TPG hires ex-CHAMP director Joel Thickins as Australia head

Thickins will be taking the role of country head from Ben Gray, who will stay with TPG until the end of the year.

Thickins has been with CHAMP since 2008, where he has handled the company's activities in the industrial, agricultural services, and consumer market segments. He is currently chairman of Gerard Lighting and is a director of Accolade Wines, a leading international wine company with operations in Australia, Europe, the US and South Africa. Prior to joining CHAMP, Thickins worked in Dyno Nobel, where he led acquisitions in China, Europe and the US.

"Joel is a proven deal originator with significant experience executing large cross-border transactions. His operational experience will also be integral as our business in Australia continues to evolve and expand," said Tim Dattels, managing partner of TPG Capital Asia, in a statement.

Based in Australia, Gray has served as co-head of TPG's Asian operation for more than two years in conjunction with Dattels.

Gray is preparing to set up his own private equity firm focused on investment opportunities in Australia. He is currently working with TPG's Asia team to invest TPG Asia Fund VI, a $3.3 billion fund which was closed in May 2014.

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• Topics
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• CHAMP Private Equity