Early Life and Education
Anthony Aouni Tamer, known as Tony Tamer, was born on October 12, 1957. He is of Lebanese descent. Tamer earned a Bachelor of Science from Rutgers University, a Master of Science in electrical engineering from Stanford University, and an MBA from Harvard Business School.
Rise to Success
Tamer began his career at Hewlett-Packard and Sprint Corporation. In 1986, he joined Bain & Company, becoming a partner. In 1993, he co-founded H.I.G. Capital with Sami Mnaymneh. H.I.G. Capital has grown into a global private equity firm specializing in investments in small and mid-sized companies. Tamer has overseen the firm's growth since its inception, approving all major capital commitments.
Key Business Strategies
H.I.G. Capital focuses on providing debt and equity capital to small and mid-sized companies. The firm utilizes a value-added approach, focusing on operational improvements and strategic repositioning to drive value creation. H.I.G. Capital has invested in and managed over 300 companies worldwide.
Philanthropy
Tamer is involved in philanthropy, and public service. He serves on the Dean's Council of Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government. Tamer and his wife Sandra established The Tamer Center for Social Enterprise at Columbia Business School in January 2015. Tamer is a trustee of the Museum of Modern Art, the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, and a member of the Board of the International Rescue Committee. He is also the Founding Chairman of COOP Careers, an organization aimed at improving employment outcomes for underserved youth.