January 24, 2014

Julian Chu Promoted to Operating Partner

Expert in Digital Marketing and eCommerce Adds to Castanea’s Unique Level of Operating Capabilities

Castanea Partners announced today that Julian Chu has been promoted to Operating Partner. Julian, who joined Castanea as Vice President in 2012, has over fifteen years of experience in the digital marketing and ecommerce sectors.

Robert Smith, Managing Partner of Castanea, said, “As an operating-oriented private equity firm, Julian’s deep sector knowledge and expertise add tremendous value to our capabilities. Julian’s industry and technological insights are vital to successfully supporting our investment portfolio, and to the process of evaluating new investment opportunities.”

Prior to joining Castanea, Julian was the head of ecommerce for PUMA North America, one of the world’s leading sport lifestyle fashion brands. He oversaw all key functions including business strategy, merchandising, marketing, operations, and technology infrastructure. While at PUMA, he successfully transformed the operating model and drove multi-fold growth in the ecommerce business. PUMA.com was named one of Internet Retailer’s “Hot 100” Best Retail Web Sites in December 2011.

Prior to Puma, Julian was Director of Client Success at Demandware, a leading ecommerce platform provider to retailers and brands, where he was responsible for driving client revenue growth and ensuring client satisfaction post-implementation.

Julian also has significant prior experience as a management consultant and business development executive focused on multi-channel retailing and ebusiness at IBM Global Services, Mainspring and Gemini Consulting.

About Castanea

Castanea is a private equity firm that works in partnership with founders and management teams of innovative passion brands to grow their businesses through a combination of capital investment and operating expertise. We are focused on select consumer verticals including beauty, food and beverage, multi-unit services, and enthusiast lifestyle. We typically invest between $15 to $150 million of equity in minority or majority transactions. Our team of talented operating executives offers critical expertise in key verticals and functional areas, and provides our partner companies with strategic and tactical support. Castanea has more than $1 billion in assets under management and is currently investing from a $735 million fourth fund. For more information about Castanea Partners read our story.

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