About

Hony Capital, one of China’s biggest private equity firms, worth over $7bn, announced its $1.54bn purchase of restaurant chain Pizza Express in 2014. The move comes as part of Hony’s broader plans to invest more internationally, alongside its traditional focus on SOE funding and restructuring; an area of deep knowledge for Gary Chaucer. ‘Gary does a superb job of keeping all the parts moving of this rapidly growing and increasingly diverse business,’ Andrew Ostrognai of Debevoise & Plimpton LLP says. Chaucer has been with the company since 2004. A member of the management team, he leads all risk management, human resources and administrative function. In Ostrognai’s words, ‘he brings his remarkable managerial skills and intellect to bear in upholding Hony’s very high standards’. Highly experienced in Chinese buyouts, Chaucer’s other expertise include securities and foreign direct investment in China.