Gulf Capital, an alternative investment firm, has appointed Shantanu Mukerji as its first on the ground private equity managing director to its new office in Singapore.

Mukerji will lead the firm’s activities in Asia and will look for new private equity investments, acquisitions and growth opportunities. He brings 20 years of experience in the Asian markets with leadership roles in private equity and consumer and luxury sectors. Before Gulf Capital, Mukerji spent 10 years at L Catterton Asia, working across the entire investment cycle.

“I am thrilled to join Gulf Capital and to help further grow its presence across Asia,” commented Mukerji. “My work with the team will be centered on identifying the incredible growth opportunities ‘Ascending Asia’ presents, both for Gulf Capital and its existing portfolio companies.”

“Asia has been at the heart of our cross-border expansion strategy for our portfolio companies over the last 15 years,” added Dr. Karim El Solh, CEO of Gulf. “Gulf Capital has closed to date over 14 bolt-on acquisitions, joint ventures and new markets expansions for our private equity portfolio companies.”