Charlotte, NC (February 1, 2018) – Ridgemont Equity Partners, a middle market private equity firm, today announced that Matt Ibbetson and Kelly Lineberger have been promoted to Principal and Sam Poole has been hired as an Associate. Matt currently leads Ridgemont’s Portfolio Operations practice and Kelly is focused on the firm’s investment Origination and Capital Markets activities. Sam joined the firm to support Ridgemont’s Investor Relations efforts.

Prior to joining Ridgemont in 2015, Matt was the Global Purchasing Director at Lear Corporation and an Engagement Manager with McKinsey & Company. He also served as a nuclear submarine Officer in the United States Navy. Matt earned a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the United Stated Naval Academy and an MBA from UCLA.

Kelly joined Ridgemont in 2010 from Sterling Capital Management, a Charlotte-based asset management firm. She holds a double B.A. in Economics and Sociology from Davidson College.

Sam joins Ridgemont from Banks Street Partners, an Atlanta-based investment bank. He graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a B.S. in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance.

“Matt has been a collaborative leader for our portfolio companies in effecting operational improvements and growth initiatives and Kelly has built valuable relationships for Ridgemont and identified attractive investment opportunities within our sector-focused strategy,” said Walker Poole, Partner at Ridgemont. “The addition of Sam Poole is an important hire for us. Sam joins Laura Fahrney in managing communications and relationships with our existing and prospective Limited Partners. We are very pleased to recognize Matt and Kelly and welcome Sam and look forward to continuing to build our firm together.”