HarbourVest expands senior team with three MDs

HarbourVest Partners has promoted three to managing director – Kelvin Yap in Hong Kong, Ryan Gunther in Boston and Senia Rapisarda in Canada, according to a statement from the firm.

Yap focuses on growth equity and buyout co-investments in Asia-Pacific, having transferred from London to HarbourVest’s Hong Kong team in 2009.

Gunther is responsible for the firm’s primary investments in US buyout, venture capital, mezzanine and distressed debt partnerships, as well as emerging markets partnerships.

Rapisarda focuses on partnerships and direct co-investments in Canada and has helped to expand HarbourVest’s local presence in the market.

Peter Wilson, managing director of HarbourVest, said in a statement: “HarbourVest’s greatest assets are the people who walk in the front door each morning. This latest round of promotions—at all levels—showcases the firm’s continued investment in our team and recognizes their focus on using specialised expertise to drive results for our clients. We’re proud to have that experience and focus across all business lines and geographies.”

Along with the newly appointed MDs, HarbourVest has also promoted five vice presidents, four senior associates, a senior portfolio associate and an associate across its Boston, Beijing and London offfices.

The firm, which has committed more than $31 billion to newly-formed funds, has completed over $15 billion in secondary purchases and $5 billion in direct investments.

In November HarbourVest closed its latest secondaries fund Dover IX on $4.77 billion, above its $3.6 billion target. The firm used Dover IX to launch its hostile takeover bid on SVG Capital in September, where HarbourVest agreed to pay £806.6 million ($1 billion; €905 million) for SVG’s investment portfolio.