Blackford Capital, a private equity firm based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, has added Steve Feniger as operating partner. Feniger will support initiatives at several of Blackford’s portfolio companies. He has been based in Hong Kong and Shanghai, working with brands and retailers to optimize their buying and sourcing operations in Asia.

“We are excited to welcome Steve to the Blackford Capital team,” said Martin Stein, founder and managing director of Blackford Capital. “He’s a respected expert in buying and sourcing and will make an immediate impact across our portfolio, helping to advance operations and take our companies to the next level. His knowledge of the space and his passion for social compliance and corporate governance make him a perfect fit for our team.”

Feniger ran global sourcing, manufacturing and retailing for Warnaco Inc. As SVP he oversaw production of Calvin Klein Jeans, Calvin Klein Underwear, Chaps Ralph Lauren and Speedo as well as managing all 11 Warnaco factories in 6 countries. Following that role, he served as CEO of Linmark Group (HK).

“I am delighted to be joining forces with the dynamism of Blackford Capital, because we share a belief that owning your own sourcing in Asia is a key differentiator and significant profit generator,” says Feniger. “Blackford is expanding its entrepreneurial and financial expertise with a boots-on-the-ground long term commitment to Asian sourcing. We anticipate being able to share with both portfolio companies, potential investments and investors an accelerated level of margins which will immediately translate into a higher tier of value creation.”