Building leadership platforms that drive value from fund to portfolio
Private equity investors face distinct leadership challenges at every stage of the investment cycle. We work closely with investors and portfolio company boards to align leadership with investment strategy, accelerate value creation and strengthen governance. Our work spans both fund level advisory and portfolio company transformation across Europe and the United States, with a particular focus on the financial services and fintech ecosystems including wealthtech, asset servicing, payments and digital platforms.
Pre deal: Setting the leadership direction early
We help investors translate the investment thesis into a coherent leadership framework before a transaction closes.
Our support includes:
- Defining the leadership implications of the investment strategy and post deal priorities
- Identifying the right advisors for the industry and target to support the investment case
- Pre deal executive mapping to anticipate key leadership needs once the transaction completes
Early clarity on leadership enables investors to move quickly after closing and align management around value creation objectives.
Portfolio value acceleration: Executing with impact
During the holding period we partner with sponsors and portfolio boards to build high performing executive teams capable of delivering the investment plan.
Typical mandates include:
- CEO, CFO and COO searches for growth or transformation phases
- Strengthening of finance, risk, technology and commercial functions
- Board composition and NED+ appointments to enhance governance and operational focus
Our integrated approach ensures leadership impact, pace of execution and cultural alignment within the ownership model.
Exit: Preparing for realisation
In the final phase of ownership, leadership stability and credibility are central to maximising value.
We advise on:
- Management team evaluation and succession planning ahead of exit
- Board composition for pre IPO and dual track processes
- Executive transitions to ensure continuity through change of ownership
Our objective is to position both management and governance structures for a seamless and value optimised exit.
Fund level leadership: Strengthening the core
We also advise private equity firms on their own leadership needs across investment, operations and capital formation.
Assignments have included partner and CFO appointments, operating partner searches and advisory board composition. As firms expand into adjacent asset classes such as private credit, infrastructure or digital assets, we ensure leadership remains scalable and aligned with strategic ambition.
A distinctive network
Our Private Markets practice is deeply embedded in the European and global investor community. We work with mid-market and large cap sponsors, family offices and institutional investors to identify leaders who combine strategic insight with operational delivery. Through our board advisory engagements, we also support the creation of sustainable Chair and NED+ pipelines across multiple portfolio contexts.
