Executive Leadership

FOUNDER, CHAIRMAN AND CEO

David F. Alfonso

Franklin, Tennessee

First-generation American, born to Francisco and Ana Maria Alfonso, who fled Socialist Cuba in 1961 in pursuit of freedom and the American dream.

A disguised private equity investor and true self-made entrepreneur, he is a seasoned CEO and turnaround operating partner with over 25 years of experience in strategic acquisitions, operational transformations, and leadership.

With over 60 global transactions, he has built a reputation for detailed due diligence, “boots on the ground” turnaround execution, and consistent delivery of results. He is relentless about keeping promises to business partners, lenders, and the teams he leads and has developed a repeatable, proven model for value creation that starts at diligence, drives through transitions, and ends in successful exits.

Often stepping in as interim CEO, he leads from the front - driving cultural change, restoring operational rigor, and charting paths to sustainable growth. Even when not in the CEO seat, he remains closely involved as a portfolio manager, guiding CEO’s and their executive teams, tracking performance, solving challenges, and ensuring growth targets are exceeded.

He has led deals representing over $2 billion in enterprise value, across businesses generating over $5 billion in annual revenue, employing thousands worldwide, and with significant international exposure across 50+ countries.

Professional Experience

Empire | EIH Capital Advisors

2004 to Present

A lower-middle market private investment firm focused on complex situations, acquiring and operating non-core business units (carve-outs) from global corporations.

Aside from leading the firm’s activity, responsible for leading dozens of successful acquisitions, the due diligence process, deal negotiations, the development of transition plans, leading transitions / turnarounds / carve-outs, assuming interim CEO roles, developing strategic growth plans, maintaining oversight over each portfolio company CEO and leading all exits. Chairman of the board of directors for the firm and all portfolio companies. Chair of the investment committee and Chair of the portfolio oversight committee.

Platinum Equity, Portfolio Manager and Operating Partner

1999 - 2003

A leading global investment firm with a portfolio of operating companies in a wide range of industries.

Led dozens of acquisitions and transitions of corporate divestitures across multiple industries and around the world. Led due diligence, negotiated transactions, developed transition plans, led post close transitions, executed operational turnarounds and carve-outs, and provided CEO-level oversight as portfolio company manager. Frequently served as interim CEO during critical post-acquisition phases.

Hartford Life International, Managing Director

1996 to 1999

A provider of retirement, savings, wealth creation, financial protection, and insurance solutions.

Hartford Life Argentina (Buenos Aires): Expat for 2 years on crisis management turnaround team for the Latin American business.
CALMA (Coral Gables, FL): CEO of under performing third-party administrator servicing the Caribbean and Central America.

Education

Earned a bachelor’s degree in international relations from Florida International University

Earned an M.B.A. from the University of Miami

Boards

Member of the Advisory Board for the Donovan & Bank Foundation from 2022 to present.

Served on the National Advisory Board for the WWII Foundation from 2021 to 2024.

Served on the Board of Directors for the WWII Foundation from 2012 to 2018.

Served on the Board of Directors for the FIU Foundation from 2008 to 2011.

Member of the FIU Finance and Audit Committee

Awards

2011: Awarded FIU’s College of Business Administration – Landon Undergraduate School of Business Medallion – Outstanding Alumnus. [Watch Video]

Publications

November 2009: Smart Business Cover Story, “Engineering an Empire.” [Read Article]

Language

Bilingual in English and Spanish

Philanthropy

Education

2009: Recognized by FIU as the first double Living Scholar donor, which provided scholarships to 4 FIU student athletes (2 men and 2 women).

2011: FIU’s Athletic Department announced the exclusive 5-year naming rights for the Panther Football team’s home field called “Alfonso Field at FIU Stadium.”

Monument

Executive producer and lead donor with the World War II Foundation in the establishment of the “Major Dick Winters Monument” located at St. Marie du Mont, France. The Richard D. Winters Leadership Monument was dedicated and unveiled on June 6, 2012. [Watch Video]