Victory Park Capital (VPC), an asset management firm that specializes in direct credit and control equity investing in middle-market and distressed companies, has named Jordan Allen, a 20-plus-year veteran of the hedge fund and private equity industries, as principal and chief operating officer, a new position effective immediately. Allen will oversee business operations at VPC.

"As our business continues to experience growth, so do the needs of our infrastructure and the scope and responsibilities of our management team," said Richard Levy, managing partner. "Jordan will add an additional layer of depth by building upon the already strong foundation we have in place for our daily operations and identifying further efficiencies to support our growth."

Before joining VPC, Allen served as co-head of North America, chief operating officer and chief financial officer of Man Investments USA. At Man, a $53 billion asset manager headquartered in London, Allen oversaw Man's U.S. business, which comprises five investment management teams, hedge fund research, risk management and sales. Previously, Allen served as president and partner of HFR Asset Management from 2003 to 2009.

Victory Park Capital provides direct financing solutions to small cap and middle-market companies across a wide range of industries. The firm focuses on complex situations and seeks to build long-term sustainable value in its companies. Victory Park is based in Chicago and has offices in Boston and San Francisco.