Partech elevates leadership; appoints new Deputy CEO and strategic C-Level functions

Paris-based Partech, a global tech investment firm, aiming to solidify its position as a leading technology investment platform in Europe and Africa, has undergone strategic changes and reinforced its C-Level functions.

Karen Noël is appointed Deputy CEO, Christelle Pariat transitions to CFO Corporate, Olivier Michelon becomes CFO Funds & Head of Operations, Benoît Piquette is named Chief Information Officer, and Keji Mustapha is promoted to Chief Marketing Officer. 

These changes, effective January 1, 2024, signify Partech’s commitment to continued growth and providing an enhanced experience for investors and entrepreneurs.

Brief about Partech

Established in 1982, Partech is a tech investment firm headquartered in Paris with offices in Berlin, Dakar, Dubai, Nairobi, and San Francisco. 

Emphasising collaboration, Partech works with supported founders, providing capital, operational expertise, and strategic support from seed to growth stage. 

The firm manages €2.5B in assets under management (AUM) and boasts a portfolio of 220 companies in 40 countries across four continents.

Appointment of Deputy CEO

The appointment of Karen Noël as Deputy CEO shows Partech’s ongoing managerial transition, a strategic move in line with the company’s growth trajectory. Noël, who initially joined as General Counsel in 2017, will now take on the additional role of Deputy CEO.

Philippe Collombel, CEO of Partech says, “Karen’s appointment is important on several fronts, beyond her immense professional qualities. It demonstrates our commitment towards further developing our platform which serves as a cornerstone for fostering collaboration, growth, and mutual success for our investors and entrepreneurs.”

This new chapter at Partech also signifies the conclusion of an era with the departure of Jean-Marc Patouillaud. 

Having co-led the firm’s reboot in 2008 alongside Philippe Collombel, Jean-Marc played a pivotal role in initiating an aggressive growth strategy, including the creation of multiple fund strategies. 

Although stepping down from his current role, Jean-Marc will maintain a connection with the firm, serving in an advisory capacity. 

Fund & Operations and Corporate Finance functions

Partech has undertaken a structural change by separating Corporate Finance from Fund & Operations functions, driven by the firm’s increased scale and expanded structure. 

The decision reflects the growth in managed funds, deals, and investors, necessitating dedicated full-time managers for each function.

Christelle Pariat, after a decade of contributing to the launch of investment strategies and the growth of assets under management, has chosen to focus entirely on internal corporate projects in her new role as CFO Corporate.

With Olivier Michelon as CFO Funds & Head of Operations, Partech leverages his 12-year experience in Private Equity. Michelon has previously held positions such as Finance Manager at Idinvest Partners (now Eurazeo IM) and CFO and Head of Operations at Edmond de Rothschild Private Equity.

Philippe Collombel, Founding and General Partner at Partech says, “We express our heartfelt gratitude to Christelle Pariat for the quality of the work accomplished during the last decade.”

“During this period, our AUM alongside our number of annual operations have multiplied by 12. Olivier Michelon will now lead our Funds & Operations team with the objective of further improving and automating our processes, and enhancing the services and experience provided to our investors.”

A New Chief Information Officer and a Promotion to CMO

Partech claims to bolster key aspects of success in venture capital by appointing Benoît Piquette as Chief Information Officer and promoting Keji Mustapha to Chief Marketing Officer.

Recognising the growing importance of Information Technology (IT) and Brand in the firm’s success and growth, these strategic moves underscore Partech’s commitment to enhancing capabilities in these critical areas.

Benoît Piquette, Partech’s Chief Information Officer, boasts over two decades of financial sector experience, including 14 years overseeing vital information systems and the last six leading digital transformation with a focus on innovative workplace strategies for employees.

Keji Mustapha, who joined Partech in 2021, has been promoted to Chief Marketing Officer and will spearhead brand marketing and community initiatives. 

Her role involves boosting brand awareness globally and creating strategies for knowledge sharing among portfolio founders and C-level executives, fostering scalability and achieving ambitious goals.

Reza Malekzadeh, General Partner at Partech says, “IT acts as the backbone of operational efficiency, ensuring seamless systems, data management, and technological advancements. We’re happy to welcome Benoît Piquette who will work on our system for informed decision-making and optimised operations.”

“On the brand & marketing side of things, Keji has spent the last two years carving out our brand and portfolio community efforts at Partech and most recently oversaw our rebranding in partnership with Koto.”

“We’re pleased to recognize Keji’s contribution to the Partech team and to the ambitions of the firm,” adds Malekzadeh.