Geneva-based financial services firm Syz Group has announced the appointment of David Weintraub as chief executive officer of its alternative investments arm, Syz Capital, as part of a strategic pivot towards private equity.
Subject to approval from Swiss regulator Finma, Weintraub joins from Kirkbi, the Lego Group family holding company, where he served as investment director leading European technology and direct deals.
The restructuring converts Syz Capital into a dedicated private equity manager, combining primary fund commitments with direct equity investments in small and mid-market European business-to-business firms.
The platform will deploy capital through two distinct channels: primary commitments into specialist European buyout funds, alongside direct equity tickets targeting lower mid-market enterprise values across core European jurisdictions, including the UK market.
By integrating its direct deal sourcing with an established primary programme, Syz Capital aims to structure co-investment opportunities and direct allocations using balance sheet backing alongside private wealth and third-party capital.
To streamline the alternatives unit, Syz Group is transferring its hedge funds division directly into Syz Bank to serve wealth clients, while founder Olivier Maurice will spin out the legal assets business via a management buyout into independent entity Hykra Capital SA.
Outgoing chief executive Christoph Raninger will retain his role as group chief financial officer following the transition.
Eric Syz, chief executive of Syz Group, said: “His appointment marks an important step as we position the business into a dedicated private equity platform. Alternative investments remain a core conviction of Syz Group, and this sharper focus will allow us to build on our strengths.”
Weintraub added: “By focusing exclusively on private equity, we are sharpening our expertise and creating a platform that is well positioned to deliver attractive opportunities for our clients and partners.”
