Lincoln International Adds Louis Kleist and Grant Saul as Managing Directors, Expanding Private Funds Advisory Team

Lincoln International, a global investment banking advisory firm, is pleased to announce the addition of Louis Kleist and Grant Saul as Managing Directors in the firm’s Private Funds Advisory Group. The joint hiring builds on Lincoln’s commitment to providing innovative solutions in the private markets and reflects the growing demand for tailored guidance in capital formation and allocation. Collectively, Louis and Grant bring nearly five decades of experience in fund raising, origination and private capital allocation.

“As private markets evolve, the complexity and creativity required to align capital formation and allocation have never been greater,” said Steve Carre, Managing Director and global Co-Head of Lincoln’s Private Funds Advisory Group. “We are strengthening our team accordingly by hiring industry leaders with deep expertise and client-focused insights. Louis and Grant’s track records of success will be invaluable as we continue to help clients succeed.”

Since its inception in 2022, Lincoln’s Private Funds Advisory Group has grown rapidly, building a global team of 20 professionals and closing more than 15 GP-led transactions representing $5 billion+ in enterprise value. The group has also raised more than $4.5 billion in fund commitments. With these hires, Louis and Grant join as the group’s second and third lateral Managing Directors in 2025, continuing the group’s pattern of sustained growth.

“Our team of respected advisors supports clients at every stage of the fundraising lifecycle, raising capital for single assets, secondaries and funds” said Dan Posternak, Managing Director and global Co-Head of Lincoln’s Private Funds Advisory Group. “Louis and Grant bring industry expertise and a collaborative approach that aligns perfectly with our mission to deliver exceptional results for sponsors and limited partners.”

Louis Kleist brings more than 20 years of expertise advising private equity firms and limited partners across a broad range of private market transactions. Prior to joining Lincoln, Louis was a Director at Eaton Partners, where he focused on origination, project management and distribution. Earlier in his career, he held origination, diligence and PE allocator roles at Credit Suisse, Fiducent and Verus. Louis started his career at UBS. He earned a Master of Business Administration from New York University’s Stern School of Business and a Bachelor of Business Administration in finance from Gonzaga University.

Grant Saul has more than 25 years of experience advising private capital sponsors on capital formation and private market investments. Prior to joining Lincoln, Grant held leadership positions at Eaton Partners, Moelis & Company and Hamilton Lane. Earlier in his career, he worked at Comverge Inc. and Credit Suisse First Boston. Grant earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in finance with Honors from Southern Methodist University.