The board of directors of global investment firm Carlyle agreed to appoint Harvey M. Schwartz as CEO and a member of the board, effective Feb. 15. At that time, Bill Conway will step down as interim CEO, maintaining his role as co-chairman of the board.
Schwartz is the former president and co-chief operating officer of The Goldman Sachs Group, and prior to that, served as the firm’s CFO, where he oversaw its most critical financial and risk management processes as well as its capital allocation strategy. He also held leadership roles across a broad range of the firm’s operations, including its securities and investment banking divisions, where he was instrumental in driving the growth of a number of the firm’s client franchises.
With a career spanning more than 35 years in the industry, Schwartz brings to Carlyle extensive experience leading and expanding a wide range of large, profitable businesses, as well as a deep understanding of global capital markets and the needs of clients. Importantly, he has a proven track record as a seasoned operator and a demonstrated ability to develop high-performing talent and teams in order to capitalize fully on growth opportunities, in all macroeconomic and regulatory environments.
At Carlyle, Schwartz will be responsible for setting and executing a strategy that advances and accelerates the diversification plan the firm has successfully pursued, as well as identifying new investment opportunities to further grow and scale the firm, drive sustained performance for fund investors and create significant shareholder value.
“Harvey is a widely respected business builder with significant leadership experience in a high-performing, highly competitive global financial institution,” Conway and David Rubenstein, co-chairmen at Carlyle, said. “Given his experience, track record, and skillset, the board was unanimous in its determination that he is the right leader to drive Carlyle forward, building upon the firm’s strong operational foundation, world-class brand and collaborative, performance-oriented culture.”
“I am grateful to the senior leadership team who have supported the continued execution of our plan during this transition period,” Conway said. “I look forward to stepping back to my role on the Board as Harvey steps in to lead and run the firm with the leadership team and position Carlyle to capture the significant opportunities ahead.”
“I am thrilled to be joining Carlyle, a premier investment firm with a world-class brand and differentiated global platform supported by one of the most talented teams in the industry,” Schwartz said. “I believe there is tremendous opportunity ahead to continue to transform and grow the firm, and enhance its ability to deliver on its mission of driving long-term value for its investors, shareholders and all stakeholders. I’m excited to get started and look forward to working closely with the firm’s senior leaders, along with the entire global team, as we build on Carlyle’s strong foundation to navigate and capture the opportunities in the current market environment and in the future.”
“I am delighted that the Search Committee of the Board’s robust and competitive process has culminated in the selection of a leader of Harvey’s caliber and depth of experience,” Lawton Fitt, lead independent director of Carlyle, said. “I would like to thank Bill, on behalf of the entire Board, for stepping in as Interim CEO during this transition and for working with the leadership team to position Carlyle for further success under Harvey. As we look to the future, the Board is confident Harvey will leverage the firm’s strengths and momentum to enhance Carlyle’s position and create significant value for shareholders and all stakeholders. We look forward to working with him.”
