HMC bolsters team with key executive promotions

Alternative asset manager Harbert Management Corporation (HMC) has announced leadership promotions effective January 1, 2026, aimed at bolstering its team for global expansion.

John Harbert, Kathryn O'Neal, Jack Bryant

John Harbert has been promoted to executive VP. In this new capacity, he will lead HMC's European Real Estate platform, collaborating with co-heads David King and Florent Danset on client engagement and capital formation. John will also continue to drive strategic firm initiatives, including data and technology, and corporate responsibility, leveraging his twelve years of experience across London and the US in various roles.
Kathryn O’Neal is now senior VP of Operations, joining the firm's executive team. Her responsibilities will include enhancing workflow efficiencies and optimising business processes throughout the organisation. O'Neal, who joined HMC in 2008, previously served as VP of Real Estate Accounting, overseeing all accounting functions for the firm's real estate investments.
Jack Bryant, currently executive VP and senior managing director, will expand his oversight to include HMC’s Credit Solutions and Growth Equity strategies. He will continue his leadership roles for the Harbert Crossover Fund and the Alabama Futures Fund. Bryant joined HMC in 2014 and has been instrumental in strengthening the firm's investment and operational performance since 2019.
Travis Pritchett, incoming CEO, stated: “These promotions reflect the depth of leadership talent at HMC and our continued focus on building a strong, dynamic team that can lead the Firm into its next phase of sustainable growth,” said “Empowering our next generation of global leaders is critical to our strategy, and Jack, John, and Kathryn have each demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment to HMC’s mission. I am confident these expanded roles will enable them to further position the Firm to execute with excellence and discipline in the years ahead.”
Raymond Harbert Jr., executive VP and CFO, added: “I am pleased to continue to work closely with Jack and John in their expanded roles and to welcome Kathryn to the HMC executive leadership team. Having worked closely with Kathryn since 2014, I have seen firsthand her ability to solve complex challenges and drive meaningful improvements across our global real estate platform, and I am confident Kathryn will continue to have a remarkable impact across the entire organisation. Each of these promotions is a testament to the talent of our global team and HMC’s continued focus on developing strong leaders from within.”