Epiris announces leadership transition

POSTED 23 July 2026

Epiris announces leadership transition 

London, 23 July 2026 – Epiris today announces the appointment of Owen Wilson as Managing Partner, succeeding Bill Priestley, who will retire in October 2026 following a planned leadership transition. 

Bill has played a central role in the development of Epiris since its founding, helping to shape the firm's strategy, culture and investment approach. He was appointed Managing Partner in May 2024 and currently serves as Chair of the Management and Investment Committees.

Owen joined Epiris in 2013 and was appointed to the Investment and Management Committees in 2018 before becoming Chief Investment Partner in 2024, assuming responsibility for the firm's investment strategy and execution.

Epiris was again named in the Top 10 among the most recent global ranking of private equity firms by HEC Dow Jones. The Epiris team is actively deploying Epiris Fund III, which held its final close in February 2024 and is committed across six deals to date, and which is performing exceptionally well with a DPI of over 100%. 

Bill Priestley, Managing Partner of Epiris, commented:  

“It has been a privilege to help build Epiris alongside such an exceptional group of colleagues. I have learned an enormous amount from our talented team, our portfolio company management teams and our investors, whose support has been instrumental in the firm's success.”

“I am delighted that Owen will succeed me as Managing Partner. He is an outstanding investor and leader, and I have every confidence that, together with the partnership, he will build on Epiris' strong foundations and continue to deliver success for investors and portfolio companies.”

Owen Wilson, Chief Investment Partner of Epiris, commented:  

“Epiris has built a distinctive investment approach, working in close partnership with exceptional management teams to navigate complex situations and create lasting value for investors. Bill has been instrumental in shaping that approach, and it is an honour to succeed him. I look forward to leading the firm, supported by our talented partnership, as we continue to invest with discipline, create long term partnerships with our investors, and build an enduring institution.” 

“On behalf of everyone at Epiris, I would like to thank Bill for his extraordinary contribution. His leadership has helped shape the firm into the business it is today, and we wish him every happiness in his retirement.”

The appointment of Owen Wilson remains subject to a customary FCA review and approval process. 

 

[ENDS] 

 

For Epiris please contact:

Greenbrook  
Bree Taylor / Max Wilson  
+44 (0) 20 7952 2000 | [email protected] 

About Epiris:

Epiris is a private equity firm building great businesses that deliver outstanding returns for investors. The firm focuses on identifying and resolving the complexities which hold businesses back, providing fresh capital and thinking to reposition businesses strategically and in terms of scale and growth. It targets control positions in UK and international businesses with an enterprise value of between £75 million and £750 million, deploying between £50 million and £250 million of equity in each investment.

Among Epiris' current investments are GSF, a leading UK supplier of aftermarket automotive parts; Pure Cremation, the UK's leading provider of funeral plans; Inchcape Shipping Services, one of the world's largest maritime services providers; Delinian, a global B2B information services business; and WBS, a leading provider of trading, settlement and custody solutions to the UK wealth management industry.

For further information, please visit www.epiris.co.uk.