Compass Diversified taps Melzer as managing director and head of business development

Compass Diversified Holdings, doing business as Compass Diversified, owner of leading middle market businesses, has appointed Katie Melzer as managing director and head of business development.

Melzer will be working with the investment team to develop and maintain relationships with intermediaries across the country. She will also be working with the company’s existing subsidiaries to foster growth through opportunistic acquisitions.

Previously, Melzer spent more than 15 years at Robert W. Baird & Co., recently holding the post of director working with private equity firms and multinational companies on sell-side, buy-side and financing transactions.

In 2016, Melzer was named to Sporting Goods Business Magazine’s “40 Under 40” list, which features industry leaders who are making a significant impact and contribution to the active lifestyle industry.

Elias Sabo, CEO of Compass Diversified said:

“Katie brings a wealth of skills and experience in senior roles, and we are pleased to welcome her to CODI’s growing team.

“Leveraging our patient and disciplined investment approach and significant balance sheet strength, we are poised to execute on compelling opportunities in this dislocated market and are keenly focused on growing CODI’s leading businesses through opportunistic acquisitions. With a proven track record, significant M&A execution expertise, and deep industry relationships, I am confident that Katie is the right person to lead our business development initiatives.”

Melzer added:

“I am excited to join CODI at a time when the Company’s permanent capital structure continues to differentiate them from other traditional private equity investors.

“I look forward to working closely with the Company’s seasoned investment team as we partner with CODI’s subsidiaries across the branded consumer and niche industrial sectors to drive strategic long-term growth and maximize value for all stakeholders.”

Melzer is a B.A. in organizational management from University of Michigan and an M.B.A. from the UCLA Anderson School of Management.