Confidential Replacement

Discover how we navigate confidential executive searches to deliver impactful results for private equity-backed firms.

CFO Search Confidential | PE-Backed Firm

A private equity-backed mid-market manufacturing firm with $150 million in annual revenue approached us to conduct a discreet search for a new Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Facing underperformance from their existing CFO, the firm needed a swift, confidential replacement to meet aggressive growth and reporting demands set by their investors.

Client Overview

The client is a private equity-backed firm specializing in manufacturing, requiring leadership to drive financial strategy and scalability.

Financial Strategy

Driving robust financial planning and scalability.

Leadership

Establishing a professional management team for growth.

Strategic Planning

1

Stakeholder Alignment

Defined role priorities with the PE firm and CEO, ensuring clarity and confidentiality.

2

Market Mapping

Targeted CFOs with private equity and operational finance expertise.

3

Confidential Screening

Conducted discreet outreach and interviews to assess technical and cultural fit.

4

Regular Updates

Maintained transparent communication with stakeholders while safeguarding confidentiality.

Key Challenges

Confidentiality

Ensuring the outgoing CFO remained unaware of the search.

Specialized Expertise

A need for candidates with private equity experience and scaling expertise.

Time Sensitivity

A 90-day window to onboard a new CFO.

Cultural Alignment

Candidates needed to align with high-performance expectations and collaborative culture.

Outcomes

Qualified Candidates

Presented three exceptional candidates within 60 days.

Successful Placement

Hired a CFO with 15 years of private equity experience within 75 days.

Immediate Impact

Implemented financial systems, led due diligence for a strategic acquisition, and improved EBITDA margin by 15% within six months.

Key Takeaways

A structured, confidential search process is critical for minimizing operational disruptions and delivering top-tier executive talent in private equity-backed environments.