John Oswald

Vice-Chairman and Co-Founder

John is vice-chairman and co-founder of both SecuraCapital Partners and AgriSecura Partners. As the President and CEO of the Capital Trust Group, he is responsible for the group’s US operations and its worldwide investment banking operations. His responsibilities have included management of numerous private equity funds, in both the US and European markets. These have focused on mezzanine and equity investments, ranging from $10 million – $100 million in middle market, and private/public companies with revenues from $20 million – $1 billion.

John also acts as CEO and board member of several portfolio companies, advising on structuring and acting as client representative on high-profile transactions. He has a strong background in advising clients on mergers, acquisitions, financings, privatisations and dispositions of holdings in the oil and gas, real estate, entertainment, education, construction, media, and communications areas.

After graduating from the New York University School of Law (L.L.M.) and Brooklyn Law School (J.D.), John began his career as a certified public accountant with Arthur Andersen & Co. He went on to become a partner at the international law firm, Day & Lord. His practice was involved in merger and acquisition transactions, cross-border financing, tax, and real estate. He joined the Capital Trust in 1993.

As a limited partner in Venture Philanthropy Partners, John also devotes a significant amount of time to philanthropic institutes. VPP is a philanthropic investments company that helps leaders build strong, high-performing non-profit institutions; it concentrates money, expertise, and contacts to improve lives and provide opportunities for young-people of low income families in the National Capital Region. From 1990 – 1996, he acted as chairman of the Citikids Foundation; this is a NY-based, not-for-profit organisation focusing on global issues such as multiculturalism and environmental awareness.

He is also a member of the International Board of Directors of Best Buddies, and a director of the INOVA Hospital Foundation. John is also a board member of the American Heart Association, and the Beethoven Found Advisory Board.