Accelerating Value: Empowering Execution in PE Operations

Client Overview

Our client is a global private equity firm known for its operational intensity and collaborative investment style. With 30 years of experience, the firm has partnered with management teams across more than 550 companies, generating over $50 billion in combined revenue. With a sector focus on Services, Industrials & Distribution, and Food & Consumer, the firm brings a clear point of view to value creation: pairing strong businesses with hands-on strategic and operational support. Its approach emphasizes performance improvement and long-term growth through partnership, execution, and operational excellence.

The Challenge / Mandate

As part of its ongoing effort to deepen its in-house operations bench, the firm sought a Vice President to join its Portfolio Operations team. This role would serve as a key liaison between investment teams, portfolio company leadership, and the firm’s internal value creation resources. The VP would help shape and implement Value Creation Plans (VCPs), acting as both strategist and executor within the portfolio.

The position called for a high-performing operator with the ability to:

• Lead the design and execution of Value Creation Plans (VCPs) in collaboration with management teams
• Assess business challenges and operational gaps, then translate findings into concrete action plans
• Drive measurable results while working in highly dynamic, fast-moving environments
• Build sustainable processes and help portfolio companies scale internal capabilities

Ideal candidates were expected to have advanced problem-solving and financial analysis skills, experience in project and change management, and exposure to Lean or other operational efficiency frameworks. A background in Tech, Industrials, or Manufacturing was preferred.

The Search

We launched a focused search targeting professionals with experience at the intersection of strategy, operations, and private equity. Emphasis was placed on current or former managers at top consulting firms, operational leaders with a consulting pedigree, and investment professionals with a track record of value creation work. We looked for individuals with a bias toward action, the ability to build trust with management teams, and a proven capacity to deliver results in ambiguous, high-stakes environments. Above all, we prioritized candidates who could shift seamlessly between boardroom strategy and operational execution.

The Placement

Our final candidate brought a unique blend of strategy consulting and operational leadership. After launching their career at Boston Consulting Group, they went on to hold senior roles across several high-growth companies, including positions as CEO, COO, and Chief Client Officer. Their experience spanned industries such as mobile marketing, enterprise SaaS, and IT services, where they were responsible for scaling operations, launching new products, and driving customer engagement.

In addition to leading P&L functions, they had built advisory units, led cross-functional transformation efforts, and driven successful exits. This mix of boardroom insight and in-the-trenches leadership positioned them as an ideal fit for the VP role.

The Outcome

The addition of this executive marked a significant step in the firm's continued investment in operational value creation. Immediately upon joining, the VP became a key player in supporting portfolio companies’ strategic planning and execution efforts. They worked side by side with CEOs and management teams to refine operating models, define success metrics, and put the systems in place to drive performance improvement.

By embedding this kind of leadership within its operational team, the firm reinforced its differentiated investment model—one rooted in deep engagement, disciplined execution, and a long-term view of value creation.