26 March 2014, Washington, DC – The Emerging Markets Private Equity Association (EMPEA) announces today that it has appointed Michael Barth to serve as a Senior Advisor to the organization.

Michael has had a long and distinguished career in global emerging markets investing. He is currently Managing Partner of Washington based Barth & Associates LLC, an independent emerging markets investment advisory firm, and holds various board directorships. Between 2006 and 2012, Michael held different senior positions in Darby Overseas Investments Ltd., an emerging markets private equity firm. In 2005, Michael completed his term of over five years as Chief Executive Officer of FMO, the highly regarded Dutch finance institution, specializing in emerging markets capital markets development and private investment. In his last two years at FMO, he also served as Chairman of the European Association of Private Sector-Oriented Development Banks (EDFI). Prior to his tenure at FMO, Michael served as Director at the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the World Bank.

EMPEA currently serves approximately 320 member firms representing over US$1 trillion in assets under management. The organization’s membership, including fund managers, institutional investors and other industry stakeholders, share the belief that private equity investment in emerging markets can generate attractive returns to investors while creating significant value for companies, economies and communities.

Responding to his appointment, Michael said, “I have admired EMPEA’s work since the onset and was privileged to serve on its Board in the past. EMPEA has become very accomplished in providing investors the intelligence needed to successfully invest in emerging markets, and I look forward to supporting the EMPEA team in their continued efforts to promote the asset class.”

Robert van Zwieten, EMPEA’s President and CEO, commented further on the announcement, “Michael has been a distinguished leader in global emerging markets investing for many years, and we are honored to welcome him back to EMPEA in this different capacity. His expertise will be a valuable addition to EMPEA’s leadership as we enter our second decade of offering compelling membership value and global private equity intelligence.”

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About EMPEA

The Emerging Markets Private Equity Association (EMPEA) is an independent, global membership association whose mission is to catalyze private equity and venture capital investment in emerging markets around the world. Our 300-plus member firms share the belief that private equity can provide superior returns to investors while creating significant value for companies, economies and communities in emerging markets. With access to an unparalleled global network, EMPEA provides its members a competitive edge for raising funds, making good investments and managing exits to achieve superior returns. EMPEA’s members represent nearly 60 countries and over US$1 trillion in assets under management.