In addition to their collective expertise, Bunker Hill Capital’s partners have cultivated a network of executive relationships over almost two decades of private equity investing. These seasoned operating executives constitute the firm’s Executive Council and provide support to the partners in the formation and execution of portfolio company investment strategies. The Executive Council members have significant experience in a broad range of industries and assist Bunker Hill Capital with deal origination, due diligence, board representation and potential exit strategies.
In addition to the Executive Council, Bunker Hill Capital also works with a broader group of executives in a similar capacity which constitutes the firm’s Executive Network. Members of the Executive Council and the Executive Network are brought together for an annual CEO Summit where speakers present current topics of interest to operating executives and where members of both the Executive Council and Executive Network can meet and exchange ideas.
The following members of the Executive Council represent each of Bunker Hill Capital’s four targeted investment sectors, namely Industrial Products, Business Services, Specialty Retail and Consumer Products.
Industrial Products
Frank J. Feraco is a seasoned operating executive who has over 36 years of experience in manufacturing, including significant experience in turning around troubled operations. Frank has held senior executive positions at Emerson Electric Company, Kohler Company and Textron Industrial Products.
Eric E. Klein is the former President and CEO of Component Hardware and has over 34 years of experience in manufacturing and distribution. Eric co-founded Component Hardware in 1981 and successfully implemented a strategy of outsourcing all manufacturing, primarily to the Far East but also domestically.
Bruce E. Ryan is the CEO of Maxcess International and has over 32 years of experience in the industrial products sector. He has been the CEO of companies with revenues ranging from $20 million to $300 million and has both grown and downsized businesses. Bruce has direct responsibility for all operational functions of Maxcess and has managed businesses in Europe and Asia as well as in the U.S.
Business Services
Robert S. Leach is the former Chairman and former President and CEO of Specialty Coating Systems and has over 32 years of experience in manufacturing and business services. Prior to joining Specialty Coating Systems in 2006, Bob held executive positions at The Slater Companies, Toray Plastics (America), GE Plastics and Monsanto Plastics & Resins.
David A. Minella is the Chairman and CEO of Prospect Acquisition Corp., a special purpose acquisition company, and the former President and CEO of Value Asset Management. Dave has over 28 years of executive management experience in the financial services sector. Prior to joining Value Asset Management in 1997, Dave was President and CEO of Liechtenstein Global Trust Asset Management, a $60 billion asset management firm.
Specialty Retail
Thomas J. Galligan III is the Chairman, President and CEO of Papa Gino’s/D’Angelo and has over 25 years of experience in the retail and foodservice industries with a focus on finance and operations through execution of strategic planning. Prior to joining Papa Gino’s/D’Angelo, Tom held executive positions at Morse Shoe, PepsiCo and Arthur Young.
Gary T. Klencheski is the President, CEO and founder of Fitcorp, New England’s largest and most experienced provider of fitness and health promotion services. Gary has over 33 years of experience working with companies to address the prevention of lifestyle-related illnesses of employees.
Fortunato N. Valenti is the CEO of Smith & Wollensky as well as the CEO of Patina Restaurant Group, a family of high-end specialty restaurants. Nick has over 35 years of experience in the restaurant and foodservice industry and serves on the boards of several industry organizations.
Consumer Products
Michael Bernstein is the Vice-Chairman of Polyconcept Group, the global leader in the promotional products industry, and has spent 14 years in the promotional products industry. Michael has excellent general management experience with particular expertise in product development and sourcing and has successfully grown businesses both organically and through acquisition.
William C. Hale is the founder and President of The Hale Group, a consumer products consulting firm. Bill has worked with companies of all sizes, from large multinational conglomerates to small family-owned businesses, and has led studies on a wide variety of topics including best practice vendor solutions and branded retail distribution strategies.
John R. Ranelli is the CEO of Mikasa, Inc., a leading designer, developer and marketer of branded, premium tabletop products. John has over 34 years of experience in consumer products with particular expertise in branding. Prior to Mikasa, John held executive positions at FGX International, Stride Rite, Deckers Outdoor (TEVA and Ugg), TLC Beatrice and The Timberland Company.
Other Sectors
Charles H. Cremens is employed by Conseco, Inc. where he was hired for strategic crisis management projects and served as the President and CEO of Conseco Finance, which he managed through bankruptcy and subsequent liquidation. Chuck has over 25 years of experience in the financial services industry, including holding executive management positions at WMF Group, Beacon Properties, Aetna and Bank of Boston.
Fir M. Geenen is a Principal of Relational Investors, which manages over $8 billion and actively engages management, boards of directors and shareholders of its portfolio companies to build a consensus for improving share value. Over the past 30 years, Fir has assisted a number of companies with growth and value creation strategies in a variety of industries including, transportation, financial services, business services, health care, manufacturing and retail.
Hugh H. MacArthur is the Head of Global Private Equity at Bain & Company and works with private equity funds on investment deal generation, strategic due diligence and portfolio company improvement. Hugh’s experience covers growth strategies, consumer and industrial marketing and sales, and manufacturing and distribution cost reduction.
Robert M. Wolf, Esq. is a Partner at Bingham McCutchen LLP, where he focuses his practice almost exclusively on leveraged acquisitions, recapitalizations, equity investments and mezzanine financings for a variety of private equity firms and financial institutions. Rob has spent over 25 years representing financial sponsors and financial institutions in buyout transactions and related financings.
