Voya IM has acquired Czech Asset Management, L.P.
Firm Overview
Czech Asset Management, L.P. with over $5.0 billion of committed capital and managed co-investments since its founding, along with significant co-investment capacity, is an Old Greenwich, Connecticut-based direct lending firm engaged in providing privately negotiated, asset-based and cash-flow, first and second lien floating-rate senior secured loans primarily to U.S. middle market companies that generate annual revenue of $75.0 million to $500.0 million + and annual EBITDA of $7.5 million to $50.0 million +.
Firm Objectives
- Generate attractive risk-adjusted returns for our investors
- Provide investors and borrowers with “solutions” — not “products”
- Develop long-term, mutually beneficial relationships with our investors, borrowers and other stakeholders
Our Team
Stephen J. Czech
Managing Director, Head of Private Debt Middle Market
Direct Dial: 203-769-8400
stephen.czech@voya.com
Mr. Czech has over 34 years of credit and corporate finance experience, a long track record of establishing and running direct lending credit funds and has been managing direct lending credit funds for 19 years. Said experience includes sourcing, structuring, underwriting, monitoring and restructuring corporate loans. Prior to founding Czech Asset Management, L.P. (“Czech”), in December of 2011, Mr. Czech was Managing Director and Portfolio Manager of SJC Onshore Direct Lending Fund, L.P. and the SJC Offshore Capital Finance Fund, L.P. (collectively, “SJC”), a subsidiary of Morgan Stanley Investment Management. Mr. Czech joined SJC in January 2010. Prior to joining SJC, Mr. Czech was a Managing Director and Portfolio Manager of Gottex -SJC (“Gottex”) from May 2009 to December 2009. Prior to joining Gottex, Mr. Czech was the founder, Managing Director and Portfolio Manager of Contrarian Capital Finance, L.P. (“Contrarian”) from 2003 to 2008. During this period, Mr. Czech created and ran a direct lending fund in a nearly identical strategy to the current strategy he is now managing for CAM investors. Prior to joining Contrarian in 2003, Mr. Czech was employed by Credit Suisse First Boston (“CSFB”), where he was the head of the Mezzanine Finance Group from 2001 to 2003. Prior to CSFB, Mr. Czech was employed by Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette (“DLJ”) from 1998 to 2001. At DLJ, Mr. Czech was a member of the Leveraged Finance Group. Mr. Czech was also a Senior Credit Officer of ABN AMRO’s Leveraged Finance Group and a Vice President at Banc of America Securities.
Mr. Czech and his family are significant donors to, and advocates of, causes related to: (i) terminally-ill children, (ii) active-duty and retired Navy SEALs and their families; (iii) tradesman (ie: carpenters, electricians, plumbers, painters, contractors, welders, pipefitters, riggers and hospitality industry workers), first-responders (ie: Police, Fire and EMTs); and (iv) scholarships for underprivileged high-school students throughout the United States. Mr. Czech is the founder and Co-Chairman of The Mikey Czech Foundation, a lifetime member of The Navy SEAL Foundation National Leadership Council, a member of the Advisory Board of The University of Chicago Booth School of Business, a lifetime member of the University of Chicago’s Founders Circle, Maroon Loyalty Society and Chicago Society, a Laureate member of the Dean’s Society of The University of Chicago Booth School of Business, a member of Villanova University’s President’s Club, Matthew Carr Society and Parents Executive Committee, a member of the Aesclepian Society of Harvard / Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, a member of the Harvard / Dana-Farber Cancer Institute’s President’s Circle and a member of the Harvard / Dana-Farber Presidential Visiting Committee for Pediatric Oncology.
Mr. Czech received a B.S. from Marquette University and an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.
Stephen J. Ogilvy, CPA
SVP, Alternatives Tax and Accounting
Prior to joining Czech Asset Management, L.P. and since 2017, Mr. Ogilvy was employed by Eaglehill Advisors LLC in New York City as Controller. From 2012 – 2017, Mr. Ogilvy was employed by W.L. Ross & Co. in New York City in its Finance and Accounting Group. From 2011 – 2012, Mr. Ogilvy was employed by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP in New York City as an Auditor in the Alternative Investments Group.
Mr. Ogilvy earned an M.S. in Accounting and a B.S. in Commerce (Accounting & Finance) from the University of Virginia. Mr. Ogilvy is a Certified Public Accountant.
Staci A. Dunn
VP, Alternative Product Solutions
Ms. Dunn has over 28 years of Operations and Investor Relations and Services-related experience within the financial services industry. Prior to joining Czech Asset Management, L.P., Ms. Dunn spent over seven years at FrontPoint Partners, L.P. (“FPP”), a subsidiary of Morgan Stanley Investment Management, from February 2004 through December 2011. While at FPP, Ms. Dunn was an Operations Associate responsible for a broad set of Investor Relations-related processes including the management of investor documentation and funds transfer processes.
Prior to joining FPP, Ms. Dunn worked at Ivory Capital Group LLC from May of 1999 through January of 2004, where she was responsible for Investor Relations support and all facets of administrative support for the Portfolio Management team. Ms. Dunn began her career in financial services with SC Fundamental Value Fund LLC where she was the executive assistant to the firm’s Managing Partner.
Stephen P. DesJardins
SVP, Private Debt Middle Market
Mr. DesJardins has over 31 years of corporate finance, high yield, secured loan, structured product, M&A and restructuring experience, having spent a significant portion of his professional career on Wall Street with Salomon Brothers, Gleacher & Co., Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette, Credit Suisse and Cantor Fitzgerald & Co. Prior to joining Czech and in his last role at Cantor Fitzgerald, Mr. DesJardins was a Managing Director, Partner and Chief Operating Officer of Cantor Fitzgerald & Co.’s Investment Banking Division (“Cantor”). Prior to joining Cantor and from 2004 – 2008, Mr. DesJardins was a Partner and Chief Operating Officer of alternative investment firm Ivory Investment Management, L.P. (“Ivory”). Prior to joining Ivory and from 2001 – 2004, Mr. DesJardins was a Vice President and Director in the Investment Banking Group at Credit Suisse. Prior to joining Credit Suisse and from 1999 – 2001, Mr. DesJardins was a Partner of Encore Venture Partners, L.P. (“Encore”). Prior to joining Encore and from 1997 -1999, Mr. DesJardins was an Associate in the Investment Banking Division at Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette (“DLJ”). Prior to DLJ and from 1994 – 1995, Mr. DesJardins was an options principal on the American Stock Exchange with Rockrimmon Securities (“Rockrimmon”). Prior to Rockrimmon and from 1993 – 1994, Mr. DesJardins was an Associate with private equity firm Eos Partners (“Eos”). Prior to Eos and from 1992 -1993, Mr. DesJardins was an Analyst with M&A boutique Gleacher & Co. (“Gleacher”). Prior to Gleacher and from 1990 – 1992, Mr. DesJardins was an Analyst in the M&A group at Salomon Brothers.
Mr. DesJardins earned an MBA (dual major in Accounting & Finance) from The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania (Director’s List) and a B.S. (dual major in Finance & Entrepreneurial Management) in Economics (Magna Cum Laude) from the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania. Mr. DesJardins has known and worked with Mr. Czech since 1998.
Travis Taunton
SVP, Private Debt Middle Market
Travis L. Taunton, Director & Assistant Portfolio Manager. Prior to joining the Management Company, Mr. Taunton spent nearly five years (from June 2011 to May 2016) at JP Morgan Chase in Dallas, TX and New York City. At JP Morgan Chase, Mr. Taunton worked as a Summer Intern, Credit Analyst and Credit Underwriter in the Middle Market and Corporate Lending Divisions.
Mr. Taunton is a graduate of the JP Morgan Chase Credit Analyst Training Program. Mr. Taunton earned a B.B.A. – Finance (cum laude) from Texas A&M University.
Alex Lee
VP, Private Debt Middle Market
Alex Lee, Vice President. Prior to joining the Management Company, Mr. Lee spent nearly three years at PricewaterhouseCoopers Corporate Finance LLC in Chicago, IL. At PricewaterhouseCoopers, Mr. Lee worked as an Analyst and Associate in the Investment Banking – Mergers & Acquisitions Group. Prior to PricewaterhouseCoopers, Mr. Lee spent nearly two years at BMO Capital Markets as an Analyst in its Healthcare and Higher Education Group.
Mr. Lee earned a B.A. – Economics (Dean’s List) from the University of Chicago.
Austin E. Hunnell
Associate, Private Debt Middle Market
Austin E. Hunnell, Associate. Prior to joining Czech Asset Management, L.P. and since July 2018, Mr. Hunnell was employed as an Analyst by Credit Suisse in the Leveraged Finance – Credit Group.
Mr. Hunnell earned a B.S. – Business Administration, Finance (Magna Cum Laude) from East Carolina University.
Important Legal Information and Terms of Use
Website Terms and Conditions
Please read the following Website Terms and Conditions (the “Terms of Use”) prior to using this website, as they govern your use of this website and supersede any prior terms of use concerning the subject matter hereof. By using or otherwise accessing this website you agree to the terms, conditions, policies and restrictions governing the use of this website, which thus constitute a legal agreement between you and Czech Asset Management, L.P. (together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, “CAM”). CAM may change, suspend or discontinue any aspect of this website at any time, including the availability of any feature, database or content therein. CAM may also modify these Terms of Use with or without notice to you, and such modified Terms of Use shall be effective immediately upon posting. If you do not agree to abide by these terms and conditions, do not use this website. Your continued use of this website following the posting of any changes to the Terms of Use constitutes acceptance of such changes. Please refer to Voya IM’s privacy notice and terms of use here.
You must abide by any and all terms of use and policies posted on this website.
No Solicitation or Investment Advice
CAM is registered as an investment adviser with the S.E.C. under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. The purpose of this website (including any portion of this website available only to investors) is limited to providing you with general information on CAM&rsqo;s services and philosophy. CAM does not render or offer to render investment advice through this website. Nothing on this website constitutes or forms a part of any offer for sale or subscription of, or any invitation to offer to buy or subscribe for, any securities, nor should it or any part of it form the basis of, or be relied upon in connection with any contract or commitment whatsoever. CAM may only transact business or render investment advice in those jurisdictions where such it is registered and/or notice filed or where it is otherwise excluded or exempted from registration and/or notice filing requirements. Any reference to the registration of CAM with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission or any other regulatory authority neither implies a certain level of skill or training nor constitutes an endorsement by any such regulatory authority of CAM’s advisory services or practices.
This website is a publication of CAM. Nothing herein is intended to constitute legal, accounting, tax, securities or investment advice, an opinion regarding the appropriateness of any investment, or an offer or a solicitation to buy or sell a security of any type or to engage in any other transaction. The contents of this website are intended for general information purposes only. CAM’s investment advisory services are provided only to a limited number of private investment vehicles; CAM does not make its services available to the public. Nothing contained on this website should be relied on in making any investment or other decision. You should obtain relevant and specific professional advice before making any investment decision.
Limited Right of Use/Ownership of Contents
The contents of this website are intended for the personal, noncommercial use of its users. All materials published on this website (the “Content”) are protected by copyright, trademark and all other applicable intellectual property laws, and are owned and controlled by CAM or a party credited as the provider of such Content. Except as specifically set forth in these Terms of Use, you may not modify, adapt, translate, exhibit, publish, transmit, participate in the transfer or sale of, create derivative works from, distribute, perform, display, reverse engineer, decompile or disassemble, or in any way exploit any of the Content or software forming part of this website in whole or in part.
CAM reserves the right to terminate at any time and without notice any users’ access to this website.
Disclaimers, Limitation of Liability and Indemnification
CAM hereby disclaims all warranties and representations of any kind with regard to this website, including any implied warranties of merchantability, non-infringement of third-party rights, freedom from viruses or other harmful code, or fitness for a particular purpose.
This website and the information contained herein are provided “as is.” The information contained on this website is gathered from sources deemed to be reliable; however, CAM does not warrant the accuracy, adequacy or completeness of the information and material contained on this website as of the viewing date and expressly disclaims liability for errors or omissions in such information and materials. CAM does not make any commitment to update material or information on this website.
CAM is not liable for any consequential, incidental, special, punitive or exemplary damages arising out of any use of or inability to use this website or any portion thereof, regardless of whether CAM has been apprised of the likelihood of such damages occurring and regardless of the form of action, whether in contract, warranty, tort (including negligence), strict liability, or otherwise.
By accessing and/or using this website, you agree to indemnify, defend and hold CAM and its respective officers, directors, partners, employees, members, agents, information providers, affiliates, licensors and licensees (collectively, the “Indemnified Parties”) harmless from and against any and all liability and costs, including without limitation reasonable attorneys fees and expenses, incurred by the Indemnified Parties in connection with any claim arising out of or breach by you of these Terms of Use or the representations, warranties and covenants deemed made by you hereunder. You agree to cooperate as fully as reasonably required in the defense of any claim. CAM reserves the right, at its own expense, to assume the exclusive defense and control of any matter otherwise subject to indemnification by you. You shall not enter into any settlement agreement which affects the rights of any of the Indemnified Parties or requires the taking of any action by any of them, without CAM’s prior written approval.
There may be legal requirements in various countries and jurisdictions which may restrict the information that can be accessed. Persons who obtain information from this website should inform themselves about and observe any restrictions imposed in the jurisdiction in which this website is accessed.
Submitted Materials & Submitting Plans
Unless specifically requested, CAM does not solicit, nor does CAM wish to receive, any confidential, secret or proprietary information or other material from you through this website, by e-mail, through the “Contact Us” feature, or in any other way. Any materials submitted or sent on or through this website in any manner (collectively, “Submitted Materials”) will be deemed not to be confidential or secret, and may be used by us in any manner consistent with these Terms of Use. By submitting Submitted Materials on this website, you: (i) represent and warrant that you either own your Submitted Materials, or that you have the necessary licenses, rights, consents and permissions to use such Submitted Materials and submit them to this website; and (ii) you grant CAM a royalty-free, unrestricted, worldwide, perpetual, irrevocable, non-exclusive and fully transferable, assignable and sublicensable right and license to use such material (in whole or part) in any manner and/or to incorporate it (in whole or in part) in other works (including, without limitation, this website), products or services in any form, media, or technology now known or later developed. CAM is not obligated to review any Submitted Materials. CAM cannot be responsible for maintaining any Submitted Material you provide to this website, and we may delete or destroy any such Submitted Material at any time.
User Conduct
Without limitation of the other terms and conditions set forth herein, while accessing or using this website, the Content and/or the various other features available on this website, you agree that you shall not:
- impersonate any person or entity or misrepresent your affiliation with any other person or entity, whether actual or fictitious, including anyone from this website or CAM;
- use, redistribute, republish or exploit any part of this website or any Content for any commercial or promotional purposes;
- obtain or attempt to gain unauthorized access to other computer systems, materials, information or any services available on or through this website through any means, including through means not intentionally made publicly available or provided for through this website;
- engage in “spidering,” “screen scraping,” “database scraping,” harvesting of e-mail addresses or other personal information, or any other automatic or unauthorized means of accessing, logging-in or registering on this website, or obtaining lists of users or other information from or through this website including, without limitation, any information residing on any server or database connected to this website;
- use this website, the Content or its features and services in any manner that could interrupt, damage, disable, overburden or impair this website or interfere with any other party’s use and enjoyment of this website, including, without limitation, sending mass unsolicited messages or “flooding” servers with requests;
- use this website or the Content (including by submitting Submitted Materials) to, or in any other manner, violate, plagiarize or infringe the rights of third parties, including without limitation, copyright, trademark, trade secret, confidentiality, contract, patent, rights of privacy or rights of publicity or any other proprietary or legal right;
- upload, post, publish, distribute or otherwise transmit any information or material which constitutes or contains a virus, spyware, or other harmful component, or which contains any embedded links, advertising, chain letters or pyramid schemes of any kind;
- disclose any sensitive, proprietary or confidential information, about yourself or anyone else;
- attempt (or encourage or support anyone else’s attempt) to circumvent, reverse engineer, decrypt, or otherwise alter or interfere with this website; or
- use this website or its services (or any Content), in whole or in part, or submit any information to this website, in violation of any applicable law, rule or regulation.
Hyperlink Policy
At certain places on this website, live ‘links’ to other Internet addresses can be accessed. Such external Internet addresses contain information created, published, maintained, or otherwise posted by institutions or organizations independent of CAM. CAM does not endorse, approve, certify, or control these external Internet websites and does not guarantee or assume responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, efficacy or timeliness of information located at such websites, nor does CAM warrant that such websites are free from claims of copyright, trademark, or other infringement of the rights of third parties or that such websites or content are devoid of viruses or other contamination. Use of any information obtained from such websites is voluntary, and at such user’s own risk, and reliance on it should only be undertaken after an independent review of its accuracy, completeness, efficacy, and timeliness. Reference therein to any specific commercial product, process, or service by trade name, trademark, service mark, manufacturer, or otherwise does not constitute or imply endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by CAM. You acknowledge and agree that we have no responsibility for the information, content, products, services, advertising, code or other materials which may or may not be provided by or through such other sites.
Copyright and Trademarks
Copyright 2012 Czech Asset Management, L.P. All Rights Reserved. Czech Asset Management, L.P., CAM and the CAM logo are trademarks and/or service marks of CAM and may not be used without the express written consent of CAM. All other marks are property of their respective owners. Any copying of information or documents published on this website without prior written approval from CAM is strictly prohibited.
Miscellaneous
These Terms of Use and the relationship between you and CAM shall be governed by, and construed and enforced in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York without regard to its conflict of law provisions that might cause the application of the laws of another jurisdiction. You agree to submit to the personal and exclusive jurisdiction of the federal and state courts located within Fairfield County, State of Connecticut for the resolution of any disputes arising out of or relating to these Terms of Use or this website.
The failure by CAM to exercise or enforce any right or provision of these Terms of Use shall not constitute a waiver of such right or provision, and no waiver shall be enforceable unless in writing and signed by the party against whom enforcement is sought. If any provision of these Terms of Use is found by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, the other terms and conditions of these Terms of Use shall remain in full force and effect.
Czech Asset Management (CAM) and Voya Investment Management are affiliated.