Victory Park Capital (VPC), an asset management firm focused on middle-market debt and equity investments, has named Gordon Watson principal. Watson, an 8-year financial services veteran, will open the firm’s New York office. VPC is headquartered in Chicago with additional resources in Boston, Los Angeles and San Francisco.

In his role, Watson will primarily oversee sourcing, executing and managing direct private debt and equity investments in specialty finance, with a focus on acquiring whole loan portfolios.

Watson was previously a portfolio manager centered on distressed debt at GLG Partners, a London-based hedge fund. He joined GLG after it purchased Ore Hill Partners, a credit-focused hedge fund where Watson served as a partner. He received a Master of Business Administration degree from Columbia University and a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from Colgate University.

“As our business continues to achieve accelerated growth, Gordon’s experience and depth of knowledge of specialty finance builds upon our already strong foundation in that sector,” said Richard Levy, chief executive officer and founder of VPC. “His expertise in trading public liquid credit complements our investment strategies across the credit spectrum in the middle market. We are excited about Gordon leading our efforts to build out a high quality team in New York.”

“I am proud to join the VPC team and help expand its New York operations,” said Watson. “Its experience in specialty finance is world-class and I look forward to helping grow our portfolio and seek new investment opportunities in the middle market.”

Victory Park Capital (VPC) is a privately held registered investment advisor dedicated to alternative investing through the management of private investment funds. As specialists in credit and private equity investments, VPC focuses on middle market companies across a diversified range of industries. Whether as a lender or a control investor, VPC seeks to identify opportunities where it believes the potential for reward outweighs the risks entailed. Founded in 2007, VPC is headquartered in Chicago with additional resources in Boston, Los Angeles, New York and San Francisco.