(Press Release) KKR, a leading global investment firm, announced the appointment of Luis Téllez, former Chairman of the Board and CEO of The Mexican Stock Exchange (MSE), as a Senior Advisor to the firm, effective immediately.

Commenting on the appointment, Alex Navab, Head of KKR’s Private Equity business in the Americas, said: “Luis Téllez has had a distinguished career in both the public and private sector, and we are pleased to have him as an advisor to KKR. We believe that both investors and companies in Mexico are looking for partners to aid their growth and investment objectives and Luis Téllez will offer valuable insights that support those endeavors and help grow our franchise in Mexico.”

Mr. Téllez has been active in public service, having been involved over the last 20 years in policy roles and decisions to improve the structure of the Mexican economy with a focus on macroeconomic, financial, energy and agricultural issues. Specific roles include serving as Secretary of Communications and Transportation (2006-2009), Secretary of Energy (1997-2000) and Chief of Staff to President Ernesto Zedillo (1994-1997). Téllez was also Deputy Secretary of Agriculture and Head Economist at the Treasury.

In addition to his public sector roles, Mr. Téllez has held multiple roles in the private sector. He is the former Chairman of the Board and CEO of the MSE where served for the last five years. In this role, he presided over the largest number of IPO’s in the history of MSE, grew MSE revenues significantly, and he oversaw a full upgrade of the technological capabilities of the exchange. Prior to MSE, he was Managing Director of the Carlyle Group in Mexico (2003-2006) and Chief Executive Officer of Desc (2001-2003), one of Mexico’s largest industrial and real estate companies.

“KKR is known as a pioneering, innovative investment partner with a terrific long-term track record. I am honored to work with an iconic firm that has demonstrated its long-term interests in such an important economy as Mexico,” Luis Téllez said.

“We have been expanding our efforts in Mexico because we believe Mexico has significant and attractive opportunities for investment over the long term. With his extensive experience working on some of the most important economic reforms in Mexico and his deep knowledge of the corporate sector, Luis Téllez is a perfect addition to the team,” said Jorge Fergie, KKR’s Head of Brazil and Latin America.

Mr. Téllez has been a member of the board of FEMSA, Grupo México, BBVA Bancomer, Cultiva and Global Industries. He currently serves as a Director of Sempra Energy (San Diego based utility) and is the Mexican Associate of McLarty Associates. Téllez is also member of several non-profit organizations such as the Mexican Council of Foreign Affairs.

For nearly four decades, KKR’s private equity franchise has focused on investing in quality companies and partnering with management teams to help them grow. Since 1976, KKR has completed more than 250 private equity investments in portfolio companies with a total transaction value in excess of $500 billion as of December 31, 2014. When making private equity investments, KKR seeks out strong business franchises, with attractive growth prospects, and leading market positions for either majority or growth-oriented stakes. Within KKR’s global private equity portfolio, multiple companies employing over 10,000 employees run operations in Mexico, including Aceco TI, Capsugel, First Data, Laureate Education, Lake Region Medical, Nielsen, and PRA Health Sciences. The firm also invests in real estate, credit, hedge funds, oil and gas, among other asset classes.

KKR’s Senior Advisors are part of the firm’s integrated model of value creation. They include current and former senior executives who bring unique leadership skills to complement the work of KKR investment professionals. As a Senior Advisor, Mr. Téllez will play an important role in KKR’s business development effort in Mexico.