In his new position, Walker will work to help drive operating and financial performance within Huron Capital’s portfolio companies.
“Brian Walker is recognized as an outstanding leader who led the transformation of Herman Miller globally into a premium lifestyle brand, scaled the business operationally, and oversaw the integration of multiple acquisitions. We are excited about the strategic leadership expertise that he brings to our firm,” says Peter Mogk, senior partner at Huron Capital. “While we have been an operationally-focused firm for several years, we believe Brian’s knowledge and guidance will make a significant impact on our portfolio.”
Walker served as president and CEO of Herman Miller from 2004 until his retirement in 2018. He is also a director of Cooper Tire and Rubber Co. and Briggs and Stratton Corp. He has background in operations, accounting, and finance.
“I am eager to begin working with the talented professionals at Huron Capital,” says Walker. “I have enjoyed a lengthy career primarily at one large company, and now I can apply that experience to the wide range of fascinating and diverse companies held by Huron Capital as we strive to deliver value for all of our stakeholders.”
The firm also announced that Sherry Mennenga will join the firm as partner – human capital. She will provide leadership and oversight of all activities related to human capital management, organizational development, and change management initiatives at Huron Capital and its portfolio of 19 operating companies.
Mennenga previously led domestic and global initiatives as a human resources executive as well as a consultant aligning human capital solutions with the overall strategic and financial objectives of a variety of companies. Before forming OE Consulting Associates, Mennenga was a senior vice president of human resources and internal communications for Smith and Nephew, a $4-billion medical technology company.
“The talent and management expertise of our team is our most important resource, and Sherry brings a tremendous amount of experience that we expect will help us continue to attract, retain and develop strong leadership throughout our portfolio,” says Mike Beauregard, senior partner. “Over the past year, we have added three new, talented transaction associates, and Sherry will work to maintain that momentum internally and at the portfolio level.”
The appointments of Walker, Mennenga, and the three transaction associates are part of a broader effort by Huron Capital to enhance value and accelerate the growth of the firm’s investments. As part of these efforts, the firm has created a partner – performance enhancement position, which was filled by Gabriel Mesanza.
Mesanza will work with portfolio company management teams to define and achieve full-potential financial performance and drive operations transformations at companies when needed. He will also help companies identify and leverage opportunities across the supply chain. Mesanza was most recently interim CEO for Burgaflex North America Inc. Before that, he was COO at Rivian Automotive and a senior director at Alvarez and Marsal.
“As we mark our 20th anniversary, Huron Capital is reflecting on our achievements over the past two decades and making the changes necessary to continually enhance our company so that our team is aligned with the skills and capabilities we believe will be needed in the future,” says Brian Demkowicz, managing partner of Huron Capital.
