Kinzie Capital Partners Expands Team, Advancing Client Service and Portfolio Value Creation
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8:00 AM on Tuesday, September 30
The Associated Press
CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sep 30, 2025--
Kinzie Capital Partners LP (“Kinzie”), a Chicago-based private equity firm, announces several key additions to its growing team, reinforcing its commitment to operational excellence, client service, and value creation across its portfolio companies. As Kinzie continues to scale its investments and operational footprint, the firm has formally welcomed Phil Penton as Managing Director, Portfolio Operations. In this role, he focuses on creating value and driving growth strategies across Kinzie’s portfolio. He currently serves as the Executive Chair and Interim CEO of Arctic Industries, a Kinzie portfolio company.
With more than 25 years of experience as an entrepreneur and operator, Penton has built and scaled businesses across the technology, services, and manufacturing sectors. He has a proven track record of driving both organic and acquisition-led growth, leading integrations, and positioning companies for successful exits. Penton is known for building high-performing teams, aligning boards, and instilling disciplined execution that delivers scalable, sustainable growth.
“Phil brings a proven ability to lead transformational growth, and his strategic insight makes him an invaluable addition to our leadership team as we continue to scale,” said Suzanne Yoon, Founder and Managing Partner of Kinzie Capital Partners. “As we continue to grow and demonstrate the strength of our strategy, I’m incredibly proud of the caliber of talent we’re now able to attract—and excited to keep building on the quality of the team we have today.”
Penton joined Kinzie in March 2025 as an Operating Executive before formally stepping into his current role. Prior to Kinzie, he served as CEO of Xcite Automotive. In 2024, he was named a finalist for the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year ® Midwest Award in 2024, recognizing his record of innovation and value creation.
“Kinzie’s commitment to operational partnership and long-term value creation aligns closely with how I’ve approached leadership throughout my career,” said Phil Penton, Managing Director, Portfolio Operations of Kinzie Capital Partners. “I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to work alongside our portfolio companies and the Kinzie team to help businesses navigate complexity, scale sustainably, and achieve meaningful results.”
Kinzie also welcomed two additional team members: Michael Mulroe as Vice President of Investments and Michael Chang as Assistant Controller. Mulroe joins with nearly a decade of private equity and investment banking experience across firms including Svoboda Capital Partners, Tilia Holdings, and Robert W. Baird, and previously co-founded a consumer products company. He currently serves as a board observer for Kinzie portfolio companies Chelsea Lighting and Arctic Industries. Chang brings strong fund operations and compliance experience from Thoma Bravo and Ernst & Young, where he supported reporting, tax, and financial oversight functions.
These key hires reflect Kinzie’s continued investment in its team as the firm grows its portfolio and deepens its commitment to building long-term value through operational partnership.
About Kinzie Capital Partners LP
Kinzie Capital Partners is a private equity firm that invests in lower middle-market companies in the manufactured products, business services and consumer industries with $3 million to $15 million of EBITDA. Guided by its mission to create lasting positive outcomes by investing in exceptional companies and partnering with exceptional people, Kinzie has assembled a team of technology, operations and industry experts that work closely with portfolio companies to execute strategic vision. Whether companies are navigating a generational shift, experiencing a period of high growth, or managing a complex business cycle, Kinzie seeks to drive sustainable success by leveraging technology and strong operational focus. For more information, visitwww.kinziecp.com.
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CONTACT: Sarah Zegart
KEYWORD: UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA ILLINOIS
INDUSTRY KEYWORD: OTHER RETAIL FINANCE CONSULTING BANKING ACCOUNTING SPECIALTY PROFESSIONAL SERVICES ASSET MANAGEMENT RETAIL OTHER PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
SOURCE: Kinzie Capital Partners LP
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PUB: 09/30/2025 08:00 AM/DISC: 09/30/2025 08:01 AM
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