CD&R Expands Group of European Operating Advisors with Appointment of Ross McInnes, Chairman of Safran

LONDON and NEW YORK, Oct. 18, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Clayton, Dubilier & Rice today announced the engagement of Ross McInnes as an Operating Advisor to CD&R's funds.  Mr. McInnes, a seasoned corporate and finance executive, will advise on fund investment activities throughout Europe. 

Mr. McInnes, Chairman of the Board of Safran, has held senior leadership positions at some of the largest industrial, defence and luxury goods businesses in the world.  He joined Safran, the global supplier of systems and equipment for aerospace, defence and security, in 2009, where he held the position of Executive Vice President, Economic and Financial Affairs before becoming Deputy Chief Executive Officer. Prior to joining Safran, Mr. McInnes served as Vice-Chairman of Macquarie Capital (Europe), Executive Board Member at PPR (now Kering), Chief Financial Officer of Thomson-CSF (now Thales), and Chief Financial Officer at Eridania Beghin-Say.  Mr. McInnes started his career in investment banking at Kleinwort Benson, followed by nine years at Continental Bank (now Bank of America) in London, Paris and Chicago.

"We are delighted to welcome Ross as an Operating Advisor," said CD&R Partner, Dave Novak. "His international profile, investment experience, extensive industry networks, and success leading industrial enterprises will give CD&R funds increased access, insight and reach as we pursue new opportunities across Europe, particularly in France."

Ross McInnes said, "I am very excited to be working with the experienced investment and operating team at CD&R.  It is an exceptionally strong group with great values and a stellar reputation for transforming businesses."

Mr. McInnes was appointed by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs as Special Representative for relations with Australia, and by the French Prime Minister as Ambassador of 'Choose Paris Region', a service to promote investment by foreign companies in Ile de France. In October 2017 he was appointed to co-chair "Public Action 2022", a committee formed by French Prime Minister Édouard Philippe.  He serves as a Chairman of the Audit Committee at Eutelsat, Paris. He graduated from Oxford with an MA in Politics, Philosophy and Economics and is fluent in French, English, Portuguese and Italian.  He is an Officier of The Order of Légion d'Honneur.

About Clayton, Dubilier & Rice
Founded in 1978, Clayton, Dubilier & Rice is a private investment firm. Since inception, CD&R has managed the investment of more than $24 billion in 75 companies representing a broad range of industries with an aggregate transaction value of more than $100 billion. In Europe, the Firm's recent investments include BUT, SPIE and Rexel in France and B&M, BCA, MFG, and Exova in the U.K., as well as Kalle and Mauser in Germany.  The Firm has offices in New York and London. For more information, visit www.cdr-inc.com.