Investcorp expands international advisory board

Bahrain-based Investcorp, a leader in alternative investment, has announced the appointment of Frances Fragos Townsend, executive vice president for Worldwide Government, Legal and Business Affairs at MacAndrews and Forbes to the firm’s International Advisory Board, as of August 1.

Townsend brings more than 25 years of international policy, legal and business strategy experience. She previously served as senior vice president of Worldwide Government, Legal and Business Affairs from October 2010 to December 2012. In her role, Townsend supports MacAndrews & Forbes’ portfolio companies’ growth, advising them on business development, legal and compliance issues across the globe.

Previously, Townsend was a corporate partner at international law firm Baker Botts. Earlier in her career, she served in the administrations of former presidents George H. W. Bush, Bill Clinton and George W. Bush.

This experience included serving as Assistant to President George W. Bush for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism and chairing the Homeland Security Council. She was the first Assistant Commandant for Intelligence for the U.S. Coast Guard and spent 13 years at the U.S. Department of Justice in various senior positions.

“Frances brings a wealth of knowledge and experience through her work in the U.S. market, which has been and continues to be a core growth region for us,” said Mohammed Alardhi, executive chairman of Investcorp. “As a forward looking firm, we continue to search for the best and most strategic counsel from a diverse range of relevant practice areas and look forward to welcoming Frances to our board.”

Townsend received numerous accolades for her public service accomplishments and continues to remain involved in international policy as a member of the Boards of the Trilateral Commission and Council on Foreign Relations, as well as a senior national security analyst at CBS.

In addition to Townsend’s professional background, she also plays an active role in the oversight of companies across the private and public sectors. She serves as a director on the board of four public companies including: Freeport McMoRan, Western Union, Scientific Games and SciPlay.

“Investcorp has built an impressive global firm through its expansion to new geographies and investment strategies,” said Townsend. “I look forward to collaborating with its other board members and management team to continue working towards its ambitious growth plans in the years to come.” – TradeArabia News Service