Knightsbridge News
Knightsbridge Advisers Promotes Jill Frankle and Ellen Heald to Managing Principals
CAMBRIDGE, MA--(March 8, 2011) - Knightsbridge Advisers (www.knightsbridgeusa.com), a leading investment firm focused on top tier, early stage venture and growth equity partnerships announced that Principals Jill Frankle and Ellen Heald have been promoted to Managing Principals.
"We are honored, proud and pleased that Ellen and Jill will join our leadership team," said Barbara Piette, Knightsbridge Managing Principal. "These promotions are simply acknowledging the partnerships that already exist among us. The most essential element in the relationship amongst colleagues boils down to chemistry and fit - thinking styles, work ethic, enthusiasm for the business, and a shared vision. You want to share responsibility with people who embrace your values, whose opinion you actively solicit, and whom you trust. With these moves, we have further strengthened a team already distinguished by its experience with the venture industry at every level, from partnership investing to direct investments in portfolio companies as a venture capitalist or a co-investor."
Jill Frankle will be involved in all aspects of Knightsbridge's business as a Managing Principal. Before accepting the position of Managing Principal, Jill held the position of Principal and Director of Investment Analysis for over two years. Jill has over 19 years of private equity/venture capital, technology research, and operating experience. She joined Knightsbridge from TD Capital Ventures, an early stage technology venture capital firm, where she was involved in all aspects of the investment process. Prior to TD, Jill was Director of E-Commerce at Gómez, Inc., a privately held internet startup company, and a former Program Manager of International Data Corporation's Internet and E-Commerce Strategies research team, where she was frequently called upon for her expertise by the media.
"Jill is everything we look for in a Managing Principal, and more," said George Arnold, Knightsbridge Managing Principal. "Her experience as a direct venture investor gives her advantages in accessing and interacting with the best venture partnerships, and in doing bottom-up due diligence, starting at the portfolio company level. Her powerful analytical skills and her ability to stay very organized have greatly added to our disciplined investment decision-making process."
Ellen Heald will continue to serve as COO and CFO and to be involved in all aspects of Knightsbridge's business as a Managing Principal. Ellen's deep commitment to Knightsbridge dates back to 1999, when she originally joined as Manager of Accounting. Since then, she has held several positions with the firm, including Principal, COO and CFO. Prior to Knightsbridge, Ellen spent 3 years at Phillips Petroleum Company as a cost and tax accountant and prior to that, 5 years with Applied Automation/Hartmann & Braun, where, as Accounting Manager, she was responsible for the preparation of US and German financial reports.
"Ellen is constantly improving our systems for our investors. She ensures that our investors are receiving the most meaningful reports and analysis, all while overseeing our strong governance, compliance, and processes," said Arnold. "Ellen's our maestro and she keeps both offices functioning smoothly," said Piette.
The announcement concludes Knightsbridge's search for a fourth Managing Principal and fifth senior member of the investment team.
