Benjamin Hanessian is a Principal with Baird Capital. Based in Chicago, Benjamin is part of the Global Portfolio Operations team partnering with management teams across Baird Capital’s Venture and Private Equity strategies to fuel innovation and accelerate growth. Benjamin joined Baird Capital in 2025 with 15 years of consulting, operating, and private equity experience. Prior to Baird, Benjamin spent time as a Value Creation Director for Vista Equity Partners, served as a consultant for McKinsey and Co., and held various operating roles for PE-backed companies. He began his career as a high school math teacher in the Mississippi Delta through Teach for America. Benjamin received a BA in Economics from Tufts University and an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.