Jay Wilkins, the president of Harvest Partners, a private equity firm, passed away on February 4, 2023, at the age of 46. He died of cardiac arrest following a brief illness, according to SWFI. He is survived by his wife, McCartney, his son, Jack, and his beloved chihuahua, Charlie. He also leaves behind a legacy of excellence, leadership, and philanthropy in the business and social sectors.
A Talented Investor and a Great Leader
Jay Wilkins joined Harvest Partners in 2010 as a principal and became its president in 2021. He focused on leveraged buyout transactions in the middle-market companies in various industries, such as business services, consumer, health care, industrials, and software. He was known for his strategic vision, analytical skills, and deal-making abilities. He also served on the board of several portfolio companies, such as Advanced Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery, AxelaCare Health Solutions, Dental Care Alliance, Packers Sanitation Services, and VetCor.
Michael DeFlorio, the CEO of Harvest Partners, said in a statement: “Jay was a talented investor and great leader and friend and will be deeply missed by the firm.” He added that Jay’s sudden death was a shock to everyone at Harvest Partners and a great loss to all of them.
A Loyal Friend and a Loving Family Man
Jay Wilkins was born in Philadelphia on January 26, 1977. He graduated from The Haverford School and earned his BS at Vanderbilt University, where he met his future wife, McCartney. They married in Nantucket in 2005 and settled in New York City, where Jay began his career in finance with Donaldson, Lufkin, and Jenrette.
Jay Wilkins was a man of many interests and passions. He loved music, theater, sports, and travel. He was an avid fan of the Phillies and the Eagles, a billiards shark, and a golf hustler. He also enjoyed teaching his son, Jack, and his friends poker and life lessons on Saturday nights. He was a James Bond enthusiast and a chihuahua lover. He had a circle of friends he kept close from nursery school through college and business, and he was always there to offer his time, advice, and experience. He was the call you made when you could only make one call, according to his obituary.
A Generous Philanthropist and a Community Builder
Jay Wilkins was a generous philanthropist with a particular focus on his alma mater, Vanderbilt University. He supported various initiatives and programs at the university, such as the Owen Graduate School of Management, the Blair School of Music, and the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center. He also served on the board of trustees of The Haverford School for nine years and was a current member of the board of The Allen Stevenson School. He cared deeply about education and the future of the next generation.
Jay Wilkins was a visionary leader, a generous friend, and a loving family man. He touched the lives of many people with his kindness, wisdom, and humor. He will be remembered and missed by all who knew him.