Thierry Baudon, 2019-2020 Chair of Invest Europe, is to continue as Chair, following the sudden and unexpected death of Roderick “Rory” Macmillan (Chair-elect for 2020-2021) last month. Mr Baudon will remain in the role to steer Invest Europe through the challenges ahead and help cement private equity’s critical role in the European economic recovery.

Invest Europe, the association representing Europe’s private equity, venture capital and infrastructure sectors, as well as their investors, last month learned of the sad passing of Rory, Managing Director, Global Government Affairs, The Carlyle Group. As Vice-Chair of the Large Private Equity Platform (EPER), and a long-term supporter of Invest Europe, Mr Macmillan was due to succeed Mr Baudon, former Managing Partner of Mid Europa Partners, in June at the association’s Ordinary General Meeting. Our thoughts remain with Rory’s family and his husband Koen Kleyn.

Thierry Baudon commented: “Rory was vigorous supporter of invest Europe and a strong voice for the private equity industry. He was passionate about many issues, including ESG and gender, diversity and inclusion. We will honour his memory and contribution by striving to show the private equity industry’s leadership on these matters, as well as many others.”

Total fundraising in Europe in 2019 climbed to €109 billion, the highest total over the past decade, with over two-thirds coming from long-term investors, including pension funds and insurers. In parallel, the total equity amount invested in European companies increased to €94 billion in 2019, the highest level of investment ever recorded. Some 85 percent of companies backed were small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the engine of the European economy.