Jim Butler Joins Keystone Capital as Operating Executive

CHICAGO, Sept. 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Keystone Capital Management, L.P. ("Keystone") is pleased to announce that Jim Butler has joined the firm as an Operating Executive with a focus on marketing and technology services. Earlier this year, Butler was appointed to the Boards of Directors of two Keystone portfolio companies, BarkleyOKRP and MERGE. In his new role, he will collaborate closely with Keystone and portfolio leadership teams on strategic initiatives, as well as support Keystone in evaluating new investment opportunities across his areas of expertise.

Butler brings extensive leadership experience in marketing, digital experience, and technology services. Most recently, he served as Head of Experience & Commerce at Merkle, where he led the integration of multiple acquisitions, including LiveArea, Isobar, DEG, Axis41 and Helloworld. Prior to Merkle, he was President of LiveArea, Isobar and Intersection Co.

"I am excited to partner with Keystone on its investments in BarkleyOKRP and MERGE," said Butler. "Both firms have outstanding foundations, and I look forward to working alongside management and Keystone to accelerate growth."

"We are thrilled to welcome Jim as an Operating Executive," said Bill Sommerschield, Managing Director at Keystone Capital. "His deep sector expertise and track record make him an invaluable partner as we execute our value creation plans at BarkleyOKRP and MERGE and pursue new investment opportunities in the marketing and technology services sectors."

About Keystone Capital
Keystone was founded in 1994 with the objective of investing the personal capital of its partners in high-quality businesses; patiently building long-term value alongside management through organic growth and strategic acquisitions. Keystone currently manages over $1 billion in capital across two funds. To maintain consistency with its historical investment strategy and align interest across all stakeholders, the principals of Keystone collectively represent the largest single investor in both of these funds, which has been structured with an extended life to support Keystone's belief in investment period flexibility. Over the course of its history, Keystone has completed over 45 platform investments and more than 200 total acquisitions with a focus on commercial & industrial services, food & beverage, industrial technology, professional and technology-enabled services, technical services.

About BarkleyOKRP
BarkleyOKRP (www.barkleyokrp.com) is a full-service marketing and media agency dedicated to creating bold, strategy-led work that resonates with modern consumers. The agency provides creative, media, performance marketing, and analytics services to leading brands including Burger King, Metro by T-Mobile, Constellation Brands, Planet Fitness, and U.S. Bank. BarkleyOKRP employs 650+ people across offices in Chicago, Kansas City, Denver, Austin, and New York, and is a Certified B Corporation.

About MERGE
MERGE (www.mergeworld.com) is a purpose-driven marketing and technology solutions company with deep expertise in healthcare. By integrating customer experience, technology development, digital marketing, and creative services, MERGE helps leading brands tell their stories through technology. Its clients include Abbott, American Express, Blue Cross Blue Shield, GE Healthcare, Meta, and Supernus. MERGE has 650+ employees across offices in Chicago, Boston, Atlanta, Denver, Kansas City, New York, and Raleigh.

Media Contact
Kincy Gibson
Keystone Capital Management
[email protected] 

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SOURCE Keystone Capital Management