Phil Berney
About Phil Berney
Phil Berney Chairman at Kelso
Phil Berney has been serving as the Chairman of Kelso since joining the firm in 1999. With a vast experience in the finance and investment sector, his contributions to Kelso have been significant and longstanding. His previous professional experiences have equipped him with valuable insights and expertise that he brings to his current role. Over the years, Berney has been instrumental in guiding the firm’s strategic direction and oversight.
Phil Berney's Education and Expertise
Phil Berney holds a B.S. in Business Administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he was distinguished as a Morehead-Cain Scholar. This academic background provided a strong foundation for his career in finance. His expertise spans across high yield finance and capital markets, derived from his extensive tenure at renowned firms such as Bear, Stearns & Co. Inc. and The First Boston Corporation, prior to his leadership role at Kelso.
Phil Berney's Professional Background
Before his tenure at Kelso, Phil Berney worked at Bear, Stearns & Co. Inc. for eight years, ultimately becoming a Senior Managing Director and the Head of the High Yield Capital Markets group. Prior to Bear, Stearns & Co. Inc., he was involved in high yield finance at The First Boston Corporation. These roles provided Berney with comprehensive experience in high-stakes finance, which he now leverages in his position at Kelso.
Phil Berney's Board Memberships
Phil Berney currently serves as a director of Eagle Foods and Ferraro Foods. Additionally, he has previously held director roles on the boards of numerous Kelso portfolio companies, including Armkel, Cronos, Custom Building Products, Del Laboratories, DS Waters, EACOM Timber, Logan's Roadhouse, Nortek, Overwatch Systems, PowerTeam Services, PSAV, and Wilton Re. His wide-ranging board membership experience underscores his leadership and strategic capabilities in various industries.
Phil Berney's Involvement in Educational and Health Institutions
Phil Berney is actively involved in education and health communities. He is a Trustee and Member of the Executive Committee at The Trinity School of New York City. Additionally, he serves on the Morehead-Cain Scholarship Board. Previously, he was a member of the Board of Trustees of The Mount Sinai Health System. These roles highlight his commitment to contributing to educational excellence and healthcare advancement.