Gerald Nowak
About Gerald Nowak
Gerald Nowak serves as the Managing Director, General Counsel, and Chief Administrative Officer at Thoma Bravo, where he oversees legal, compliance, IT, and administrative functions. He has a distinguished background in law and finance, having previously worked for 28 years as a partner at Kirkland & Ellis LLP and recognized as a top practitioner in mergers and acquisitions.
Work at Thoma Bravo
Gerald Nowak serves as the Managing Director, General Counsel, and Chief Administrative Officer at Thoma Bravo since 2021. In this role, he oversees the firm's Legal & Compliance, IT, and various administrative functions. His extensive experience includes nearly 20 years of collaboration with Thoma Bravo on multiple transactions and mandates prior to his current position. His leadership in these areas contributes to the firm's operational efficiency and compliance with legal standards.
Education and Expertise
Gerald Nowak holds a Juris Doctor (JD) from the University of Michigan Law School, earned between 1990 and 1993. He also obtained a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Auburn University Harbert College of Business, studying from 1988 to 1990. Additionally, he received a Bachelor of Arts in Economic Policy Analysis from Michigan State University, completing his studies from 1983 to 1986. His educational background equips him with a strong foundation in law and business.
Background
Earlier in his career, Gerald Nowak served as a Military Officer and Computer Systems Cost Analyst with the United States Air Force from 1988 to 1990. He began his legal career at Kirkland & Ellis LLP, where he worked for 28 years as a Partner until 2021. During his tenure at Kirkland & Ellis, he was a leader in the Private Equity, M&A, and Capital Markets practices, handling numerous high-profile transactions.
Achievements
Gerald Nowak has been recognized as a top practitioner in The International Who's Who of Mergers & Acquisition Lawyers. He has also been named a 'Super Lawyer' in Law & Politics Magazine's annual review. Additionally, he is acknowledged as a top high yield debt practitioner in The Legal 500's yearly review of Corporate & Finance attorneys. His extensive experience includes serving as the principal attorney on hundreds of private equity, M&A, and capital markets transactions.