Jim D’Aquila is the Managing Member and Chief Investment Officer of Virentes Partners Group and also serves as the CEO of Virentes Hospitality Group. Prior to this Jim was a Managing Director at Lazard Middle Market where he lead the firms consumer and retail practice. Jim joined Lazard in January 2020 from Rendersi, a boutique, consumer industry focused financial advisory and investment firm that he co-founded in 2017 to serve founders, entrepreneurs, and sponsor-owned clients.
Jim has over 41 years of experience as an adviser and investor. In 2001, Jim founded and was CEO of The Mercanti Group, an advisory firm which was acquired by Imperial Capital in December 2009. Prior to Mercanti, Jim worked as Head of the Consumer and Retail Group at Donaldson, Lufkin and Jenrette (DLJ); Head of Investment Banking at Dain Rauscher (RBC); and as a partner at Aurora Capital, a private equity firm formerly known as WSGP. Jim was also a group head at Drexel Burnham in the 1980s. Jim’s clients have included Gucci, Elizabeth Arden, Cabela’s, eyebobs and Under Canvas.
Jim is a board member of several private companies, including Polaroid. Jim also serves as a Trustee of the International Center of Photography. Jim is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame. He is a passionate dog owner and loves all things outdoors.