James Buzzard joins Advent International with focus on packaging sector investments

Global private equity firm Advent International has engaged James Buzzard, former president of global packaging company MeadWestvaco, as an operating partner.

Buzzard will work closely with Advent’s industrial team to identify and assess investment opportunities in the packaging sector globally

Buzzard will work closely with Advent’s industrial team to identify and assess investment opportunities in the packaging sector globally. Buzzard recently assisted Advent International in evaluating the acquisition of Fort Dearborn Company, as reported here. Since the closing of the investment on October 19, he has assumed the role of chairman of Fort Dearborn’s board of directors, and is working with the company on the development and execution of its value creation plan.

He is the most recent executive to join Advent International’s operating partner program, a long-established and successful element of the firm’s highly operational approach to investing. The program includes over 70 senior industry executives who work in specific sectors as independent consultants to the PE firm and its portfolio companies. These executives typically assist in activities such as finding attractive investment opportunities, conducting due diligence and ,creating and supporting value creation plans for Advent’s portfolio companies.

Prior to his engagement with Advent International, Buzzard served as president of MeadWestvaco from 2003 to 2014, during which time he helped lead the transformation of the company. These efforts included divesting numerous business units, completing acquisitions, making significant investments in growth and implementing a comprehensive cost reduction program that led to strong margin expansion. In 2015, MeadWestvaco merged with RockTenn to form WestRock, as reported here.

‘Jim brings more than three decades of experience at one of the leading global players in the packaging industry to our growing efforts in this dynamic sector,’ commented Kevin Feinblum, a managing director at Advent International. ‘We believe his in-depth knowledge of the industry and operational excellence will enhance our ability to find attractive investment opportunities and add value to companies post-investment. We look forward to working with him on these initiatives.’

Buzzard added: ‘I have long admired Advent International’s successful track record of investing in and developing companies in the industrial sector. I look forward to applying the experience I have gained over my long career at MeadWestvaco to assist it in finding new investment opportunities in the packaging sector and supporting the growth of Fort Dearborn Company.’