Managing Partner

Les has 25 years of operational, private equity, venture capital, and fund management experience. He has served on the boards of private and public companies, has held management operating roles and turnaround assignments, and has worked with companies through the IPO and strategic sale process.

Prior to joining Kirchner Private Capital Group, Les was the Chief Operating Officer at GrowthWorks Capital having $750 million under management and venture capital investments in IT, Life Science and Cleantech companies. As Chief Operating Officer, Les was responsible for providing leadership and direction to investment, sales and marketing, government relations and operations teams of GrowthWorks. He was previously Senior Vice President at GrowthWorks responsible for two Ontario based funds totaling $400 million under management. In this role, he also managed the acquisition and consolidation of six venture funds, resulting in a significant investment performance improvement.

Les’ extensive background includes: CEO of a computer telephony company, including turnaround and subsequent IPO; CEO of a manufacturing company; serving on the boards of several private and public companies; and undertaking interim management roles and turnaround assignments. In addition, Les founded a consulting firm that specialized in small and medium-sized business turnarounds and repositionings.

Les has an MBA from Simon Fraser University and a Diploma in Urban Land Economics from the University of British Columbia.