Ballast Rock Expands Private Credit Strategy with Key Leadership Appointment

Ballast Rock, a diversified investment management firm, has appointed Max Jackson as Managing Director and Private Credit Portfolio Manager, marking a significant strategic move in the firm's expansion of private credit investment opportunities. Jackson brings extensive experience in investment banking and financial services to this newly created role, positioned to identify and source private credit and development capital opportunities.

Jackson's professional background includes a robust career in investment banking, most recently serving as a Vice President at KeyBanc in their Utilities, Power & Renewable Energy Capital Markets team. During his tenure, he advised on transactions totaling more than $1 billion and facilitated the transacting of over 500 assets, demonstrating substantial expertise in complex financial strategies.

Simon O'Shea, Chief Investment Officer at Ballast Rock, highlighted the strategic importance of this appointment, noting that private credit represents one of the fastest-growing segments in financial services. By bringing Jackson onto the team, Ballast Rock aims to explore and capitalize on emerging opportunities within this dynamic market sector.

Prior to his investment banking career, Jackson accumulated critical financial knowledge through his work as a senior auditor at Deloitte, where he provided assurance services to private and public companies with revenues exceeding $1 billion across industries including Retail, Green Tech, and Financial Services. This diverse background positions him uniquely to evaluate and navigate complex private credit landscapes.

Jackson's academic credentials from the University of California, Los Angeles, where he studied Business-Economics with minors in Environmental Systems in Society and Accounting, further underscore his comprehensive understanding of financial ecosystems and strategic investment approaches.

The appointment signals Ballast Rock's commitment to expanding its investment strategies and leveraging specialized talent to deliver sophisticated financial solutions. By focusing on private credit, the firm is positioning itself to meet growing investor demands for alternative investment vehicles that offer potentially higher returns and diversification beyond traditional investment models.

For human resources and business leadership professionals, Jackson's appointment represents a sophisticated talent acquisition strategy that brings deep industry expertise and strategic vision to an emerging investment sector. His multifaceted background suggests Ballast Rock is prioritizing not just technical skills, but also comprehensive financial acumen in its leadership recruitment.