CEO Platinum Equity Leadership and Business Strategy

At the helm of Platinum Equity is Tom Gores, the CEO who has been instrumental in shaping the company's leadership and business strategy.

Tom Gores has been instrumental in shaping the company's leadership and business strategy. He has a reputation for being a hands-on leader who is deeply involved in the company's operations.

Under Gores' leadership, Platinum Equity has grown into a global private equity firm with a diverse portfolio of companies. The company has a strong track record of investing in and transforming businesses.

Platinum Equity's business strategy is centered around creating value through operational improvements, strategic acquisitions, and innovative technologies.

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Ali Bajwa is responsible for managing the transition of newly acquired companies into Platinum Equity’s portfolio. He oversees post-transition monitoring and operational performance at certain portfolio companies.

Prior to joining Platinum Equity in 2016, Ali Bajwa held positions at Motorola and PwC, where he focused on performance improvement initiatives, acquisition integration, and divestiture management strategies.

Tom Gores founded Platinum Equity and his guidance drives the strategic development and direction of the firm and its portfolio.

Jacob Kotzubei and Louis Samson were appointed co-presidents of Platinum Equity in 2023, with over 25 years of M&A experience.

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Ali Bajwa is a seasoned professional with a strong background in managing transitions and overseeing operational performance.

He joined Platinum Equity in 2016, bringing with him experience from Motorola and PwC, where he worked on performance improvement initiatives and acquisition integration strategies.

At Platinum Equity, Bajwa is responsible for managing the transition of newly acquired companies into the portfolio, as well as monitoring their operational performance.

With a Bachelor of Science in Business Accounting and Finance from Indiana University, Bajwa's educational background has likely provided him with a solid foundation in financial management.

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Tom Gores is the driving force behind Platinum Equity, shaping its strategic development and direction with his guidance and core philosophies.

His leadership is built on strong principles that have been instrumental in the firm's success.

As the Chairman, Tom's vision and expertise have been crucial in steering the company forward.

With his leadership, Platinum Equity has been able to navigate complex challenges and achieve significant milestones.

Jacob Kotzubei and Louis Samson have been appointed co-presidents of Platinum Equity, a global investment firm. They will continue to report to Platinum's Founder and CEO Tom Gores.

The two dealmakers have more than 25 years of M&A experience each, and are currently partners and members of the firm's investment committee. Their leadership has been instrumental in creating momentum for Platinum's investment business and value for its investors.

Tom Gores said their elevation would help accelerate the growth of the firm and expansion of its investment capabilities. He believes their leadership will help Platinum Equity cement its position as one of the most successful private equity firms in the world.

Platinum Equity was ranked in the top 2% among 563 private equity firms globally in the 2022 HEC-DowJones Large Buyout Performance Ranking. This achievement is a testament to the firm's robust growth trajectory and commitment to excellence.

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Gores had a short stint at Continental Telephone before helping found a lumber-logistics software firm called Ventech.

After college, he co-founded Ventech, which he later helped run from the West Coast after driving from Michigan to Los Angeles in a used Cadillac with his wife.

In 1995, Gores founded Platinum Equity in his home in Sherman Oaks, California.

He cold-called businesses to find companies looking to offload divisions, and his first project was with Litigation Services, Inc. (LSI), which he acquired for $200,000 and returned to profitability within six months.

Between 1996 and 2001, Gores led 32 acquisitions, including those of Pilot Software, Racal, and Williams Communications.

By 2001, Platinum Equity's portfolio included units of Motorola, Fujitsu, and Alcatel.

Gores was first listed on the Forbes 400 list of the wealthiest Americans in 2002.

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At Platinum Equity, the business strategy is focused on creating long-term, sustainable value through private equity buyouts and credit investments. The firm has over 29 years of experience transacting across various geographies, industries, and transaction types.

With a proven track record of completing over 250 acquisitions since 1995, Platinum Equity has established itself as a leader in the industry. Each portfolio company operates independently with a goal of creating sustainable value.

The firm's investment approach is centered around acquiring undervalued companies in North America, primarily through private and public debt investments. This strategy has allowed Platinum Equity to build a diverse portfolio of companies across various industries.

By operating each portfolio company independently, Platinum Equity aims to unlock its full potential and create long-term value. This approach has been successful in various corporate divestitures, public-to-private deals, special situations, and transactions with private sellers.

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