New York, New York, United States
Over more than 25 years, I’ve built and transformed specialty chemicals and active ingredients businesses in highly regulated markets, across both private equity-backed environments and large global corporations, including more than a decade in PE with three mid-market sponsors. Much of my work has been in complex situations, including carve-outs, restructuring, commercial acceleration, and acquisition-led transformations (10 transactions), where the real challenge is building a meaningful value creation plan and executing it with speed and discipline to deliver tangible results. I am drawn to situations where something needs to be fixed, scaled, or rethought, and energized by deploying talent and capital to build strong, differentiated businesses. That comes with a strong bias for action, pragmatic decision-making, and a focus on keeping organizations simple, energized, and accountable. I have spent a significant part of my career in personal care and nutrition ingredient businesses, with repeated success in transforming them, while also operating across broader specialty chemicals and sustainable materials. The principles that guide me are grounded in Taoist humility, frugality, and kindness, paired with the high expectations, speed, and execution focus of U.S. private equity, and a culture where people take ownership, learn continuously, and deliver. After 25 years in the U.S., I am preparing a return to Europe and reflecting on the next chapter, with a focus on building and transforming specialty ingredients or PE-backed businesses requiring acceleration and value creation. French and U.S. citizen, based in France by mid-2026
Formed in 2021 by One Rock Capital Partners through the carve-out of BASF's Kankakee, IL plant, Kensing has rapidly become the global leader in plant-based upcycled Vitamin E and phytosterol derivatives, and the #2 supplier of personal care surfactants in North America. The company operates five plants across three continents and is a leading upcycler of natural oil feedstocks into high-value specialty ingredients serving nutrition, personal care, and pharmaceutical markets. Starting from a single-plant carve-out with no SG&A infrastructure, built and scaled Kensing from a distant #4/#5 position to a leader in its markets. Executed three acquisitions in 2 years across the U.S., Europe, and Latin America, building a three-continent footprint. Positioned the company among the top 1% globally for sustainability (CDP A-List 2025, Ecovadis Platinum), while doubling EBITDA and Revenues.
Chairs global industry association representing leading companies in engagements with regulators, health authorities, and the scientific community.
World Child Cancer USA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to improving cancer diagnosis, treatment, and care for children in low- and middle-income countries.
Adviser in the acquisition and carve-out of Kensing’s Kankakee,IL plant and business from BASF.
Repositioned a stagnating division into a high-growth platform. Executed two European acquisitions within 12 months and restored organic growth within the first year. Delivered 14% average EBITDA growth over three years, including growth during COVID in a market down ~25%.