Riz Chand

Riz is Chief Talent Officer of AEA and an Operating Partner. In his role, he is primarily focused on working with portfolio companies to assess, acquire, organize, retain and develop talent, and to develop and maintain the optimal culture and organization structure. Together with the investment team, Riz assesses potential acquisitions and assists with the onboarding process for new investments. He also facilitates sharing of human resources best practices across the AEA portfolio. Riz is involved with AEA’s ESG Committee and leads the CHRO Advisory Council. Riz also serves on the boards of BMS Enterprises and Jack’s Family Restaurants.

Prior to joining AEA, Riz served as chief human resources officer for BNSF Railway, where he was responsible for human resources, leadership and organizational development, medical and environmental health and diversity & inclusion. Prior to BNSF, Riz served as executive vice president, human resources and administration at Energy Future Holdings Corp. (formerly TXU Corp.). Before TXU, he served as vice president, human resources and corporate affairs for Kennametal, Inc., a global industrial manufacturer based in Pennsylvania. Riz also served as head of human resources at Mary Kay Cosmetics and vice president human resources at Aetna International. Earlier in his career, Riz was with PepsiCo Foods International and with the Hay Group. Riz began his career as an engineer working for Schlumberger in offshore oil drilling.

Riz graduated from Southern Methodist University, where he earned a B.S. in mechanical engineering and an M.B.A.

Riz and his family have had a long-term focus on supporting shelters for battered and abused people, various food banks, and U.S. and International not for profits focused on education for children. In addition, Riz was a member of the executive committee of the board of directors of the Health Transformation Alliance, an organization representing 50+ major employers with approximately seven million members, focused on improving the cost and quality of health care for employers and employees. He also served as Chairman of the Board of the United Way of Tarrant County.