Aqualis Partners, a New York-based private equity firm, announced the appointment of Dan Santopietro as chief financial officer and Dylan Arpey as director of investor relations. Santopietro brings extensive experience from CVC Secondary Partners, where he led fund finance operations, and previously managed financial reporting at The Blackstone Group. Arpey, formerly vice president of investor relations at Orangewood Partners, joins Aqualis after a successful tenure at SV Health Investors. The firm, established in 2025 and headquartered in Darien, Connecticut, emphasized the strategic importance of these hires to strengthen its financial and investor relations capabilities.

Santopietro’s background in fund accounting and administration at Strategic Partners Fund Solutions underscores his expertise in managing complex financial structures. His move to Aqualis aligns with the firm’s focus on secondary market transactions and value creation. Arpey’s prior role at Orangewood Partners, where he cultivated investor relationships, positions him to enhance Aqualis’ outreach to limited partners and institutional stakeholders.

The appointments reflect Aqualis’ rapid growth since its founding. With a focus on middle-market private equity, the firm has prioritized assembling a leadership team with deep operational and capital markets experience. Darien, Connecticut, serves as a strategic hub for attracting talent and maintaining proximity to key financial institutions. These additions aim to solidify Aqualis’ position in competitive PE markets.

Investors and industry observers will monitor how these leadership changes impact Aqualis’ deal pipeline and fundraising efforts. Santopietro’s and Arpey’s track records in finance and investor relations suggest a commitment to operational excellence and stakeholder engagement. The firm’s trajectory will likely hinge on leveraging these appointments to expand its influence in secondary buyouts and growth equity sectors.