Kevin J. Hiniker is a distinguished General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer with over 38 years of comprehensive experience in global legal, compliance, and business operations. Renowned for his expertise in private equity and hedge fund management, Kevin has demonstrated an exceptional ability to navigate complex legal landscapes and drive strategic solutions across various sectors.
Throughout his career, Kevin has developed a reputation for excellence in leading legal teams and managing compliance programs. His career has been marked by significant roles in both advisory and executive capacities, showcasing his adeptness in fund formation, investment transactions, regulatory compliance, and corporate governance.
Kevin currently serves as a Principal at Chammp LLC, where he provides high-level consulting to private equity firms and asset management companies. His work involves advising on fund and legal management, compliance operations, investment and financing transactions, and overall organizational strategy. His role at Chammp underscores his commitment to delivering thoughtful solutions that balance commercial, legal, and regulatory considerations, leveraging his extensive experience to enhance business operations and compliance frameworks.
Before joining Chammp, Kevin had an impactful tenure at Castlelake, L.P., a global alternatives investment firm. As General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer from 2007 to 2020, he was instrumental in guiding the firm’s legal and compliance strategies. Kevin played a critical role in the formation and governance of private equity and hedge funds, the development of a robust global compliance program, and the expansion of the legal team to support Castlelake’s international operations. His leadership was pivotal in ensuring a balance of legal and commercial considerations in the firm’s fiduciary responsibilities.
From 2020 to 2021, Kevin continued his association with Castlelake as Partner Emeritus, Chief Compliance Officer, and Special Counsel. In this role, he maintained his focus on compliance management and provided strategic counsel to the firm’s leadership, further solidifying his expertise in regulatory and compliance matters.
Kevin’s prior experience includes significant roles at Ameriprise Financial, Inc., where he served as Vice President and Group Counsel. Here, he coordinated with investment management teams on restructuring, amendments, and bankruptcies of distressed investments, facilitated mergers and acquisitions, and managed corporate transactions. His role at Ameriprise highlighted his ability to handle complex financial transactions and regulatory issues with acumen.
Kevin’s career also includes positions as Chief Legal Officer at Plan Analytics, Inc., and Senior Counsel at Advantus Capital Management. At Plan Analytics, he was involved in venture capital financing and strategic alliances, while at Advantus, he handled private equity, securities regulation, and commercial transactions.
Educationally, Kevin holds a J.D. cum laude from the University of Minnesota Law School and a B.A. Phi Beta Kappa from the University of Minnesota. His academic background laid the foundation for his extensive career in legal and compliance roles.
Beyond his professional achievements, Kevin is actively involved in nonprofit organizations. He serves as the Founding Member and President of the Board of Directors for the PEASE Community Foundation and as Chair of the Investment Committee for the Greater White Bear Lake Community Foundation. His commitment to these roles reflects his dedication to community service and his leadership in fostering organizational growth and impact.
Kevin’s professional journey is characterized by a profound ability to provide strategic legal advice, manage complex compliance programs, and mentor teams to achieve excellence. His career is a testament to his skills in balancing legal and commercial considerations while driving organizational success through thoughtful and effective solutions.
Character:
Kevin Hiniker consistently demonstrates integrity and dedication to ethical practice while fostering a positive and collaborative environment, balancing commercial and legal considerations with a focus on mentorship.
Knowledge:
With over 36 years of experience in legal and compliance roles, Kevin possesses deep expertise in private equity, hedge funds, and global compliance programs. His extensive background includes advising on fund formation, investment transactions, and regulatory matters.
Strategic:
Kevin excels in developing and implementing strategic frameworks that align legal and business objectives, ensuring effective governance and compliance. His ability to anticipate and navigate complex landscapes has proven essential in guiding organizations through a variety of legal and financial challenges.
Communication:
Kevin is an adept communicator who excels in conveying legal and regulatory concepts to diverse audiences. His experience in presenting to advisory committees and investors highlights his skill in facilitating clear, actionable discussions and fostering strong stakeholder relationships.
