HKW is an Indianapolis-based private equity firm investing in profitable middle-market companies across North America; we are built on a 100+ year history with a strong reputation for integrity. Our core partners have worked together for years, sharing a vision to create value for our investors, companies, and employees.

At HKW, our approach is simple: We believe personal interaction and mutual respect are the foundation for lasting relationships. We do what we say we are going to do, rolling up our sleeves and doing the hard work necessary to get the job done. This philosophy has been at our core throughout the firm’s history, and we intend to keep it that way.

Our History

1903
History 1903

Paul Hammond founded the firm as a merchant bank in New York City

1947
History 1947

Robert J. Kennedy joined the firm, expanded the focus to include mergers and acquisitions

1971
History 1971

Ralph “Roy” Whitney joins the firm

1982
History 1982

First management buyout under Roy Whitney, taking steps to become a private equity firm

1993
History 1993

HKW opens the Indianapolis office, its eventual headquarters

1998
History 1998

Glenn Scolnik named President & CEO

2001
History 2001

Ted Kramer joins the firm; HKW institutionalizes private equity business

2009
History 2009

Jeff Wood becomes CEO (Jeff was a former portfolio company CEO)

2014 - 2015
History 2015

Ted Kramer transitions from Sourcing Partner to lead HKW as President and the 6th CEO of the firm.

Today
History 2020

HKW operates utilizing the Four Pillar approach for Sourcing, Transactions, Operations, and Exits.

Our Team

The HKW Four Pillar approach unlocks our creativity, highlights our strengths, and encourages a culture of continuous improvement for every investment process. Senior leaders manage their respective pillars within a typical private equity lifecycle (Sourcing, Transactions, Operations, Exits), working collaboratively to find, close, grow, and exit our portfolio companies. It is always about the team; working together, we are stronger!

Investment Team

Ted Kramer

Ted Kramer

Chief Executive Officer, Partner

Mike Foisy

Mike Foisy

President, Partner

Devraj Roy

Devraj Roy

Partner*

Jim Snyder

Jim Snyder

Partner

Jake Luker

Senior Associate

Alex Johnson

Senior Associate

Joel Buchanan

Joel Buchanan

Senior Associate

Maria Evangelista

Maria Evangelista

Manager – Accounting/Compliance

Peggy Abplanalp

Peggy Abplanalp

Administrative Assistant

*Mr. Lederer and Mr. Roy are employees of HKW Management, LLC and not Hammond, Kennedy, Whitney & Company, Inc.

Operating Executives, Senior Advisers and Consultants*

Kevin McShane

Kevin McShane

Operating Executive*

Mike Hilliard

Mike Hilliard

Operating Executive*

Dave Morrow

Dave Morrow

Operating Executive*

Daniel Kim

Daniel Kim

Senior Adviser*

Rick Ammar

Consultant and Principal*

*HKW’s Operating Executives, Senior Advisers and Consultants, while not employees of HKW, are leaders in their respective fields who are available to provide industry guidance to HKW and may make significant contributions to HKW, its portfolio companies, and investors

Community Support by HKW

Community Support

We share our knowledge, talent and time with the community.

HKW is committed to growing more than just our portfolio companies. Our decades of knowledge and experience help to positively impact the people and communities around us.