Fernando Acosta-Rua is a seasoned executive with extensive experience in private equity, corporate leadership, and strategic growth. As a principal and shareholder at Heritage Capital Group, he leverages his diverse background in investments and operations to guide business owners through complex transactions with a comprehensive, value-driven approach.
Fernando’s career spans both sides of the deal table, providing him with a unique perspective on mergers, acquisitions, and business strategy. He spent eight years in private equity, holding leadership roles at two Connecticut-based firms where he structured and executed transactions across various industries. He later transitioned into corporate leadership at Pet Paradise, serving nearly two decades with the company, most recently as president and CEO. Under his leadership, Pet Paradise grew from a regional operation in NE Florida with 35 employees into a national leader in pet services, expanding to over 60 locations across multiple states with approximately 2,000 team members today. He was recognized as an EY Entrepreneur of the Year finalist and was a recipient of Jacksonville Business Journal’s Ultimate CEO award. He remains actively involved with the company as a board member and investor.
Beyond his professional achievements, Fernando is deeply committed to the Jacksonville community and has a long history of civic and nonprofit leadership. He currently serves as Chairman of the Jacksonville Aviation Authority, following his appointment by Governor Ron DeSantis. He also serves as Board Chair of Alivia Care, Inc., the parent company of Community Hospice & Palliative Care, and is a past Chair of the Board of Trustees of The Bolles School. In addition, Fernando was a founding board member of Jacksonville University’s Public Policy Institute, where he served for 11 years. His leadership in these roles underscores his dedication to strengthening Jacksonville’s business and civic landscape.
Fernando holds an MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management and a bachelor of science in journalism and communications from the University of Florida.
