David Gross

Gross sees a renewed investment opportunity in Japan as the country faces competition from China, Korea, and the U.S. and needs to reinvigorate its economy. Bain initially focused on domestic, insulated, inefficient Japanese businesses where it could control macro variables and improve operations, but as Western private equity became more accepted, it moved into larger technology crown jewels like semiconductor and high-tech businesses. He notes talent attitudes have shifted, with Japanese professionals now viewing Western PE as a way to help revive Japan.