Kurlander named COO at Adams Street, partners promoted

Adams Street Partners has expanded its leadership team by naming Michael Kurlander Chief Operating Officer while he retains his duties as Chief Financial Officer. The move formalises executive responsibility for operations as the firm — which manages $65 billion in assets — seeks to scale its platform and client service across its global footprint.

In the new dual role, Michael Kurlander will continue to direct financial strategy and reporting, and will now also lead operational priorities including technology, process optimisation and organizational design to support growth. The appointment signals a strategic shift toward centralising operational leadership at a time when private markets managers are investing heavily in systems and client infrastructure.

Jeffrey Diehl, Managing Partner & Head of Investments, framed the promotion as recognition of Kurlander’s contributions to the firm’s resilience and client-facing capabilities. Diehl said the change aligns governance with the firm’s next phase of product development and distribution, improving how it serves institutional and wealth clients simultaneously.

Alongside the executive appointment, Adams Street elevated four professionals to the partnership, underscoring its commitment to internal career progression and employee ownership. The newly promoted partners are: Peter Andersson (Investor Relations, Nordics; joined 2022), Ali Cliff (Growth Equity; joined 2016), Kristina Milberg (Investor Relations, U.S.; joined 2016), and Steve Montag (Accounting & Tax; joined 2014). Each will take on enhanced leadership responsibilities in client engagement, deal evaluation or fund administration.

The changes come as demand for private markets exposure continues to broaden — pension funds, endowments and wealth channels seek more flexible access to private equity and credit. Managers with scale and robust operating platforms are best positioned to meet that demand: Adams Street emphasises its status as a 100% employee-owned firm operating from 15 offices worldwide and offering strategies that include private equity, private credit, growth capital and more investor-friendly evergreen vehicles.

Adams Street’s internal promotions and leadership reorganisation also signal an ongoing focus on talent retention and succession planning — critical for firms competing for limited private markets allocation. The firm says these steps will help it scale operations while maintaining close client relationships and a data-driven investment approach.