Private Equity CFO Search

A private equity firm had acquired a manufacturing company as a platform for buy-and-build strategy. The existing CFO, while capable at managing financial operations, lacked the skills needed to support aggressive acquisition activity, complex financing, and eventual exit positioning.

The sponsor needed a CFO who could immediately add value: managing integration of acquisitions, optimizing capital structure, building reporting and analytics capabilities, and preparing the company for exit within a 4-5 year horizon.

Given the PE context, we prioritized speed and precision:

Precise Specification: Detailed understanding of the value creation plan and specific CFO requirements. We distinguished "nice to have" from "must have" to focus the search.

Targeted Research: Rather than broad market research, we focused on CFOs with specific PE portfolio company experience, manufacturing industry knowledge, and track records of acquisition integration.

Rapid Screening: Aggressive timeline with parallel workstreams. First candidate presented within three weeks; finalist slate within six weeks.

Sponsor Alignment: Regular communication with the PE deal team to ensure alignment on candidates and to incorporate their perspective on fit with the value creation plan.

Diligence Support: Comprehensive reference and background verification, including verification of specific accomplishments cited by candidates.

We placed a CFO with prior PE portfolio company experience and a track record of successful acquisition integration. Within six months, she had:

- Integrated the first add-on acquisition, ahead of schedule - Implemented new reporting and analytics capabilities - Refinanced existing debt on more favorable terms - Built a finance team capable of supporting continued growth

The company completed its exit three years later at a return exceeding sponsor expectations. The CFO received particular credit for her role in positioning the company for sale.