Patria Overhauls Leadership to Fuel Global Expansion

GRAND CAYMAN, Cayman Islands – December 19, 2025 – Patria Investments (NASDAQ: PAX), a global alternative asset manager with deep roots in Latin America, today announced a significant corporate restructuring designed to fortify its global operating model and accelerate its strategic growth. The overhaul includes the creation of a new Global Chief Operating Officer (COO) position and a carefully planned succession for its Chief Financial Officer (CFO), signaling a deliberate move to enhance operational integration and agility as the firm continues to scale.

At the heart of the transformation is the appointment of Nikitas Psyllakis, a seasoned financial services executive, as the firm’s first Global COO. This newly created role centralizes oversight of the company's core corporate functions, a strategic shift aimed at driving efficiency across its expanding international footprint. The move comes as asset managers worldwide grapple with increasing complexity, regulatory demands, and the need for robust, scalable platforms to support growth.

A New Blueprint for Global Operations

The restructuring marks a pivotal evolution in Patria's corporate architecture. By establishing the Global COO role, the firm is moving to unify functions that are critical to its daily operations and long-term strategy. Psyllakis, who will report directly to CEO Alex Saigh, will now oversee a broad swath of the organization, including Finance, Funds, Technology, Legal & Compliance, Risk Management, and Internal Audit. The leaders of these departments will report directly to him, creating a more integrated and streamlined command structure.

This centralization is a direct response to Patria's rapid growth trajectory, which has seen its assets under management swell to over US$51 billion. The firm has expanded significantly through a series of acquisitions and partnerships, establishing a strong presence in Europe to complement its leadership position in Latin America. Such growth necessitates a more sophisticated operational backbone to ensure consistency, manage risk, and enable faster decision-making. The new structure is designed to be that backbone, providing the support necessary for “strategic execution at scale,” as noted by the company.

Industry analysts see this move as consistent with a broader trend in the alternative asset management sector. As firms diversify their investment strategies and geographic reach, they are increasingly abandoning decentralized models in favor of centralized platforms that can deliver economies of scale and a unified approach to governance and technology. Patria's new framework is a clear step in this direction, positioning the company to better integrate its diverse operations and compete more effectively on a global stage.

The New Guard: Strategic Leadership Appointments

The success of this new operating model will hinge on its leadership. Patria has tapped Nikitas Psyllakis, who joins as a Partner from DWS Group, to steer the integration. Based in London, his appointment underscores the firm's commitment to its international ambitions. Psyllakis brings over two decades of experience, having led major operational transformations and strategic initiatives at one of Europe's largest asset managers. Notably, at DWS, he was instrumental in leading the company's separation from Deutsche Bank ahead of its 2018 IPO, demonstrating a strong track record in navigating complex corporate transitions.

His extensive experience in managing global multidisciplinary teams and his involvement with industry bodies like the U.K. Investment Association provide him with a deep understanding of the operational and regulatory challenges facing a global firm. This background is expected to be instrumental in driving organizational effectiveness and aligning Patria's corporate functions with its evolving business needs.

Complementing this key external hire is a significant internal promotion within the finance leadership. The company announced that Raphael Denadai, currently a Partner and the CFO of Portfolio Management, will assume the role of Group CFO in April 2026. Denadai is a 25-year veteran of financial and strategic planning, with extensive experience in corporate integration across Latin America and Europe. In his current role, he has managed a wide array of financial functions—from FP&A and treasury to M&A and compliance—across Patria's core Private Equity and Infrastructure portfolios. This deep, internal expertise makes him uniquely qualified to lead the firm's finances. Upon his promotion, Denadai will report to Psyllakis, further cementing the new, integrated operational structure.

Ensuring a Smooth Financial Transition

The appointment of a new CFO is part of a long-term, carefully orchestrated succession plan. The current CFO, Ana Russo, who has held the position since October 2022, will step down in April 2026. The company stated that Russo informed them of her intention to transition to the next stage of her career, focusing on advisory and non-executive roles, several months ago.

Her tenure coincided with a period of significant M&A activity for Patria, which added considerable complexity to the firm's financial reporting and integration processes. The extended transition period, spanning nearly two years, is designed to ensure a seamless handover to Raphael Denadai. During this time, Russo will work closely with her successor, transferring institutional knowledge and ensuring continuity across the company's financial operations.

This deliberate and transparent approach to succession planning reflects a commitment to stability and is viewed positively by investors, as it minimizes disruption and signals strong corporate governance. Patria expressed its gratitude for Russo's dedication and contributions, wishing her success in her future endeavors. The smooth transition allows the firm to maintain its financial discipline while simultaneously implementing its broader operational overhaul.

The strategic realignment of Patria's corporate structure and leadership team represents a decisive step in its journey from a Latin American champion to a formidable global player in the alternative asset management industry. By creating a centralized operational hub under an experienced COO and ensuring a stable transition in its financial leadership, the firm is building a foundation intended to support sustained growth and enhanced performance in an increasingly competitive market.