Crescent Capital Group Announces New Senior Leadership Changes

Rhea-AI Summary

Crescent Capital Group has announced significant leadership changes. Managing Director and Head of Private Credit Christopher Wright has been promoted to President, recognizing his 23 years of service and expertise. Chief Operating Officer Joseph Viola has been named Chairman of the Operating Committee, responsible for critical day-to-day operations. Additionally, Jason Breaux, CEO of Crescent Capital BDC, has been appointed to the Operating Committee. These changes aim to support Crescent's growth and operational efficiency.

Wright, Viola, and Breaux each bring extensive experience to their new roles, reflecting Crescent's strategic focus on leadership and operational excellence. The leadership team, including Co-Founders Mark Attanasio and Jean-Marc Chapus, will continue to steer Crescent’s growth and maintain its reputation in alternative credit investing.

Positive

• Christopher Wright's promotion to President reflects his 23 years of industry experience and leadership at Crescent.
• Joseph Viola's appointment as Chairman of the Operating Committee aims to streamline Crescent's daily operations and enhance efficiency.
• Jason Breaux's inclusion in the Operating Committee brings his expertise in managing registered funds, contributing to Crescent's strategic growth.
• The leadership changes are positioned to support Crescent's transition into a new stage of growth and expanded reach.

Negative

• None.

Christopher Wright Named President

Joseph Viola Named Chairman of Operating Committee

Jason Breaux Appointed to Operating Committee

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Crescent Capital Group LP, a leading alternative credit investment firm, announced today that it has made several leadership changes, effective immediately:

• Managing Director and Head of Private Credit Christopher Wright has been named President of Crescent Capital Group. This promotion recognizes his significant industry and firm experience over the past 23 years, his deep industry expertise, and his shared vision for Crescent’s continued growth. In his role, he will provide key strategic and operational direction in partnership with Crescent Managing Partners Mark Attanasio and Jean-Marc Chapus as well as represent Crescent in external opportunities and with SLC Management, the alternatives asset management business of Sun Life Financial Inc. (TSX: SLF) (NYSE: SLF), which acquired a stake in Crescent in 2021. Mr. Wright will continue in his roles on Investment Committees as well as a member of Crescent’s Operating and Executive Committees.
• Chief Operating Officer Joseph Viola has been named Chairman of Crescent’s Operating Committee, which oversees critical day-to-day aspects of Crescent’s business including budgeting, financial reporting, and SLC partnership matters. Mr. Viola has served Crescent for more than 23 years, and his expanded leadership role will be instrumental in streamlining the Operating Committee’s functions to meet the needs of Crescent’s stakeholders. His breadth of experience, institutional knowledge and expertise make him exceptionally well-suited for the role. Mr. Viola will continue in his role as a member of Crescent’s Executive Committee.
• Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Crescent Capital BDC, Inc. Jason Breaux has been appointed to Crescent’s Operating Committee. With more than 23 years at Crescent, Jason will bring his extensive understanding of the Crescent platform as well as his unique experience launching and managing registered funds to the Operating Committee. His commitment to fostering a collaborative environment and strategic perspective will help to build consensus and contribute to long-term success. Mr. Breaux will continue in his roles on Investment Committees and as a member of Crescent’s Executive Committee.

Crescent Co-Founders and Managing Partners Mark Attanasio and Jean-Marc Chapus will remain in their roles and as members of the firm’s Operating Committee and Investment Committees. They will also continue to focus on client relationships and corporate strategy. These promotions and new roles reflect Crescent’s transition into a new stage of growth and expanded reach as well as recognizes the significant contributions of each of these long-tenured executives.

“For more than 30 years, Crescent has proudly maintained a consistent approach to credit investing and has provided a culture of stability for all of its stakeholders including investors, partners and colleagues,” said Messrs. Attanasio and Chapus. “As we transition in this new stage of growth for our firm, we believe that Chris, Joe and Jason have demonstrated the exceptional leadership and operational skills to support and carry out our shared vision for Crescent.”

“I deeply appreciate the confidence that Mark and Jean-Marc have in me to implement the strategic initiatives that we have developed together at Crescent,” said Mr. Wright. “I am excited about this new role and look forward to continuing to work with our team to expand the firm while remaining committed to our longstanding culture and roots in credit.”

“As Crescent has grown over the past 30 years, so have the operational mandates of a best-in-class firm like ours. I look forward to working with our team to continue to enhance our operational capabilities and infrastructure in order to meet the evolving needs of our clients and deliver on our competitive advantages as a firm,” said Mr. Viola. “Mark and Jean-Marc have built an incredible culture at Crescent, and I am grateful to be able to continue working with them and the rest of the team to drive continued strong performance.”

“As Crescent increasingly works to provide both institutional and individual investors expanded access to its alternative credit offerings, I appreciate the recognition of my experience in registered funds and look forward to bringing my perspective to the Operating Committee as we grow our business,” said Mr. Breaux.

“Crescent has been an excellent addition to the SLC Management group of companies, and I’m excited for this next phase of growth,” said Steve Peacher, Executive Chair, SLC Management. “Mark and Jean-Marc have built an outstanding organization with a compelling track record in alternative credit investing as well as a stellar reputation in the industry. I’m looking forward to continue partnering with Chris and the team going forward as part of Crescent’s succession.”

Crescent’s Operating Committee is now comprised of Messrs. Attanasio and Chapus, Mr. Wright, Mr. Viola, Mr. Breaux as well as Managing Director and Head of Public Credit John Fekete.

Christopher Wright
Mr. Wright joined Crescent in 2001 and now serves as its President. He is the Head of Private Markets as well as a member of Crescent’s Operating Committee and Executive Committee. Prior to joining Crescent, Mr. Wright completed the Financial Management Program with the General Electric Company and upon completion, worked in various finance roles within GE Industrial Systems. Mr. Wright is a current and former member or observer of the Board of numerous private companies and other non-profit organizations. Mr. Wright received his MBA from Harvard Business School and his BA from Michigan State University.

Joseph Viola
Mr. Viola joined Crescent in 2001 and serves as Chief Operating Officer, Chairman of Crescent’s Operating Committee as well as a member of Crescent’s Executive Committee. Prior to Crescent, Mr. Viola worked in various roles within the Leveraged Finance Group at TCW. He serves as the Board Chair of Verbum Dei High School and as a Trustee for the Catholic Education Foundation of Los Angeles, which grants scholarships to over 10,000 K-12 students in need throughout greater Los Angeles. Mr. Viola received an MBA from the Marshall School of Business at the University of Southern California and a BA in English and a minor in Business Administration from the University of San Diego.

Jason Breaux
Mr. Breaux joined Crescent in 2000 and serves as a Managing Director within private credit as well as a member of Crescent’s Operating Committee and Executive Committee. He is also Chief Executive Officer of Crescent Capital BDC, Inc. and serves as Chairman of the BDC Advisor’s Investment Committee and Chairman of the Board of Crescent Private Credit Income Corp. Prior to Crescent, he worked at Robertson Stephens where he served in the mergers and acquisitions group. Prior to that, he worked in the investment banking division of Salomon Brothers. Mr. Breaux received an MBA from the Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia and an AB from Georgetown University.

About Crescent Capital Group LP
Crescent is a global credit investment manager with $43 billion of assets under management as of March 31, 2024. For over 30 years, the firm has focused on below investment grade credit through strategies that invest in marketable and privately originated debt securities including senior bank loans, high yield bonds, as well as private senior, unitranche and junior debt securities. Crescent is headquartered in Los Angeles with offices in New York, Boston, Chicago and London with more than 225 employees globally. Crescent is a part of SLC Management, the institutional alternatives and traditional asset management business of Sun Life. For more information about Crescent, visit www.crescentcap.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240620108314/en/

Mendel Communications

Bill Mendel, +1-917-664-1796

bill@mendelcommunications.com

Source: Crescent Capital Group LP

FAQ

What recent leadership changes occurred at Crescent Capital Group?

Crescent Capital Group announced that Christopher Wright has been promoted to President, Joseph Viola named Chairman of the Operating Committee, and Jason Breaux appointed to the Operating Committee.

What is the significance of Christopher Wright's promotion at Crescent Capital Group?

Christopher Wright's promotion to President acknowledges his 23 years of experience and expertise, aiming to provide strategic direction and operational leadership.

How will Joseph Viola's new role impact Crescent Capital Group?

Joseph Viola, as the new Chairman of the Operating Committee, will oversee daily business operations, including budgeting, financial reporting, and SLC partnership matters, enhancing operational efficiency.

What will Jason Breaux contribute to Crescent Capital Group's Operating Committee?

Jason Breaux will bring his extensive experience in managing registered funds and his strategic perspective to the Operating Committee, aiding in Crescent's long-term success.

How do these leadership changes affect Crescent Capital Group's growth?

These leadership changes are designed to support Crescent's transition into a new stage of growth, aiming to enhance operational capabilities and maintain its reputation in alternative credit investing.