Brightstar Capital Partners Names New Partner and Co-Chair

Brightstar Capital Partners, a prominent private equity firm managing approximately $5 billion in assets, has significantly strengthened its senior leadership with the appointment of Eric Epstein as Partner and Co-Chair. This strategic move, effective May 1, 2026, signals the firm's commitment to expanding its investment platform and enhancing its institutional capabilities within the middle market.

Epstein brings over three decades of extensive experience in capital formation, investor relations, and leading investment organizations. Notably, he previously served as Partner and President at Davidson Kempner Capital Management, where he played a pivotal role in the firm's substantial global expansion and growth. His deep understanding of sophisticated institutional investor needs and his proven ability to cultivate long-term relationships are expected to be invaluable assets to Brightstar.

In his new capacity, Epstein will collaborate closely with existing leadership, including Founder, CEO, and Co-Chair Andrew Weinberg, and Partner and Co-Chair Marcelo Claure. The trio will focus on charting the firm's strategic trajectory, deepening engagement with its limited partners, and fostering broader stakeholder connections. This collaborative approach underscores Brightstar's dedication to robust governance and strategic foresight as it navigates evolving market dynamics.

The addition of Epstein aligns with Brightstar's core investment strategy, which centers on control-oriented investments across key sectors such as business services, industrials, technology, media & telecom, and financial services. The firm distinguishes itself by integrating hands-on operational value creation with the disciplined application of artificial intelligence to optimize execution, boost productivity, and inform decision-making across its portfolio companies. This dual approach is particularly relevant in today's market, where efficiency and data-driven insights are paramount for sustained competitive advantage.

Reflecting on his new role, Epstein expressed enthusiasm for Brightstar's culture, its specialized investment focus, and the strong foundation established by Weinberg and Claure. He highlighted his long-standing respect for Weinberg's leadership and his excitement about partnering with trusted colleagues to build upon the firm's existing momentum. This sentiment was echoed by Weinberg, who emphasized Epstein's exceptional track record in scaling global investment organizations and building trust with institutional investors.

Marcelo Claure further underscored the strategic importance of Epstein's appointment, particularly in the context of Brightstar's ambition to lead in leveraging AI for portfolio value creation. Claure is confident that Epstein's market credibility, profound grasp of investor priorities, and decades of industry experience will significantly fortify the firm's platform as it embarks on its next growth phase. This focus on AI integration is a key differentiator in the private equity landscape, positioning Brightstar to capitalize on emerging technological trends and deliver enhanced returns.

Brightstar Capital Partners' focus on control investments in the middle market, coupled with its innovative use of AI and now enhanced leadership, positions it to capitalize on opportunities within its target sectors. The firm's AUM of $5 billion reflects its established presence and capacity to execute significant transactions. Epstein's arrival is a clear indicator of Brightstar's forward-looking strategy and its commitment to attracting top-tier talent to drive future success.