr. Dupuy was an Operating Partner at Arsenal Capital Partners where he led transportation, logistics and supply chain investment efforts. In addition, Mr. Dupuy was President of North American and Allied Van Lines and North American Logistics which were owned by SIRVA, a portfolio company of Clayton, Dubilier & Rice. At SIRVA, Mr. Dupuy led several successful restructuring and turnaround efforts in North America and Europe. Earlier in his career, Mr. Dupuy was Vice President of Strategic Planning and Chief Information Officer at Maytag. Prior to Maytag, Mr. Dupuy was a consultant with Booz, Allen & Hamilton and A.T. Kearney where he led projects in post-merger integration, manufacturing and product line strategy, lean manufacturing, competitive analysis, turnaround management and privatization of state owned enterprises.
Z Capital makes control investments in middle-market distressed companies, operational turnarounds and special situations. The firm targets companies with an enterprise value of less than $1 billion or EBITDA of less than $100 million. Sectors of interest include consumer products, steel and steel processors, agricultural, gaming, leisure, real estate, manufacturing, specialty services and automotive. Z Capital is based in the Chicago suburb of Lake Forest and has an additional office in New York (www.zcap.net).
© 2014 PEPD • Private Equity’s Leading News Magazine • 4-28-14
