Leo joins BGF from IBI Corporate Finance, where he was a director and board member.

Leo has over 17 years of experience of the Irish mid-market where he has helped Irish owner-managed and family businesses secure growth capital and unlock value.

Last year, Leo was responsible for securing significant deals on behalf of Ireland’s Americk Packaging, Arconics and Retail InMotion.

At BGF, Leo will initially be working closely with existing team members David Gammie and Paddy Graham. 

This will be followed by efforts to expand the local Dublin-based team in alignment with increased investment and involvement in the Republic of Ireland.

BGF experienced a record year in 2016 and was not only ranked as the UK’s most active investor, but also the seventh most active in the world by number of transactions. 

In total, it has invested over £1.2bn since 2011.

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Leo said: “Irish SMEs need access to more patient sources of funding to support growth. 

“BGF has a proven record of making investments in SME businesses.  

“Its model of investing combines long-term funding with a minority partnership which is particularly attractive to entrepreneurs who do not want to lose control of their business. 

“I am delighted to be joining the team, helping to both establish and strengthen BGF’s presence in the Irish market.”

Stephen Welton, CEO of BGF, added: “We recognise the significant opportunity to help more of Ireland’s ambitious smaller and mid-sized companies become bigger businesses and in turn, encourage greater economic activity. 

“We are very excited about this potential over the long term and look forward to working alongside Ireland’s existing funding community more closely, stimulating greater investment just as we have done in the UK. 

“We also think this a timely moment to forge stronger trade links between Irish and UK SMEs.”