– Carlyle announced the expansion of its Aerospace, Defense & Government and Industrial investment teams through a dedicated middle-market platform focused on opportunities in the United States and Europe.
– The initiative strengthens Carlyle’s long-standing capabilities in national security, defense modernization, industrial resilience, and supply chain transformation.
– The new platform combines expertise from Carlyle’s Aerospace, Defense & Government and Industrials teams to target middle-market investments.
– Ian Fujiyama, a 28-year Carlyle veteran and Global Head of Aerospace, Defense & Government, will serve as Chairman of the platform.
– The platform will be led by Aaron Hurwitz, who oversees Carlyle’s defense investments, and Wes Bieligk, a Partner on the Industrials team.
– Admiral James Stavridis, Vice Chairman of Carlyle and former Supreme Allied Commander at NATO, highlighted the impact of geopolitical developments and increasing defense budgets in creating a multi-decade investment opportunity.
– Carlyle also appointed General Bryan Fenton (Ret.), former Commander of U.S. Special Operations Command, as an Operating Executive.
– General Fenton will support strategic sourcing, investment evaluation, and engagement with management teams and stakeholders across the defense ecosystem.
– Carlyle believes current geopolitical dynamics and rising defense spending are creating a long-term investment opportunity in defense and industrial infrastructure.
– The firm sees increasing demand for military modernization, force readiness, resilient industrial capacity, advanced technologies, and strategic capabilities.
– Carlyle has more than 35 years of investment experience in the aerospace, defense, government, and industrial sectors.
