Derivatives, bonds, asset and liability management, corporate restructuring . . . an international career in the world of global finance paved the way for London-native Paul D. Croft to follow his real dream: developing a corporate advisory, business valuation and private equity business in Northern California.
A Masters degree in mathematics at Cambridge University catapulted Croft into London's investment banking community. At Morgan Grenfell from 1984 to 1994, his creative trading and management contributed to the creation of one of the key derivative operations in London. In 1994, the company merged with Deutsche Bank. In 1996, Croft was promoted to managing director. He and his family relocated to Tokyo, where he built the derivatives business from a four-person unit into the premier derivatives trading desk in Tokyo.
In 1999 he joined the board of The California Wine Company (CWC), which owns and markets vineyard-based wineries that are quality leaders in their market segments. Croft increased his equity position and was named President and CEO of California Wine Company in the summer of 2001. He relocated to Napa Valley to spearhead the development and restructuring of CWC’s assets. This was a project completed in April 2008 and throughout which the interests of all the stakeholders were protected.
Croft is a member of the Institute of Business Appraisers (IBA) and Accredited by the IBA (AIBA). In 2006, Croft joined the Advisory Board of Consultants 2 Business as Chairman and leads Croft Valuations Group, the business valuation division of C2B. He is also CEO of Tforc Ventures.
Croft is a highly respected, results-oriented leader with strong track record of achievement developed at a top global investment bank over 17 years and 6 years of restructuring management at a diversified wine company . Dynamic and resourceful, with in-depth knowledge of corporate finance and operations, global capital markets, the wine and beverage industries, business strategy and successful management of highly-motivated teams in high pressure situations. As desk trading head, established highly successful market-leading fixed income trading desks, with superior performance and solid risk management infrastructure. As division manager and chief operating officer, responsible for the creation and implementation of market-dominating business strategy in a highly competitive environment.
He is a systematic and persuasive strategic thinker with long history of consistently achieving objectives, developing and motivating staff, and building highly successful financial trading businesses worldwide.