Arbor Investments (“Arbor”), a specialized private equity firm focused exclusively on acquiring companies in food, beverage, and related industries announced today the promotion of six key executives across its talented, expanding team of professionals.
FUNCTIONAL DISCIPLINE TEAM
Alison Miller has been promoted to Partner, Chief Strategy Officer. Miller joined Arbor as Chief Marketing Officer in 2018 and was promoted to partner in 2020. In her newly expanded role, Miller will be responsible for facilitating and driving growth strategies at Arbor’s portfolio companies. Prior to joining Arbor, Miller served as VP of Marketing for the Chicago Cubs and honed her food business acumen in brand management at General Mills.
Andrew Perlman Arbor’s Associate General Counsel, has also been named Chief Compliance Officer. Perlman joined Arbor in 2021 from Sidley Austin LLP and was previously an associate at DLA Piper.
Commenting on Miller's promotion, Gregory J. Purcell, Arbor Co-Founder and CEO said, “Alison’s contributions to Arbor and our portfolio companies far exceed her deep brand and marketing expertise. She has an unsurpassed ability to identify strategic challenges facing our businesses and marshals internal and external teams to drive for solutions. She is a world-class executive.”
Regarding Pearlman, Arbor President Carl Allegretti stated, “Arbor’s CCO plays an important role in ensuring that Arbor complies with the securities laws. We’re fortunate to have Andrew on our team.”
INVESTMENT TEAM
Josh Schoenfelder has been promoted to Investment Partner. Schoenfelder is the investment lead on current Arbor portfolio companies Bradshaw Home and Fontaine Santé and has made significant contributions to prior portfolio companies including Greco & Sons, DPI Specialty Foods and Columbus Craft Meats. Prior to joining Arbor in 2014, Schoenfelder served as an Associate and Analyst with Robert W. Baird & Co.
Scott Farmer has been promoted to Principal. Farmer is the investment lead on Arbor portfolio companies Rubix Foods and Crown Bakeries and is actively involved in portfolio company Carnivore Meat Company. Farmer joined Arbor in 2021 after serving as a Vice President in the Consumer & Retail investment banking group at Bank of America.
Eric Rauner has been promoted to Principal. Rauner is the investment lead on Arbor portfolio company Dr G’s Ingredients and is actively involved in portfolio company Oregon Freeze Dry. Prior to joining Arbor in 2022, Rauner served as a Vice President at Intrinsic, LLC.
George Russell has been promoted to Principal. Russell is the investment lead on Arbor portfolio company Steelite International as well as Arbor’s newest portfolio company, Golden Malted. Russell joined Arbor in 2022 after previously working at Goldman Sachs, Antares and General Electric.
Allegretti commented on the recent Investment Team promotions stating, “At Arbor, we take a hands-on, transformational approach to our investments. These leaders have demonstrated not only their commitment to transforming food businesses but also their ability to execute our tested Arbor playbook to grow our portfolio companies.”
Purcell added, “Not only do we transform the businesses we invest in, we continue to transform Arbor for the future. We’ve come a long way as a firm the last 25 years and continue to get stronger and more talented. I congratulate all on their well-earned promotions and recognition.”