Sara Mathew Joins Star Mountain Capital as Senior Advisor
Star Mountain Capital, LLC is pleased to announce the appointment of Sara Mathew as Senior Advisor. This firm, a specialized investment manager with over $4 billion in assets under management, is committed to generating defensive and premium yield while focusing on small and medium-sized businesses within the lower middle-market of the U.S. With a staggering amount of experience in diverse industries such as financial services, technology, and consumer products, Ms. Mathew brings valuable expertise.
An Impressive Background
Ms. Mathew's career spans over two decades at the highest levels of corporate leadership. Before joining Star Mountain Capital, she served 12 years at Dun & Bradstreet, the renowned data analytics company. Her journey there began as the Chief Financial Officer in 2001, a time when the company began transitioning into a more innovative and digitally focused enterprise. Eventually, she rose to become the Chair & CEO, a role she held until her retirement in 2013.
During her tenure at Dun & Bradstreet, she played a pivotal role in transforming the company's core technology and data assets, introducing innovative solutions such as Data-as-a-Service (DaaS) to reach new clients. This transformation was essential for adapting the business model to a more competitive landscape, particularly in the domain of Big Data Analytics.
Contributions to Star Mountain Capital
At Star Mountain Capital, Sara Mathew is excited to leverage her extensive knowledge to support growth and propel the firm toward achieving its mission. Ms. Mathew expressed her enthusiasm, stating, "The firm's unique business model is beneficial, as it supports established businesses that provide essential services in their communities. I am eager to contribute positively to Star Mountain and its high-quality portfolio companies."
Brett Hickey, the Founder and CEO of Star Mountain Capital, expressed his delight in welcoming Ms. Mathew, noting that her industry knowledge and leadership experience across multiple sectors would greatly benefit all stakeholders.
Leadership Roles and Accomplishments
Aside from her role at Star Mountain Capital, Ms. Mathew is also a member of various boards, including State Street and Dropbox, where she serves as Chair of the Human Resources Committee and Compensation & Human Resources Committee, respectively. Her prior board roles showcase her extensive experience in governance, having chaired various committees across significant organizations such as Campbell Soup, Avon, and Freddie Mac.
Her numerous accolades reflect her contributions to the field; she was recognized on FT's list of 50 Women at the Top and received Chief Executive's Top Value Creator award. She continues to advocate for women in leadership roles and was named Woman of the Year by FWA in 2017.
Star Mountain Capital's Commitment
Star Mountain Capital emphasizes a data-driven investment approach within the North American lower middle-market. This investment strategy consists of direct debt and equity investments, as well as secondary acquisitions. The firm aims to deliver a diversified portfolio that includes businesses with sustainable operational performance and significant potential for growth.
Since its inception, Star Mountain has completed over 300 direct business investments, reflecting its mission to create job opportunities and stimulate economic development, particularly in underserved regions. Their focus on enhancing value through careful selection and management aligns with their pledge to maximize beneficial returns for their investors.
Looking Ahead
With Ms. Mathew on board, Star Mountain Capital is poised for continued growth and success within the investment management industry. Her wealth of leadership experience and commitment to promoting essential service businesses will undoubtedly contribute to the company’s competitive edge in the market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Sara Mathew?
Sara Mathew is a seasoned business leader known for her former role as Chair & CEO of Dun & Bradstreet and now serves as a Senior Advisor at Star Mountain Capital.
What does Star Mountain Capital focus on?
Star Mountain Capital specializes in investments in the U.S. lower middle-market, focusing on generating premium yield and total returns from small and medium-sized businesses.
What are Sara Mathew's primary accomplishments?
Her primary accomplishments include transformative leadership at Dun & Bradstreet and receiving several industry honors, such as leadership awards and recognitions for women in business.
What type of businesses does Star Mountain invest in?
Star Mountain invests in established businesses that often have revenues of at least $15 million and are under $50 million in EBITDA, aiming to sustain communities through essential services.
Why is Sara Mathew’s addition important for Star Mountain?
Her addition is crucial due to her extensive knowledge in various industry sectors and her proven track record in leadership, which can enhance Star Mountain's strategic initiatives and stakeholder engagement.
