Ross George Recognised as Champion of Private Business Growth

The New Zealand Private Equity and Venture Capital Association (NZVCA) Leadership Tribute was awarded today (23 October) to Ross George, managing director of Direct Capital, for his outstanding leadership commitment to the New Zealand private equity industry.

The Tribute was announced at the NZVCA Annual Conference dinner in Queenstown.  NZVCA Executive Director Colin McKinnon says: `Ross George is highly respected by his peers for his strength and persistence as an exemplar of professionalism and protagonist for private equity markets in New Zealand. His humility and unqualified conviction have helped shape the New Zealand industry over two decades.’

The NZVCA award recognises Ross George for his sustained leadership role as an industry champion of the private equity and venture capital industry for the benefit of investors and entrepreneurs in New Zealand. He has been in the private equity industry since 1985. He founded Direct Capital in 1994 following his return from Hong Kong, where he had been a director and shareholder of local Hong Kong based private equity firm.

Since its establishment Direct Capital has raised more than $800m and invested in 68 private companies to fund growth, acquisition and succession initiatives. Its current active funds, Direct Capital III and Direct Capital IV have invested in 19 portfolio companies that have aggregate annual revenues of $1.5 billion and employ more than 5,000 staff.

The NZVCA Leadership Tribute recognises impactful and sustainable leadership that has made a significant contribution to lifting the professional standards and enhancing the reputation of the industry.

ENDS

Contact:
Colin McKinnon, Executive Director,
New Zealand Private Equity & Venture Capital Association, New Zealand
+64 27 640 6406