Berkshire Partners, a Boston-based private equity firm focused on middle-market companies, has announced the appointment of Richard Lichtenstein as Operating Partner and Head of Data Science and AI. The new role underscores the firm’s ongoing commitment to building a practical, high-impact AI function across its organization and portfolio companies. In this newly created position, Lichtenstein will lead Berkshire’s data science, advanced analytics, and generative AI initiatives. He will work closely with investment teams and the Portfolio Support Group to scale AI capabilities both internally and within portfolio companies, applying AI to transform products, services, and business models to drive measurable value. As part of its broader AI strategy, Berkshire has also promoted Limor Gultchin from Vice President of AI/ML to Director, Data Science and AI. Gultchin will continue to play a key role in developing and operationalizing the firm’s AI and machine learning capabilities, collaborating with Lichtenstein to expand the firm’s technological reach. Lichtenstein joins Berkshire from Bain & Company, where he served as a Senior Expert Partner and Chief Data Officer for Private Equity, advising clients on leveraging advanced analytics and generative AI in due diligence and portfolio company performance improvement. Marni Payne, Managing Director at Berkshire Partners, said the appointments reflect the firm’s growing momentum in integrating AI across the investment lifecycle. “AI enablement is central to our long-term value creation strategy,” she said. “It enhances insight, drives efficiency, and supports transformation—complementing our core investment principles.” Lichtenstein expressed enthusiasm about joining the firm, noting Berkshire’s strong foundation in data science. “I’m excited to help accelerate AI adoption at a pivotal moment for both the firm and the technology landscape,” he said. “Our goal is to turn emerging innovations into practical tools that deliver real business impact.” Berkshire’s AI approach is built on three pillars: horizontal, functional, and strategic. Horizontally, the firm is focused on creating a broad foundation for AI adoption. Functionally, AI is used to automate and optimize core processes. Strategically, the firm partners with portfolio companies to embed AI into their products and services, strengthening competitive advantage and long-term growth. Through close collaboration with management teams, Berkshire aims to use AI to improve operations, fuel innovation, and create lasting value across its portfolio. Berkshire Partners is a 100% employee-owned firm specializing in private and public equity investments in U.S.-based middle-market companies. The firm’s private equity team focuses on services, healthcare, industrials, and technology, currently investing from Fund XI, which closed in 2024 with approximately $7.8 billion in commitments. Since its founding, Berkshire has completed over 150 private equity investments and maintains a strong track record of partnering with management teams to drive growth. Its public equity arm, Stockbridge, was established in 2007 and manages a concentrated portfolio of long-term investments. For more information, visit www.berkshirepartners.com.