Advisory Team
EMIL PARTHENIDES
MANAGING DIRECTOR - M&A
Leveraging his vast experience from entrepreneurial ventures in packaging, business services, last mile logistics, hospitality, and insurance services, Emil has honed his expertise in International Trade, and Economics and Finance to become a specialist facilitator of mergers and acquisitions. Since 2013, Emil has emerged as a leading authority on strategic business exits for successful family-owned enterprises, with a particular focus on companies generating annual profits in excess of $2 million. In addition to his advisory role, Emil regularly provides valuable M&A insights for industry publications and on LinkedIn, where he is followed by thousands, underscoring his prominence and respect in the field.
ADAM MAZZAFERRO
DIRECTOR - CORPORATE ADVISORY
Adam brings 20 years of experience in Corporate/Commercial law and is admitted as a solicitor to the Supreme Court of NSW, the Federal Court of Australia, and the High Court of Australia. He has served as a trusted solicitor for both large corporations and SMEs, with a particular passion for guiding SMEs through their exit journey, specializing in M&A. Additionally, Adam is a member of the board of directors for several companies, including Blue Five Medical, @Pay, and Azzure Partners. Adam's legal and commercial expertise enrich the strategic framework EP Advisors offer to its clients.
MICHAEL PARTHENIDES
DIRECTOR - M&A
Michael, an accomplished entrepreneur, exit strategist, and business advisor, brings a wealth of experience to our team. His journey includes orchestrating the successful sale and merger of his tech company with Rocket Internet, a powerhouse in the German tech industry. Following the merger, Michael played a pivotal role as Executive Director until 2016. His academic foundation includes a Bachelor of Business from Swinburne University, equipping him with the knowledge and skills essential for navigating the complexities of the business world.
NICOLAS KENOS
DIRECTOR - M&A
Nick is a distinguished third-generation entrepreneur, deeply rooted in a family legacy of successful business ventures. His family investment office has made significant investments in large-scale, highly successful food manufacturing businesses, culminating in notable exits to major international corporations, including PepsiCo and Mars. A skilled deal originator and advisor, Nick boasts a robust business network. His academic journey at Swinburne University, where he earned a Bachelor of Business with a concentration in Business and Marketing, has equipped him with a profound understanding of market dynamics and business strategies, enhancing his ability to navigate complex transactions and foster strategic partnerships.
MICHAEL VINCENT
DIRECTOR - M&A
Michael is a seasoned professional with a rich background in corporate advisory, having held prestigious positions as Director and Senior Vice President at Citigroup, CLSA, and Jefferies. His career spans both national and international landscapes, where he has earned the trust of top-tier Industry Superannuation and Investment Funds as a dependable advisor. Michael's expertise has been pivotal in guiding companies through the complexities of raising billions of dollars in funding, successfully transitioning many from small enterprises to publicly traded entities. He is academically credentialed with a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Adelaide, specializing in Corporate Finance.
ALLEN CHAN
BOARD MEMBER
Allen is a seasoned executive with more than 20 years of experience in prominent institutions like Colonial First State, where he has specialized in funds management and financial services across Australia and New Zealand. His areas of expertise include Futures, Exchange-Traded Options (ETO's), Warrants, and Initial Public Offerings (IPO's). Recognized for his integrity and expertise within the finance sector, Allen possesses a remarkable ability to identify opportunities for adding value to investments. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics and Computing, underscoring his analytical approach to financial strategies.
PAUL-ANJ ECONOMEDES
SENIOR ADVISOR - ORIGINATION/ M&A/ PROPERTY
Paul is a key member of our team and one of our esteemed deal originators and advisors. His dedication goes beyond closing deals, as he provides valuable guidance to clients on post-exit property strategies, ensuring their success continues long after the transaction. Before joining EP, Paul worked closely with our Managing Director, sharing numerous business interests that have deepened his understanding of deal origination and M&A services. This practical experience enhances his ability to support our clients effectively, making him an invaluable asset to our team.
DARREN SHEPHERD
SENIOR ADVISOR - CORPORATE ADVISORY
Darren is a seasoned CEO and visionary leader with a track record in driving innovation and strategic growth. As the former head of Schwob's Swiss Bakery, he successfully transformed it into one of Australia's largest commercial bakeries. In addition to his hands-on experience, Darren has assisted numerous EP clients in identifying weaknesses and has been instrumental in adding value through process-driven outcomes. He is also an ex-member of the esteemed Australian Royal Navy and holds a Bachelor of Business from Deakin University, equipping him with the knowledge to navigate complex business landscapes.
GUNEEV SINGH
SENIOR ADVISOR - M&A
Guneev brings a wealth of experience to his role as an M&A advisor, having facilitated transactions for business owners across various sectors such as Medical, Logistics, Hospitality, and Financial Services. His background includes a senior executive position in International Private Banking, complemented by direct entrepreneurial experience. With a Masters of Financial Planning to his credit, Guneev is exceptionally well-qualified to guide clients through the complexities of mergers and acquisitions.
FRANK-RUTA
SUCCESSION PLANNING
Frank is exceptionally qualified to guide you through succession planning and preparing for an exit, enabling our M&A Advisors to effectively facilitate the process. Holding a Bachelor of Business and being a certified CPA, Frank brings 30 years of rich experience to the table. His extensive background in providing SMEs with business, tax, growth, and management advisory services positions him as an invaluable resource. Frank's approach to applying big-business strategies to smaller enterprises is designed to enhance cash flow, profitability, and overall business value.
GEORGE BOURAS
STRATEGIC LIAISON OFFICER
George, who holds a Bachelor of Business and Marketing from Swinburne University, possesses a natural talent for identifying opportunities essential for orchestrating mergers, acquisitions, and divestments, whether representing sellers or buyers. His daily interactions with leading CEOs of major companies worldwide enable EP Advisors to remain informed about the sectors in which we excel.
SUPPORT TEAM
BRONWYN COOK
OFFICE MANAGER
Bronwyn, has honed her skills over 15 years, specifically in office administration previously within the health and cosmetic industry. Her unique expertise and organizational acumen contribute significantly to our M&A firm's efficiency and operational success.
MONIQUE PALE
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT
Monique's exceptional work ethic and meticulous attention to detail are invaluable assets to our team. Often regarded as the backbone of our operations, she skillfully coordinates team activities, ensuring seamless collaboration and efficiency.
LAURA JONES
MARKET RESEARCH
Laura plays a crucial role in our team, focusing on assisting advisors with industry market research, acquirer target profiling, and pooling. Her expertise is underpinned by a Master's in Analytics, coupled with valuable experience gained at an Ultra High Net Worth (UHNW) Family Office in Europe. This unique combination of advanced education and international experience enables her to deliver in-depth insights and analyses critical to our strategic operations.