The veteran healthcare leader brings a proven track record of strategic excellence, business transformation and operational expertise
GRAND RAPIDS and MADISON HEIGHTS, Mich., September 28, 2023 –– Blackford Capital (“Blackford”), a leading lower middle market private equity firm, announced that Francis X. Dirksmeier has been appointed Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of portfolio company Mopec, a leading manufacturer of high quality pathology, anatomy, mortuary and necropsy equipment and consumable supplies.
Blackford Capital acquired Mopec in June 2013, and has stewarded the company through a decade of stable growth.
Mr. Dirksmeier joined Mopec on September 11, 2023 with more than 30 years of healthcare industry expertise at privately held and public companies, and a track record of delivering profitability and increased operating results.
“We are delighted that Fran has joined the leadership team as CEO of Mopec,” said Jeff Johnson, Mopec Chairman of the Board and a Managing Director at Blackford Capital. “I’m confident his leadership and strategic skills will play a key role in continuing Mopec’s steady growth trajectory and guiding the company into its next several chapters of growth.”
Over the next 90 days, Mr. Dirksmeier will work alongside Mopec’s former CEO Carmen Evola to ensure a smooth and productive transition. “As Mopec moves into this exciting new era under Fran’s leadership, I want to acknowledge the outstanding job Blackford Capital Managing Director Carmen Evola has done in his role as interim-CEO the past 21 months, during what amounted to a very tumultuous period for the entire healthcare industry,” Johnson added. “He is an incredibly valuable and well-respected leader and will remain in his role as a Mopec Board member going forward.”
Mr. Dirksmeier said, “I am excited for the opportunity to lead the talented team at Mopec. Their success in the design and manufacturing of medical equipment for the pathology industry has been impressive, and together we can implement an aggressive expansion strategy that offers innovative solutions for existing and new customers.”
Most recently, Mr. Dirksmeier was an Executive Partner at Quad-C, a middle market private equity firm. Prior to that, he led business transformations as CEO of Performance Health, a $450 million global manufacturer and distributor of products for the rehabilitation and sports medicine markets, and earlier as President of Henry Schein Animal Health, a $2.0 billion market leading healthcare company serving veterinarians.
A seasoned senior executive, Mr. Dirksmeier also held growth-focused leadership positions with Agility Healthcare Solutions, as co-founder and CEO; GE Healthcare which acquired Agility and where he became General Manager of Global Asset Management & Hospital Operations Management; and McKesson Medical-Surgical, as President.
Mr. Dirksmeier holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Management from Assumption College.
About Blackford Capital
Founded in 2010, Blackford Capital is a private equity investment firm headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Blackford acquires, manages, and builds founder and family-owned, lower middle-market companies, with a focus on the manufacturing, industrial and distribution industries, a disciplined and relentless approach to value creation, and a focus on operational excellence and a compelling culture. M&A Advisor Awards named Blackford the Private Equity Firm of the Year in 2022, 2021 and 2018, and also awarded Deal of the Year honors in 2017 and 2015 and named Martin Stein Private Equity Professional of the Year in 2016. Blackford was also recognized by ACG Detroit with the 2023 M&A Dealmaker of the Year Award and won the 2023 Small Markets Deal of the Year by both Buyouts Magazine and Global M&A Network Atlas Awards. Several of Blackford’s portfolio companies have been included on the Inc. 5000. For more information, visit blackfordcapital.com.
About Mopec
Mopec, headquartered in Madison Heights, Michigan, with operations in Southern California, is a manufacturer and distributor of high-quality pathology, anatomy, mortuary, and necropsy equipment and consumable products. Founded in 1992, Mopec differentiates itself through its extensive engineering process, superior design, and market-leading quality. Mopec is Elevating Pathology and specializes in solutions for forensic and anatomic pathology labs in hospitals, universities, morgues, and a variety of other markets. Mopec is committed to the production of innovative products and providing high quality customer service. For more information, visit www.mopec.com.