Dallas, TX – November 13, 2017 – Highlander Partners, L.P., a Dallas-based investment focused on making direct middle market private equity investments, announced today the hire of Jeff Partridge as an Operating Partner. In this role, Mr. Partridge will work closely with Highlander’s existing CPG-oriented businesses in the areas of product development, branding, and channel expansion. He will also play a key role in sourcing and analyzing new opportunities in the space.

From 2013 until 2017, Mr. Partridge served as the CEO of Truco Enterprises, the private equity-owned licensee for On the Border Restaurants. At the time of his departure, On The Border Tortilla Chips was the fastest growing tortilla chip brand in the US, with sales in the Food, Club and Mass Merchant, and Natural channels. Before Truco, he served as CEO of Combs Produce, also a PE-backed business, from 2010 until the sponsor’s exit in 2012. Prior to these roles, Jeff served as CEO of Wickham Supply Inc. until it was acquired by Pool Corp (NASDAQ: POOL). Additionally, Mr. Partridge served as Vice President, National Accounts at The Coca-Cola Company for 13 years, where he was responsible for both national and global customer relationships and was one of three executives responsible for Coca-Cola’s headquarters team managing the global Wal-Mart business.

Jeff L. Hull, the firm’s President and Managing Partner, stated, “We continue to strengthen our capabilities in the consumer products industry, a key area of focus for Highlander today. Highlander remains one of the most active middle-market firms in the country, and we intend to accelerate our growth over the next few years. The addition of Jeff will both enhance the growth trajectory of our current portfolio and broaden our ability to develop new platforms in the consumer space.”

Mr. Partridge added, “I am very excited to join the Highlander team and participate in their consumer effort. Highlander has built a premier reputation in the middle market and I hope to contribute to that historical success.”

About Highlander Partners
Highlander Partners, L.P. is a Dallas-based private investment firm with over $1.4 billion of assets under management. The firm focuses on making investments in businesses in targeted industries in which the principals of the firm have significant operating and investing experience, including basic manufacturing, food, chemicals, building materials, consumer products, and others. Highlander Partners uses a “buy and build” investment approach, creating value by helping companies grow organically and through acquisitions. For more information, visit www.highlander-partners.com.