Carlyle Group has named Ian Fujiyama as chairman of a new midmarket platform focused on opportunities across the US and Europe regions. The strategic move positions Fujiyama, currently global head of aerospace, defense and government, to lead the firm's expansion in these critical sectors. This appointment comes as private equity firms increasingly target defense and aerospace investments amid global instability.

The platform will be led by Aaron Hurwitz, who heads Carlyle's defense investments, and Wes Bieligk, a partner on the industrials team. Retired General Bryan Fenton, former Commander of US Special Operations Command, will join as an operating executive, bringing significant military expertise to the firm's portfolio companies. The team structure reflects Carlyle's commitment to sector specialization and operational value creation.

With over 35 years of investing across aerospace, defense, government and industrial sectors, Carlyle has established positions through key acquisitions including Booz Allen Hamilton, StandardAero, Two Six Technologies and Loc Performance. This new platform signals the firm's continued focus on defense-related investments amid rising global security concerns and increasing government spending on defense technology.