Susan Gentile

Susan Gentile joined Advent in 2022. She serves as Chief Financial Officer and is a Managing Director, based in Boston. Susan is a member of Advent’s Operating Committee (BOLT).

Prior to joining Advent, Susan was the Chief Financial Officer and Chief Administrative Officer of H.I.G. Capital. Previously, she was a managing director and Chief Accounting Officer at Oaktree Capital Management, and before that, served as Chief Accounting Officer at The Clorox Company. Susan began her career at Deloitte.

Susan has served as the Audit Committee Chair for The Honest Company since May 2021.

Susan received BS and BA degrees in Finance from Boston University and is a Certified Public Accountant.

What’s it like to work with colleagues at Advent, in light of its partnership structure?

Advent is a true consensus-driven partnership, which really resonates with me and is a big differentiator for the firm. Everyone has a voice and all perspectives and points of view are valued. This leads to better decision-making and better outcomes for the firm.

What does learning and growing look like at Advent?

I love working with folks at all stages of their career, developing a framework that allows people to grow professionally and stay engaged and motivated. Some of my most fulfilling moments have been when we’re focused on team building. The moment when I stand in front of a group of more than a hundred, see the possibilities in them, and how everyone is locked into the moment and wants to go along for the ride – it’s just a privilege. I really enjoy being able to realize the potential in an organization and its people.

“I really enjoy being able to realize the potential in an organization and its people.”
Susan Gentile
Managing Director and Chief Financial Officer, Advent

What advice would you give to someone new to the firm?

Success is not driven solely by one’s technical capabilities. It’s also about what makes you tick and what drives you. If that includes curiosity, a positive attitude, the ability to work together as a team, and problem solving, you’ll have the keys to success. If you keep developing these softer skills, and you leverage them in a powerful way for the organization, you’re going to do well.

Did anything surprise you about Advent when you came on board?

One thing that did surprise me was how long-tenured so many Advent folks are. Because it’s a mature and very successful organization, I wondered whether the appetite would be there to improve further. People get comfortable: if things are working, why mess with them? But I was delighted to find that my team was very passionate about continuing to evolve, learn, and strive for more. That ethos is very important to me, and it was gratifying to find it was also the ethos of my team.