KJW Capital brings to you a diverse team of hands-on advisors, applying best practices from a variety of industries.

Our team of diverse and experienced advisors at KJW Capital tactically drive growth and exposure to the holdings within our portfolio. We remain actively involved both strategically and operationally throughout the lifespan of our investments.

MEET THE TEAM

  • Chairman & CEO

    Kenny is the visionary Founder and Chief Executive Officer of KJW Capital. With his unwavering passion for investment strategy and business development, Kenny spearheads KJW Capital’s investment decisions, governance, and investor relations. His extensive experience and expertise in the financial industry make him a trusted and sought-after investor.

    Before establishing KJW Capital, Kenny served as Vice President and a Senior Investment Advisor at J.P. Morgan Private Bank. During his tenure, he played a pivotal role on a team that managed over $10 billion in assets, working closely with a diverse clientele that included professional athletes, entertainers, influencers, corporate executives, real estate developers, business owners, and first-generation wealth creators in the high and ultra-high net-worth space.

    As a Senior Investment Advisor, Kenny provided invaluable advice on all aspects of private and core investments, real estate, business development, strategic lending, and comprehensive wealth planning. His exceptional ability to navigate complex financial landscapes and deliver tailored solutions earned him the utmost respect and trust of his clients.

    Kenny’s commitment to empowering the Black community and fostering generational wealth is evident through his co-founding of J.P. Morgan’s Diverse Wealth Initiative. This groundbreaking multi-billion dollar commitment by the bank aimed to uplift and enhance generational wealth within the Black community, while also driving the recruitment efforts for Black private bankers within the bank and industry.

    As an accomplished entrepreneur and business advisor, Kenny has a proven track record of success. He has founded or co-founded multiple successful businesses and has provided invaluable guidance to numerous others. Kenny’s expertise extends to raising capital for early and late-stage companies, having played a pivotal role in securing millions of dollars in funding. His extensive background and experience makes him a sought-after advisor in the business community.

    Beyond his professional achievements, Kenny actively serves on the board of numerous foundations and is a dedicated member of various esteemed organizations, including the Executive Mentor Council for Son of a Saint, the Urban League of Louisiana, the Young Leadership Council, the New Orleans Regional Black Chamber of Commerce, McDonogh 35 Alumni Association, and Tulane Alumni Association.

    Kenny earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Management and Marketing from Tulane University. Additionally, he holds licenses in Series 7, Series 63, and Life & Health Insurance, further solidifying his expertise in the financial industry.

    With his remarkable achievements, unwavering dedication, and genuine passion for empowering others, Kenny is a true trailblazer in the world of finance and a driving force behind KJW Capital’s success.

  • Chief Financial Officer

    With an extensive background in M&A Advisory at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) Chicago office, Carlos has provided strategic and private equity clients with exceptional guidance on large-scale transactions. His expertise includes buy- and sell-side due diligence, carve-out, divestiture, and separation, as well as integration and transformation management.

    As a licensed CPA in New York, Carlos has specialized in finance and accounting matters during his time in PwC's audit practices in New York, Phoenix, and Los Angeles. He has worked with clients across various industries, including energy, industrial products, finance, banking, and capital markets, as well as IT and technology. Carlos had been deeply involved in PwC's National DE&I efforts, leading conferences aimed at promoting and empowering college students from traditionally underrepresented racial and ethnic minority groups, individuals with disabilities, and protected veterans.

    Originally from Grambling, LA, Carlos attended Tulane University, where he excelled as a student-athlete and served as the commencement speaker. He obtained his BSM in Finance, Masters in Accounting, and minors in French and Legal Studies.

  • Head of Real Estate Development

    Ryan is the Director and Head of Real Estate Development for KJW Capital. Ryan has successfully completed over $200 million of real estate development utilizing historic Federal and State Tax credits, low income housing tax credits, and community development block grant funding in New Orleans, Louisiana since 2015, as well as transactions in local opportunity zones.

    Bates also serves as Vice President of Development for IDP Properties, a full service boutique real estate development firm headquartered in Valdosta, Georgia that invests in and redevelops communities. He is responsible for real estate development and new business in the Louisiana market. These developments focus on historic adaptive reuse and new construction in New Orleans.

    His previous developments include hotels, commercial short-term rentals, multi-family residential, affordable housing, luxury condominiums, restaurants, and retail. Ryan has also completed opportunity zone transactions centered around real estate development while leveraging incentives such as loss development rights, façade easements, and conservation easements.

ADVISORY BOARD

We supplement management's effort not only with our capital and familiarity, but also through our highly experienced advisory board offering trusted advice, coaching, and partnership approach. Through both successes and challenges, partners know we remain committed to the long term shared strategic vision.