Philip Berney

Philip Berney is a prominent figure in the private equity industry, currently serving as the Co-Chief Executive Officer at Kelso & Company, a private equity investment firm based in New York City.23

Career Background

Berney joined Kelso in 1999, bringing with him extensive experience in the financial sector.12 Prior to his tenure at Kelso, he spent eight years at Bear, Stearns & Co. Inc., where he rose to the position of Senior Managing Director and Head of the High Yield Capital Markets group.12 His earlier career also included a stint in High Yield Finance at The First Boston Corporation.12

Education

Berney received his B.S. in Business Administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1986, where he was a Morehead-Cain Scholar.12 This prestigious scholarship is awarded to students who demonstrate exceptional leadership potential and academic excellence.4

Role at Kelso & Company

As Co-Chief Executive Officer, Berney plays a crucial role in directing Kelso's investments and overall strategy.23 He has served on the boards of numerous Kelso portfolio companies, including:

• Current directorships: Eagle Foods and Ferraro Foods2
• Past directorships: Armkel, Cronos, Custom Building Products, Del Laboratories, DS Waters, EACOM Timber, Logan's Roadhouse, Nortek, Overwatch Systems, PowerTeam Services, PSAV, and Wilton Re2

Professional Contributions

Berney's expertise extends beyond his role at Kelso. He is currently a Trustee and Member of the Executive Committee at The Trinity School of New York City.2 Additionally, he serves on the Morehead-Cain Scholarship Board, contributing to the development of future leaders.24

Mentorship

Berney is actively involved in mentoring the next generation of business leaders. He participates in the Morehead-Cain Mentoring Program, where he provides guidance to students aspiring to careers in finance and private equity.4 His mentorship focuses on helping students align their career paths with their values and navigate industry networking structures.4

Philip Berney's career trajectory, from his early days in high yield finance to his current leadership position at Kelso & Company, exemplifies his deep understanding of the private equity landscape and his commitment to fostering talent in the industry.