McNally Capital boosts operations and deal teams with five new hires

On March 31, 2025, McNally Capital, a private equity firm based in Chicago, announced a significant expansion of its operations and deal teams through the hiring of five experienced professionals. This strategic move aims to strengthen the firm’s capabilities in transforming its portfolio companies that focus on the lower middle market. The new hires include Gus Pinto, Tim Gossett, Rob Kirk, Ryan McDonough, and Grace Chatas, each bringing extensive expertise in various critical areas such as performance improvement, digital transformation, and transactional execution. Lou Rassey, Co-CEO and Managing Partner of McNally Capital, expressed that the addition of these professionals enhances the firm’s ability to drive transformative value for its portfolio companies. The Portfolio Operations Team will particularly benefit from the collective experience of the new hires. Gus Pinto, who leads software strategy and development, aims to integrate digital transformation and AI within the portfolio. Ryan McDonough will leverage his background in operational performance improvement to optimize value creation initiatives. Gus and Tim's skills in software and digital transformation are expected to further support strategic growth across the portfolio. This expanded team will execute McNally’s proprietary value creation approach, known as Atlas, which focuses on equipping portfolio entities with hands-on expertise. McNally Capital has traditionally specialized in acquiring founder-, family-, and management-owned businesses. With capabilities including operations excellence and software-driven innovation, the firm plans to reduce bottlenecks and improve operational flows. The Portfolio Operations Team possesses a critical role in refining strategy-setting and performance outcomes, aiming to accelerate growth for partner companies. These structural changes signify McNally Capital’s commitment to enhancing its market position and contributing to the long-term success of its investments. As the firm continues to bolster its operational and technological expertise, industry observers will be keenly watching how these changes influence their portfolio and overall market dynamics. Ultimately, the successful integration of these talented professionals will be crucial to McNally Capital's continued expansion in the competitive private equity landscape.