Andrew Helms
Andrew Helms is Chief Technology Officer leading Värde’s global engineering, infrastructure and operations, and business analysis teams. Andrew joined the firm in 2018 and is responsible for the firm’s technology strategy and execution. He previously served as Chief Data Officer and Head of Engineering.
Prior to joining Värde, Andrew held several roles spanning 8+ years at The Carlyle Group including Technical Lead, where he was responsible for the technology strategy and vision for Carlyle’s Investment Solutions segment. Prior to that, he was a Data Architect and Analysis Manager at American Cancer Society.
Andrew received a B.B.A. in Management Information Systems from University of Kentucky and an M.B.A. from Georgia State University Robinson College of Business.
Rhonda Kjarland
Rhonda Kjarland is Deputy Chief Compliance Officer. She previously served as North America Compliance Officer. Based in Minneapolis, she joined the firm in 2014.
Prior to Värde, Rhonda spent over five years at Northland Group, most recently as Chief Compliance Officer. Prior to Northland Group, Rhonda held accounting roles at two regional CPA firms, the City of Austin, Minnesota and Reichel Foods. She started her career as the Assistant Controller at Complete Packaging Service.
Rhonda received a B.S. in Accounting at Winona State University. She is a CPA.
Tom Knechtel
Tom Knechtel is a Managing Director on the Business Development and Investor Relations team. Based in New York, he joined the firm in 2020.
Prior to joining Värde, Tom was a managing director at Pinnacle Trust Partners focused on the distribution of alternative investment funds to institutional investors in the United States. Previously, Tom was a managing director at Verition Fund Management where he led the marketing and investor relations effort. Prior to that, Tom held senior marketing roles at firms including Eaton Partners and Prosiris Capital Management.
Tom received at B.A. from Middlebury College.
Ann Lundeen
Ann Lundeen is Fund Controller at Värde. Based in Minneapolis, she joined the firm in 2016.
Prior to joining Värde, Ann was Director, Financial Control at CarVal Investors for seven years. Prior to CarVal, she spent three years with TPG Credit Management and three years with Target Corporation. Ann began her career with Ernst & Young, where she primarily focused on asset management clients.
Ann received a B.A. in Business with an Accounting focus from the University of St. Thomas. She is a CPA (inactive).
Alice Ong
Alice Ong is the Head of Human Capital for Asia. Based in Singapore, she joined the firm in 2020.
Prior to joining Varde, Alice worked for PIMCO where she was the Head of Human Resources for Australia. Previously, Alice was with Goldman Sachs Australia and Hong Kong where she held a number of HR roles.
Alice graduated from Lancaster University (UK) with a B.A. in Accounting and Finance. She is a certified public accountant (CPA) with The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA).
Claire Pautz
Claire Pautz is Global Co-Head of Tax. Claire shares global responsibility for managing tax matters that cut across investments, funds, and the upper-tier entities. Based in Minneapolis, she joined the firm in 2009 to help build Värde’s tax function.
Prior to joining Värde, Claire worked at Deloitte Tax LLP where she advised clients on tax matters related to global mobility and remuneration programs.
Claire received a B.B.A. in Accounting and a Master’s of Accountancy from the University of Wisconsin – Madison. She is a licensed CPA.