New York, August 10, 2021 – MidOcean Partners (“MidOcean”), a premier New York-based alternative asset manager specializing in middle-market private equity and alternative credit investments, announced today that Eric Gordon and Bob Myers have joined the firm as Operating Partners. Myers and Gordon, together with MidOcean’s existing network of seasoned Operating Partners, bring significant strategic and functional expertise to the firm and will be instrumental in helping MidOcean execute on its value-added, operating talent approach to middle market investing.
Eric Gordon, a senior executive with over 30 years of technology leadership experience, has been both a CIO and a strategic advisor to global companies in the retail, consumer products, financial services, healthcare and hospitality sectors. He will lead MidOcean’s technology-related efforts around strategic growth road mapping and cost optimization across the firm’s portfolio companies as well as on new opportunities the firm is evaluating.
Gordon is currently the President of Versitae, an innovative technology outsourcing company that offers enhanced offshore IT services. He has served in a CIO capacity at companies including Michaels Stores, Collective Brands, Art Van Furniture, and CEC Entertainment. Gordon has built a successful career driving business value through technology and by transforming IT organizations to adapt to a changing digital world while maintaining a responsible cost structure. He began his career at Andersen Consulting and has also held senior leadership roles at Family Dollar and Springs Global.
David Kieselstein, Chairman of MidOcean’s private equity business, commented, “We are thrilled to have Eric Gordon on board as he brings a rare combination of both depth and breadth of technology experience. He has excelled across an array of industry sectors and brings unique perspectives as both an operator and an advisor with respect to driving transformation via technology. He is perfectly suited to work across both our consumer and business services portfolio companies to drive performance.”
Bob Myers is a highly accomplished c-suite leader with extensive experience providing strategic, financial and operational leadership and will work directly with MidOcean’s investment teams and portfolio company senior management with a focus on enhancing the digital capabilities of its existing portfolio companies and assessing potential future investments.
Myers most recently served as President and Chief Executive Officer of the American Achievement Corporation (AAC), a leading manufacturer and digital retailer of customized graduation products and services. Prior to AAC, Myers was President and Chief Executive Officer of Sheplers Westernwear while during his tenure grew to become the global e-commerce destination for western wear, shipping to over 180 countries. Previously, he spent 10 years at QVC. While at QVC, Myers was responsible for all facets of QVC.com and grew the platform from startup to over $2 billion in annual sales on the platform. Earlier in his career, Myers held a variety of roles at JCPenney during his 15+ years with the company including the startup of JCP.com and has served as a board director to numerous notable brands including the National Retail Federation, Shop.org, and K&N Engineering.
Eric Roth, Managing Director at MidOcean, commented, “Bob Myers is an extraordinarily talented leader who is uniquely positioned to strengthen MidOcean’s ability to drive digital transformation across our portfolio.” Roth also noted, “I have known Bob for many years and he is highly respected as a thoughtful and creative collaborator across the consumer industry. His long-term successes speak for themselves and we are grateful to have him on the MidOcean team.”
