Mary Ellen Hennessy-Jones

Ms. Mary Ellen Hennessy-Jones has accumulated over 20 years of experience in private equity. She was the President, Co-Founder, and a member of the Investment Committee at Solera Capital, a women-owned private equity firm that managed over $300 million in investments across consumer-focused sectors. In her role, she led investment execution, developed sector strategies, conducted due diligence, structured deals, served on Boards, and managed exits, fund structuring, and documentation. She also oversaw the firm’s business operations, contributing to its strategic growth and success. Ms. Hennessy-Jones has notable experience in public exits, including leading Annie’s IPO in 2012. Earlier in her career, she worked in private finance, investment banking, and corporate finance with prominent firms such as Exxon, J.P. Morgan, NationsBank, Salomon Smith Barney, and Allied Capital. At J.P. Morgan, she headed the Basic Industries Group and managed financial advisory and M&A transactions, where she developed strategic deals for forest products industry clients, including the IPO for Riverwood International. In addition to her professional achievements, Ms. Hennessy-Jones is an active member of the Madison, NJ Climate Action Committee.