L Catterton, the private equity firm backed by LVMH and the Arnault family, has strengthened its leadership team by appointing Tobias Klaiber as managing director for portfolio operations. Based in Milan, Klaiber joined the company a few months ago after holding senior roles at the European investment fund Aurelius Group.
Klaiber brings extensive experience in both private equity and operational management. At Aurelius, he worked as senior managing director and operating partner, overseeing investments in the consumer sector. He also served on multiple boards of directors and held chief executive roles within portfolio companies. Between 2014 and 2021, he was responsible for the Scholl brand, where he played a key role in guiding the footwear company under Aurelius ownership.
In his new role, Klaiber is expected to focus on strengthening operational performance across L Catterton’s portfolio companies. His background in consumer brands and investment management positions him to support growth strategies and help portfolio businesses build long-term value.
Klaiber holds an MBA from the University of Dayton, along with a master’s degree in finance and information management from the University of Augsburg and Munich. He has also completed executive training at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. His career began in strategy consulting, where he worked as a consultant and project manager across the U.S. and Europe.
L Catterton is one of the world’s most active investors in the fashion, beauty, and lifestyle sectors. In recent years, the firm has expanded its portfolio with high-profile investments. These include Japanese denim label Kapital, luxury footwear brand Birkenstock, which went public in 2023, Italian fashion house Etro, French ready-to-wear brand APC, Parisian leather goods company Polène, and Italian cosmetics brand Kiko.
With Klaiber’s appointment, the fund continues to reinforce its commitment to supporting consumer and luxury businesses, combining financial investment with operational expertise.
