Big PE Personnel Changes at Dubai International Capital

Dubai International Capital has named David Smoot chief executive officer for private equity. He joined the firm last July, after spending 11 years with Morgan Stanley. He succeeds Sylvain Denis, who has resigned. In related news, DIC said that Alan Hyslop, a managing director for private equity, also has stepped down. His duties will be fulfilled by Eric Kump.

PRESS RELEASE

Dubai International Capital LLC (‘DIC’), the international investment arm of Dubai Holding, today announces that it has appointed David Smoot as Chief Executive Officer, Private Equity. David joined DIC in July 2008 and is based in Dubai.

Sameer Al Ansari, Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Dubai International Capital said, “David has an outstanding track record in the private equity field and exceptional relationships in the industry. Most importantly, his extensive hands-on experience of managing assets in difficult economic conditions leaves me in no doubt that he is ideally positioned to lead the DIC Private Equity division and DIC’s portfolio companies through the current downturn and identify the opportunities that will emerge as asset prices continue to fall. He is strongly endorsed as a friend and partner amongst DIC’s senior management as well as the management of portfolio companies. David and Eric Kump form a strong partnership that will continue to create value in the downturn.”

David, aged 39, has a fourteen year track record in investment banking and private equity, of which 11 years were spent with Morgan Stanley in New York, where he co-founded the Private Equity division. David will join the boards of DIC portfolio companies along with Eric Kump, who joined DIC last year as a Managing Director.

Eric, aged 38, joined DIC after 16 years with Merrill Lynch &Co, of which thirteen years were with the Merrill Lynch Global Private Equity group. Eric has spent the last ten years in London with a focus on European LBO’s across multiple sectors and geographies. Eric is based in London and will head the DIC European PE team.

Sylvain Denis and Alan Hyslop will be leaving DIC with immediate effect to pursue other interests.

Sameer Al Ansari added, ‘I would like to thank Sylvain and Alan for their important contribution in developing and building a strong and diversified PE business. It has been real pleasure to work with them over the years and wish them every success in the future.’