NEW YORK, March 10, 2025 – Sentinel Capital Partners, a leading midmarket private equity firm founded in 1995 by David S. Lobel, managing partner, and John F. McCormack, senior partner, today announced its leadership succession plan. Effective immediately, partner Eric Bommer will join Lobel as a managing partner, positioning him as Lobel’s eventual successor.
“Serving as Sentinel’s founding managing partner has been an extraordinary journey,” said Lobel. “This transition marks a strategic step in Sentinel’s long-term leadership evolution, ensuring continuity and stability while maintaining the firm’s collaborative investment approach. One of the things that sets Sentinel apart is the depth of our leadership team. Eric, John, and I—along with tenured partners Owen Basham, Jim Coady, Michael Fabian, Paul Murphy, Scott Perry, Garrett Schires, and John Van Sickle, have worked together for many years. This well-oiled team is the engine that will drive Sentinel forward.”
Bommer, who joined Sentinel 28 years ago as its first professional hire, has been instrumental in shaping the firm’s success. A highly regarded investor and dealmaker, Bommer has played a critical role in driving growth, mentoring the next generation of Sentinel professionals, and reinforcing the firm’s disciplined investment strategy. Although he will continue to focus on investments, he will gradually take on expanded leadership responsibilities.
“I am deeply honored to take on this leadership role at Sentinel,” said Bommer. “Having spent nearly three decades working alongside David, John, and our talented team, I am excited to continue building on our success. Sentinel’s culture of collaboration and excellence has always been at the core of our approach, and I look forward to leading the firm while staying true to those values.”
“Eric has earned the deep respect of our team and the industry,” added McCormack. “His deep expertise, strong leadership, and unwavering commitment to excellence make him the ideal person to guide Sentinel as we strive to continue delivering strong outcomes for our investors and portfolio companies.”
Sentinel’s transition plan reflects the firm’s commitment to a seamless evolution of leadership. Lobel and McCormack remain fully engaged in the firm’s operations and investment activities, ensuring a stable and well-supported transition over the coming years.