John Barber

John Barber is the Managing Partner at Cohesive Capital Partners, a private equity firm he co-founded in 2010, specializing in private and growth equity co-investments. The firm manages approximately $1 billion in assets and operates without investing in funds or paying a carry to sponsors, focusing instead on direct co-investments alongside other private equity firms.13

Professional Background

Before establishing Cohesive Capital, Barber was the Managing Partner of Citi Private Equity (CPE) from 2000 to 2009, where he managed about $13 billion in capital and led a team of around 50 investment professionals across New York and London. His career began at Drexel Burnham Lambert, and he held senior roles at Kidder Peabody and Salomon Smith Barney, where he was involved in equity capital markets.245

Education

Barber graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Tufts University in 1983.56

Investment Philosophy

Barber emphasizes that private equity is a "team sport," advocating for collaboration and transparency among partners. He believes that private equity has significant advantages over public markets, such as control over investments and the ability to make long-term plans.34 His insights into the industry highlight the importance of management teams and effective incentives for driving company performance.3

Overall, Barber's extensive experience and leadership at Cohesive Capital reflect his commitment to innovative investment strategies in the evolving landscape of private equity.