Former U.S. Army Secretary Ryan McCarthy Joins AE Industrial as Operating Partner

Brings over two decades of experience to growing national security team

AE Industrial Partners, LP (“AEI”), a private equity firm specializing in National Security, Aerospace, and Industrial Services, announced today the appointment of Honorable Ryan McCarthy, 24th Secretary of the U.S. Army, as an Operating Partner.

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McCarthy joins AEI after a distinguished career in aerospace and national security. He was unanimously confirmed by the U.S. Senate as the 33rd Undersecretary of the Army in August 2017 and was later confirmed by unanimous consent as the 24th Secretary of the Army in September 2019, a position he held until January 2021. Prior to his confirmation as Undersecretary of the Army, McCarthy worked for Lockheed Martin Corporation in sequential vice president roles where he was responsible for the sustainment, customer solutions, and program integration of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program. Earlier in his career, McCarthy was a special assistant to former U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates under both Presidents Bush and Obama. Prior to his time in the Pentagon, McCarthy served in the US Army and was deployed in combat operations during the invasion of Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom with the 75th Ranger Regiment, US Army Special Operations Command.

“We are thrilled to welcome Ryan to the firm as we continue to enhance our national security team and focus on building innovative companies that are providing the technologies critical to the nation’s defense,” said David Rowe co-CEO and Managing Partner at AE Industrial Partners. “We look forward to leveraging the experience, insights, and strategic acumen Ryan has gained across his many years of military, government, and private sector service.”

“Global events continue to illustrate that there is sustained need for innovative technologies to combat complex and evolving threats,” said McCarthy. “I look forward to partnering with AEI’s portfolio companies operating within the national security space to capitalize on new opportunities and create value.”

A graduate of the Virginia Military Institute, McCarthy holds a master’s degree in business from the Robert H. Smith School of Business at the University of Maryland. He is a member of the Board of Visitors of the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University and is Vice Chairman of the Board of Advisors of the University of Maryland Robert H. Smith School of Business.

About AE Industrial Partners:

AE Industrial Partners is a private investment firm with $6.3 billion of assets under management focused on highly specialized markets including national security, aerospace and industrial services. AE Industrial Partners has completed more than 130 investments in market-leading companies that benefit from its deep industry knowledge, operating experience, and network of relationships across the sectors where the firm invests. With a commitment to driving value creation in partnership with the management teams of its portfolio companies, AE Industrial Partners invests across private equity, venture capital, and aerospace leasing.

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