John Hawkins

John Hawkins is a Partner at The Sterling Group, L.P., a Houston-based private equity firm specializing in middle-market investments in manufacturing, distribution, and service businesses. He has been with the firm since 1992, contributing to its growth and operational excellence over more than 30 years. His responsibilities have included recruiting team members and overseeing the firm's transition from a fundless sponsor model to a more structured investment approach.

Educational Background

Hawkins holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a focus on Accounting from the University of Tennessee-Knoxville (1982-1985) and an MBA in Finance from Vanderbilt University, where he graduated with honors (1990-1992) .14

Professional Experience

Before joining The Sterling Group, Hawkins worked as part of the audit staff at Arthur Andersen & Co. from 1985 to 1990. His extensive experience in private equity has positioned him as a key player in the firm's investment strategies, which typically target companies with enterprise values ranging from $100 million to $750 million. The firm has successfully sponsored numerous buyouts, focusing on corporate carve-outs and family businesses .234

Contributions and Recognition

Hawkins has played a significant role in shaping the firm's strategic direction and operational capabilities. His leadership has been instrumental in Sterling's ability to manage over $4 billion in assets and execute transactions totaling over $14 billion .34 In recognition of his contributions to the field, he received the 2020-21 Distinguished Alumni Award from Vanderbilt University .5