L Catterton names former Scholl CEO to lead operations

L Catterton strengthens its team with the arrival of Tobias Klaiber. The manager, who comes from the European fund Aurelius Group and previously headed the Scholl shoe brand, joined the investment fund linked to LVMH and the Arnault family a few months ago as managing director for portfolio operations.

Based in Milan, the manager “brings in-depth expertise in private equity and in leading operational teams,” describes the fund on its website, noting that at Aurelius Group, where he was senior managing director and operating partner, Tobias Klaiber “steered investments in the consumer sector, sat on the board of directors and held CEO positions in portfolio companies.” Between 2021 and 2014, he oversaw the Scholl brand, which joined Aurelius in 2014.

“With a wealth of experience gained as managing director within the Aurelius Group and CEO of Scholl Shoes, Mr. Klaiber will now play a central role in L Catterton’s continued success in managing and growing its portfolio companies,” says the investment company in a note, adding that this appointment “demonstrates L Catterton’s commitment to strengthening the operational performance of its entire portfolio, ensuring that the brands under its umbrella not only grow, but also build on solid operational foundations.”

Tobias Klaiber holds an MBA from the University of Dayton and a master’s degree in finance and information management from the University of Augsburg/Munich. He also completed executive training at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. He began his career as a consultant and project manager in strategy consulting in the U.S. and Europe.

L Catterton is particularly active in the fashion and luxury goods sector. Earlier this year, the fund took control of Japanese denim brand Kapital. Recent highlights include investments in the Birkenstock footwear brand, which it floated on the stock market in 2023; the Italian luxury goods house Etro; the French brand APC; leather goods manufacturer Polène; and the Italian cosmetics label Kiko.