Kane & Company adds partners Stuart Skeates and Jacob Hormes

Kane & Company, a Dallas-based commercial due diligence advisory firm serving private equity clients, has hired Stuart Skeates as partner and chief operating officer and Jacob Hormes as a partner.

Skeates’ addition will also form the boutique consultancy’s second office location, expanding Kane & Company’s presence into Washington, DC.

Founded in 2024 by Bain & Company alumnus Mark Kane, the firm deploys small senior teams that focus on the analyses likely to shape investment decisions. Under their senior-led model, Kane & Company’s experienced practitioners execute at every phase of the engagement, rather than relying on junior analysts to execute rigid processes.

Skeates and Hormes will grow the Kane & Company team to six professionals.

“We are thrilled to welcome Stuart and Jacob, who share our view that commercial due diligence should be treated as a true partnership with the deal team that helps shape the investment decision, rather than a procedural rubber stamp at the end of a deal process,” said Kane. “Their experience advising investors and commitment to a senior-led approach will help us to continue delivering deeper insights and clearer answers for private equity clients.”

Skeates brings more than a decade of experience advising investors on due diligence, value creation, and strategy.

In his new role with Kane & Company, he will lead due diligence engagements with technology, industrials, and telecom clients, as well as oversee operations of the Washington, DC office.

Skeates previously spent nine years with McKinsey & Company, where he advised private equity firms on commercial due diligence and post-investment strategy across tech, financial services, retail, healthcare, and industrials.

Skeates holds an MBA from Harvard University and a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Nottingham in the UK.

Based in Dallas, Hormes beings more than a decade of consulting and private equity advisory experience. He previously spent 10 years with Bain & Company, where he focused on due diligence and growth strategy engagements for private equity clients in consumer, retail, and business services.

Hormes holds an MBA from Northwestern University and a bachelor’s degree from Vanderbilt University.