Chris Merendino

Vice President

Chris Merendino is a Vice President of Auxo Investment Partners. As a Vice President, he focuses on the management and operations of Auxo portfolio companies, helping companies reach their full potential and maximize value.

Prior to joining Auxo, Chris spent 6 years as a consultant and Operating Partner working with emerging markets private equity funds with holdings in Africa. Chris lived and worked in 15 different African countries and focused on improving management and operations of portfolio companies. Chris often assumed roles as Managing Director during a company's growth phase, and implemented efficient operational structures, corporate governance, and effective growth strategies. Chris also assisted in creating organizational and capital structures to maximize tax and regulatory advantages within the various jurisdictions. Chris' notable successes during this time include the turnaround of Cheetah Logistics, a distressed African transportation company that was sold to a publicly traded Hong Kong company, as well as the successful exploration and production of copper ore from the West River copper mine, a greenfield mine in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Chris also consulted for US based manufacturing companies, helping management teams with financial analysis and business process management. Chris created tools and processes to allow managers to better understand margins and sales trends, make capital budgeting decisions, and structure financial reporting to company owners.

Before pursuing his career in finance, Chris spent 8 years as a Navy SEAL, making deployments to Iraq, Afghanistan, and Africa.

Chris holds a bachelor's degree in finance from Hofstra University and a master's degree in finance from Southern New Hampshire University. Chris holds a Series 65 license and Series 3 license through FINRA, and is a candidate for the Level III CFA exam in June, 2018. Chris lives in Big Rapids, Michigan with his wife and daughter.