Octagon Credit Investors (“Octagon”), a leading credit-focused asset manager, announced the expansion of its private credit platform with the appointment of Sean Sullivan as Managing Director and Head of Private Credit, and Michael Ahrens, who will join the firm on September 22nd as Principal. The formation of a dedicated team represents a significant step in the build-out of Octagon’s Private Credit business, which focuses on senior secured loans to upper middle-market corporate borrowers.

“The evolution and convergence of the broadly syndicated loan and private credit markets continue to present compelling opportunities for seasoned credit managers,” said Gretchen Lam, CEO of Octagon. “Direct lending is a natural extension of our capabilities and existing platform. Sean and Mike’s extensive underwriting experience and sponsor relationships complement Octagon’s deep credit expertise and strengthen our ability to provide differentiated access to this attractive asset class.”

In addition to leading Octagon’s newly formed Private Credit team, Sean Sullivan will serve on the firm’s Private Credit Investment Committee, and its Executive Committee. Sullivan brings more than two decades of experience originating, underwriting, and executing private credit investments. He joins Octagon from Morgan Stanley Investment Management, where he served as the Head of Direct Lending Origination and sat on Investment Committee for the Direct Lending and Opportunistic Credit strategies. Prior to Morgan Stanley, he held senior roles at Antares Capital, Solar Capital, and GE Capital.

“Octagon’s longstanding market presence and exceptional track record create an outstanding foundation on which to build a best-in-class private credit platform,” said Mr. Sullivan. He continued, “I am excited to lead this key strategic initiative and deliver value to both borrowers and investors.”

Michael Ahrens most recently served as Senior Vice President at Antares Capital. His background spans private equity sponsor coverage, leveraged finance underwriting, and complex recapitalizations.

Founded in 1994, Octagon Credit Investors is a $33 billion asset manager specializing in broadly syndicated loan, structured credit, multi-asset credit, and direct lending strategies. Octagon’s disciplined, time-tested investment process relies on fundamental credit analysis and active portfolio management to generate attractive risk-adjusted performance for its clients.