Robert Swan Joins General Atlantic as Operating Partner

Former eBay CFO joins leading global growth equity firm

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Sep 08, 2015, 09:00 ET

PALO ALTO and NEW YORK, Sept. 8, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- General Atlantic, a leading global growth equity firm, announced today that Robert Swan, former Chief Financial Officer of eBay, Inc., has joined General Atlantic as an Operating Partner. Mr. Swan will be part of the firm's Resources Group, leading the firm's efforts in supporting global portfolio companies as they grow through strategic mergers and acquisitions and develop their finance functions, as well as working with the firm's investment team in the internet and technology sector. He will be based in General Atlantic's Palo Alto office.

"We are thrilled to have Bob join us to assist our portfolio companies in developing world-class finance organizations," said Bill Ford, Chief Executive Officer of General Atlantic. "Beyond his extraordinary talent as a proven CFO, Bob's deep expertise in the internet and technology sector will make him an exceptional asset to our portfolio companies and prospective new investments around the world."

General Atlantic's Resources Group is composed of experienced senior executives who collaborate with the firm's investment teams and portfolio companies to execute global growth strategies. The Resources Group provides functional expertise in areas such as human capital development, pricing and salesforce effectiveness, global M&A, technology, marketing, finance, tax and capital markets, and lead development through the GA Network. General Atlantic's global team is dedicated to identifying attractive, high-growth companies and providing capital and strategic support to build market leaders.

"General Atlantic's approach of working as close strategic partners with companies that are innovative growth leaders presents an exciting opportunity for me to apply not only my expertise and experience as a CFO, but also my passion for building great teams and mentoring talent," said Mr. Swan.

Mr. Swan joins General Atlantic from eBay where he served since 2006 as Senior Vice President, Finance, and Chief Financial Officer, overseeing all aspects of eBay's finance function including controllership, financial planning and analysis, tax, treasury, audit, mergers and acquisitions, and investor relations. Prior to eBay, Mr. Swan served as Chief Financial Officer at Electronic Data Systems Corp., TRW, Inc., and Webvan Group, Inc.

Mr. Swan began his career at General Electric, serving for 15 years in numerous senior finance roles including as divisional Chief Financial Officer for GE Transportation Systems, GE Healthcare Europe, and GE Lighting. He serves as a member of the board of directors for eBay and Applied Materials, Inc. Mr. Swan earned a B.S. in Business Administration from the University of Buffalo and an M.B.A. from Binghamton University.

Mr. Swan is the latest addition to General Atlantic's Resources Group, which earlier this year also welcomed Anish Batlaw, former Operating Partner and Head of Human Capital for Asia at TPG Capital, who leads the firm's human capital effort in support of its global portfolio companies. With a focus on hands-on operating expertise, the firm's Resources Group also includes Gary Reiner, former Chief Information Officer of General Electric, and a talented team of executives with experience at leading global companies and consulting firms.

About General Atlantic

General Atlantic is a leading global growth equity firm providing capital and strategic support for growth companies. Established in 1980, General Atlantic combines a collaborative global approach, sector-specific expertise, long-term investment horizon, and a deep understanding of growth drivers to partner with great management and build exceptional businesses worldwide. General Atlantic has more than 100 investment professionals based in New York, Greenwich, Palo Alto, Sao Paulo, London, Mexico City, Munich, Amsterdam, Beijing, Hong Kong, Mumbai, and Singapore.