1. How did Chicago Booth prepare you for your career?
As an undergraduate economics major starting my career as an analyst, it was clear to me early that I lacked some of the core foundational training in finance and accounting available at Booth. Beyond the core tools, I was challenged by the faculty and my classmates to raise my analytical rigor and problem solving skills. The training served me well throughout my career.
Having chosen private equity as a career, I would not have imagined that Futures & Options with Ken French would be one of my most memorable courses. It was a challenging course, and Professor French gave me a framework for analyzing risk and uncertainty.
2. What is a favorite memory from your time at Chicago Booth?
I arrived at Chicago newly married. My wife and I lived in married student housing with the rest of the newlyweds. We made some of our best friends and greatest memories as we embarked on this adventure together.
3. How do you define success?
In my professional world, it's all about creating successful outcomes. We don’t get recognized for effort and intellect; it's about results.
4. What three traits define you?
Work ethic, team player, resiliency, humility. I couldn’t pick just three, as that last one is so important.
5. What are you most proud of?
The accomplishments of the teams I have been lucky to be a part of. I was fortunate to be a founding member of CCMP Capital Advisors when it was formed some 15 years ago. Being a part of the team of investment professionals who have worked incredibly hard to make the firm successful is something I’ll always be grateful for.
I’ve also been blessed to work with some of the best management teams in the industry at our portfolio companies. They have taught me so much. I am incredibly proud of the successes they have created for their businesses, their teams and communities, and our investors.
6. Who or what inspires you?
My wife and children.
7. If you could meet anyone, living or dead, who would you want to meet?
There are so many great choices, but two really stand out – Abraham Lincoln and Winston Churchill. How they persevered and led through adversity is both humbling and awe inspiring.
8. What is the last book you read or what are you currently watching?
“Grant” by Ron Chernow
“Churchill: Walking with Destiny” by Andrew Roberts
10. Why do you give to the Booth Annual Fund?
Booth played such an important role in my life. My career would have been very different without the education I received at Booth. My life is also incredibly richer for the lifelong relationships formed with faculty and classmates. It is a debt that can never be repaid. I love having the chance to play a small role in extending that opportunity to others.
Tim Walsh, ’89, is president and CEO of CCMP Capital Advisors. He focuses on making investments in the industrial sector and has been responsible for CCMP’s investments in the chemicals, basic manufacturing, consumer products and packaging sectors.
Golub Capital, Chicago Booth, and the Chicago Urban League launch social lmpact partnership to serve communities of color.
Serving Communities of Color through Social Impact
Prior to this gift, Kilts committed more than $12.5 million to advance the study of marketing at the school.
James M. Kilts, ’74, Makes $10 Million Gift to Booth
The University of Chicago Booth School of Business received a $6 million grant from University of Chicago Trustee Nassef Sawiris, AB ’82, and the Sawiris Foundation for Social Development to create a first-of-its kind, custom-designed Executive Education program in El Gouna, Egypt.
Supporting Executive Education Egypt
