NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Praesidian Capital, a leading provider of mezzanine capital for small and mid-sized businesses, announced today that Mark G. Samson has been appointed by the company as Operating Partner, effective immediately. Samson was previously with Getzler Henrich & Co., one of the leading middle market management and financial consulting firms in the U.S.
His appointment represents the first operations specialist that Praesidian has engaged to support its portfolio companies. “Mark has a phenomenal track record of optimizing business operations and adding value,” said Jason Drattell, Managing Partner. “In particular, his experience in business planning and analysis, performance improvement, cash and vendor management, and interim management services make him an excellent addition to the team. I am confident he will further support Praesidian’s position as a leading middle market debt provider.”
Samson, originally from Johannesburg, South Africa, is a veteran of more than 30 years in operations management. He has worked with more than 80 retail, distribution and manufacturing companies, including National Envelope, American Apparel, Krispy Kreme Doughnuts and Blimpie International. Samson has also provided strategic turnaround consultation for private companies and leading financial institutions such as TD Bank, Wells Fargo, General Electric, U.S. Bank, JP Morgan Chase and HSBC. Samson also served on the board of a joint venture between an emerging market government, private enterprise and the World Bank.
Samson began his career in 1972 with the Berden Group in South Africa, where he drove revenue growth in the company’s apparel division and earned a position as the youngest director of the company’s Board of Directors. In 1984, he joined Kirsh Management Services and founded a specialty retailer that became the largest in that industry.
“Praesidian is a premier investment group with a stellar small and mid-market strategy,” said Samson. “I am excited about the opportunity to join such a distinguished team as we work together to create value for the firm’s investors.”
About Praesidian
Praesidian Capital partners with small and mid-sized businesses by providing private debt capital. With a focus on its core competency in mezzanine financing, Praesidian invests in established, historically profitable companies often in connection with a management/leveraged buyout, recapitalization or refinancing. Based in New York City, Praesidian manages more than $700 million in committed capital. For more information, visit www.praesidian.com.