Ballast Rock Expands Private Credit Strategy with Max Jackson Appointment

Ballast Rock, a diversified investment management firm, has appointed Max Jackson as Managing Director and Private Credit Portfolio Manager, positioning the company to capitalize on emerging opportunities in the private credit market. Jackson brings extensive financial expertise, including investment banking experience and a robust background in transaction advisory, to this newly created role.

With a proven track record in financial services, Jackson will be responsible for identifying, analyzing, and sourcing private credit and development capital opportunities. His professional background includes significant experience in transaction advisory, having worked with KeyBanc's Utilities, Power & Renewable Energy Capital Markets team, where he advised on more than $1 billion in transactions involving over 500 assets.

Simon O'Shea, Chief Investment Officer at Ballast Rock, highlighted the strategic importance of Jackson's appointment, noting that private credit represents one of the fastest-growing segments in financial services. The firm sees substantial potential in exploring specialized niches within this expanding market, leveraging Jackson's deep industry knowledge and transactional experience.

Jackson's professional journey includes notable roles at KeyBanc, MVP Capital, and Fifth Third Securities, as well as a four-year tenure at Deloitte as a senior auditor. His academic credentials from the University of California, Los Angeles, where he studied Business-Economics with minors in Environmental Systems and Accounting, further underscore his comprehensive understanding of complex financial landscapes.

The appointment signals Ballast Rock's commitment to diversifying its investment strategies and expanding its capabilities in private credit. By recruiting an experienced professional like Jackson, the firm aims to provide sophisticated investment solutions that meet the evolving needs of its investor base.

Jackson's expertise in evaluating private credit opportunities across multiple industries, combined with Ballast Rock's established real estate experience, positions the firm to potentially identify unique investment vehicles and generate value for its stakeholders. The strategic move reflects the ongoing transformation in financial services, where specialized knowledge and adaptability are increasingly critical for success.