Churchill Asset Management tapped Nick Lawler to lead its new secondaries strategy, reporting to Jason Strife, head of Junior Capital & Private Equity Solutions, at the firm’s Chicago office.
In the newly created role of managing director and head of secondaries, Lawler will be responsible for investing across the secondaries landscape at the $39 billion Churchill.
The Nuveen affiliate completed its first secondaries transaction in 2021 in partnership with Ardian. Following the sale of private equity fund commitments, Churchill established two commingled funds totaling $1.5 billion — Churchill Secondary Partners and Churchill Co-Investment Partners. LPs have access currently to a diversified, U.S. middle market portfolio of 39 funds with additional exposure to Churchill’s co-investment strategy.
“As the private capital industry continues to grow, mature and evolve, Churchill is constantly enhancing the array of financing solutions we provide to our private equity partners. Bespoke liquidity solutions are a logical and complementary extension of our offerings,” said Strife in a statement. “We are thrilled to welcome Nick, a highly seasoned secondaries investor, to the team, and believe his substantial experience, relationships and shared values will be instrumental as we continue to expand the Churchill platform to meet the needs of our clients.”
Previously, Lawler spent a decade at 50 South Capital Advisors, the alternative investment arm of Northern Trust. He joined Northern Trust Corporation, however 14 years ago. Most recently, though he served as senior vice president within 50 South Capital and was integral in building and leading the secondaries business. He and his team were responsible for deal sourcing and execution of over $1 billion of secondary, direct, structured and preferred equity investments.
