AE Industrial Partners, LP, a private investment firm focused on technologies and services considered critical to national and economic security, has announced the promotions of Chris Aguemon and Bill Strobel to Principal. Both professionals are based in the firm's Washington, D.C. office and concentrate on investments across the national security sector. The move reflects the firm's continued investment in leadership with direct military and financial experience.
Leadership Strengthens National Security Investment Team
David Rowe, Co-CEO and Managing Partner at AE Industrial, emphasized that Aguemon and Strobel bring a valuable combination of investment judgment, technical knowledge, and firsthand military experience to the firm's national security practice. He noted that their perspectives have been instrumental in evaluating opportunities and supporting companies that develop technologies critical to national security. The promotions recognize their growing responsibilities within the firm.
Profiles of Chris Aguemon and Bill Strobel
Chris Aguemon joined AE Industrial in 2025 as a Vice President and currently serves on the Board of Directors of portfolio company Attilius Technologies. He is a United States Army veteran who served as an officer in the Army Reserve, including a deployment to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. Aguemon holds a bachelor's degree in government from Dartmouth College and an MBA from Harvard Business School.
Bill Strobel also joined AE Industrial in 2025 as a Vice President and serves on the Board of Directors of portfolio company CASE. He is a United States Navy veteran who served as a Nuclear Submarine Officer for seven years before transitioning to a career in finance. Strobel earned a bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering from the United States Naval Academy and an MBA from Harvard Business School.
Expanding Reach Across National Security
Managing Partner Kirk Konert added that Aguemon and Strobel have strengthened the firm's reach across the national security community and brought sharper insight to its investment work. Their contributions have enabled closer engagement with portfolio companies navigating complex, mission driven markets. The promotions acknowledge the leadership they provide in identifying opportunities and supporting management teams.
A Commitment to Veteran Leadership
The appointments align with AE Industrial's strategy of combining investment expertise with operational experience in national security. Aguemon's background in the Army Reserve and Strobel's service as a Nuclear Submarine Officer provide direct insight into the defense technology requirements of portfolio companies. This blend of skills is intended to help the firm evaluate opportunities and support businesses that serve government and defense customers.
AE Industrial Partners Background
AE Industrial Partners is a private investment firm with approximately $9.4 billion of assets under management as of June 30, 2026. Since 2015, the firm has completed more than 155 investments in market-leading companies across the national security, aerospace, and industrial services sectors. AE Industrial invests across private equity, venture capital, and aerospace leasing from its headquarters in Boca Raton, Florida, with an additional office in Washington, D.C.
The promotions of Chris Aguemon and Bill Strobel highlight AE Industrial's commitment to developing leaders with operational military backgrounds and investment expertise. Their elevation to Principal strengthens the firm's ability to pursue opportunities in national security and support companies operating in highly technical, mission critical markets. As AE Industrial continues to grow its platform, these appointments reinforce its focus on long term value creation and national security leadership.