Guardian Capital Partners announced the formation of Guardian Operations and Advisory Company, LLC and the hiring of Thomas J. Caruso as Partner, Portfolio Operations, who will lead this business unit. Mr. Caruso brings to Guardian an extensive career in operations, management and private equity, including the past eight years in middle market buyouts. Prior to joining Guardian, Mr. Caruso was a Senior Operating Partner with Graham Partners Operating Company. Coinciding with Mr. Caruso’s arrival, Guardian will establish the Guardian Operations and Advisory Company, which Mr. Caruso will lead while managing a targeted network of both in house and external operating resources. These resources will complement Guardian’s existing internal investment team and external resource network in key areas to drive further value creation across Guardian’s growing portfolio of lower middle market investments. Mr. Caruso will also work directly with Guardian portfolio company management teams to identify, resource and execute against value creation plans with the aim of positioning both the companies and management teams for long term growth. Concurrently, Mr. Caruso will leverage his operating experience and functional expertise to collaborate with the Guardian team on new investment opportunities.