MARK STEVEN VIDERGAUZ

Chief Executive

The Sage Group

Mark Vidergauz is the chief executive of The Sage Group, the investment bank he founded in 2000, which works with public and private companies on a wide range of M&A and other corporate finance transactions nationally and internationally across different branded consumer and retail industries. He previously served as managing director at ING Barings and headed the firm’s West Coast investment banking activities. He also practiced law at O’Melveny & Myers. Vidergauz is a member of the state Bar of California and the American Bar Association. He received bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Witwaterstrand in Johannesburg, and a master of laws degree from the London School of Economics. He serves on the boards of Sage and Monster Beverage Corp., where he is the lead independent director.

What was your proudest moment?

My proudest moment was the birth of our daughter. She has continued to make me proud for the 32 years since that event.

What is your alma mater?

B.A. and L.L.B.: University of Witwaterstrand, Johannesburg, South Africa L.L.M.: London School of Economics

What is your next project?

The next project for our firm is the continued building of our New York business as well as establishing a more formal European presence, which is in the works.

Who is your hero?

While I admire people like Winston Churchill, John Kennedy, Yitzhak Rabin, Warren Buffett and Howard Schultz, my true hero is my father, Mendel Vidergauz. He has lived a life of great courage and integrity, he is very smart and rational with an open heart to all people, and at 98 years old, remains a very cool guy.

What do you like best about Los Angeles?

I like that Los Angeles is a big, warmhearted place welcoming to people of all backgrounds, open to new ideas, and encouraging of entrepreneurship. It is also a fun place to live with great food and culture, if you look.