Peter Barkley will become a managing partner taking on the responsibilities of chief investment officer, co-leading the firm and working alongside founder Guy Davies to build on the firm’s strong track record of performance, investment and industry recognition.
Barkley will take a pivotal role in managing the firm’s investments and fund deployment across the whole of the UK, while Davies will manage the firm, actively guide strategy, lead investor engagement and support the ongoing development of the firms multi award winning value creation model.
The changes reflect the planned development and evolution of the WestBridge team as the firm enters its next phase of growth.
Barkley joined WestBridge in 2019 and has played a significant role in establishing and developing its presence in the North of England. He has subsequently become a key member of the firm's investment and leadership team, working closely with management teams to support growth and value creation.
He said:
“I have enjoyed being a part of the WestBridge growth story since joining and am incredibly pleased with what we have achieved as a team. We continue to see a strong pipeline of opportunities, and I very much look forward to working closely with Guy and Tim as we continue to implement the investment philosophy and hands-on approach that have underpinned the firm’s success since it was founded in 2008.”
Tim Whittard, who joined WestBridge in 2017, has also been promoted to Senior Partner to reflect his many years of experience and his commitment to the next decade of WestBridge’s growth.
He said:
“Having joined Westbridge just before commencement of our second fund, I have seen the business grow and develop. I am excited to be contributing to the next phase as we continue to strive to be a best in class UK lower mid-market investor, as was recently recognised by WestBridge being the only UK firm ranked in PitchBook’s top 15 global growth funds.”
Edward Minton, who joined WestBridge in 2018 and has been integral to the growth and development of the firm, has also been promoted to partner. He has played a key role in a number of WestBridge's investments and in developing strong relationships with management teams.
Thomas Dutton has been promoted to director, having joined WestBridge in 2024 and quickly establishing himself as a key member of its investment team, particularly across the North of England. As Barkley steps up to lead the firm’s investment efforts across the UK, Dutton will lead the firm’s northern strategy, supported by the partner group and wider team.
Luke Gilbert has been promoted to investment director, having joined the firm in 2023. He has played an increasingly important role across deal origination, execution and portfolio management.
Guy Davies said:
“These promotions are part of the planned development and evolution of WestBridge. All promotions are thoroughly well-deserved and reflect the firm's commitment to developing its senior team from within.
“Pete, Tim, Ed, Tom and Luke have all demonstrated the ability to build strong relationships with management teams and advisers, identify attractive investment opportunities and support businesses through their growth journeys. They have each made a significant contribution to WestBridge and I am delighted to see them take on greater responsibility as we continue to develop the firm.
“We have built an exceptional team at WestBridge, with a shared commitment to our lower mid-market strategy and to working closely with management teams to create sustainable, long-term value. These changes strengthen that team and put us in an excellent position for the next stage of growth.”
The strengthening of the senior team comes at a time of continued momentum and recognition for WestBridge.
In September, WestBridge was named a top-performing fund in PitchBook's Global Manager Performance Score League Tables, ranking in the Global Private Equity Growth/Expansion category. The recognition reflects a track record which now includes 38 investments and nine exits.
The firm has also enjoyed significant recent award success, most notably for its exit from environmental consultancy APEM Group. During its hold period, WestBridge saw revenues increase from £10m to over £100m and EBITDA grow from £2m to £25m. The £337m sale to Applus+ generated an 11.5x multiple for investors. The average exit multiple for Westbridge II for realised investments is 6.4x gross money multiple.
The latest recognition adds to a sustained record of industry accolades and strong fund performance that have seen WestBridge consistently feature in private equity performance and industry rankings.
Davies added:
“Our focus has always been on building a high-quality private equity business with the expertise, relationships and resources to support ambitious management teams.
“The recognition we have received, both for our performance and for the businesses we have helped build, is testament to the quality of our team and the strength of those partnerships. These promotions are an important part of ensuring we have the depth and experience to continue that success.”