In the dynamic world of private equity, experienced leadership is essential for the success of portfolio companies. Whether in buy-and-build strategies, restructurings, or exit preparations – the right executives drive value creation, transformation, and sustainable growth.

Wirz & Partners brings extensive experience in filling key positions in PE-backed companies. We understand the specific requirements and challenges associated with private equity investments – and identify leaders who can think strategically and execute operationally.

Challenges of Executive Search in the PE Environment

Private equity investments bring new goals, new dynamics – and with them, new demands on management. Companies in transition or transformation phases need individuals who are ready to act immediately, work at high speed, and lead both investors and operational teams with confidence.

Typical challenges in PE-driven organizations include:

• Time-to-hire is critical – placements must be swift and precise

• Change-readiness is key – candidates need experience with rapid, fundamental change

• Navigating stakeholder complexity – balancing interests between management, advisory boards, and investors

• Value-oriented decision-making – combining strategic foresight with operational impact

• Shaping culture – establishing new leadership structures and team dynamics

Wirz & Partners anticipates these requirements early – and finds the people built for the task. Our executive search process focuses on professional excellence, leadership potential, entrepreneurial mindset, and cultural fit.

Our Focus: Leadership in PE-Driven Transformation

We support private equity firms and their portfolio companies in filling:

• C-level positions: CEOs, CFOs, COOs with experience in value-enhancing initiatives

• Leadership and expert roles: Specialists in finance, operations, transformation, sales, HR, and IT

• Advisory and supervisory board members: Strategic sparring partners with industry knowledge and PE experience

Our candidates stand out for their entrepreneurial thinking, readiness for change, and ability to succeed in demanding PE environments.

Setting the Benchmark: What We Learn from Top PE Firms

In the private equity world, speed, impact, and scalable sustainability are key. Many of our projects are aligned with the standards and expectations set by the world’s leading PE firms. These firms set the benchmark for processes, profiles, and leadership quality – shaping the broader mid-market and high-growth companies across Europe.

The world’s three leading private equity investors (as of 2025):

1. KKR

According to the PEI 300 (2025), the most active capital raiser globally, with over USD 117 billion raised between 2020 and 2024.¹

2. Blackstone Inc.

The largest asset manager in alternative investments, with over USD 1.13 trillion in assets under management – planning to invest USD 500 billion in Europe alone over the next ten years.²

3. EQT AB

Leading European PE firm with EUR 210 billion in assets under management and a strong focus on tech, sustainability, and governance.³

¹ EQT.com / PEI 300
² Bloomberg/Reuters, June 2025
³ EQT.com / PEI 300

These firms stand for sophisticated portfolio strategies, precise talent management, and structured growth – capabilities that are increasingly in demand in our mandates as well. We are familiar with the leadership profiles that have proven successful in the context of major private equity firms. And we apply this understanding to our clients’ unique situations – whether placing a CFO with scaling experience, a board member with an exit focus, or a CHRO to build international teams.

Executive Search as a Value Lever in the PE Cycle

The success of an investment depends heavily on the people involved – especially during critical phases such as repositioning, international expansion, or exit preparation. In the private equity context, executive search is far more than recruitment: it is a strategic tool for value creation. Leaders must not only bring deep expertise and a strong network, but also a solid understanding of financial investors’ dynamics.

Wirz & Partners acts as a sparring partner for both investors and portfolio companies. Our strength lies in quickly grasping business models, identifying the key success factors, and developing a requirement profile that goes beyond a résumé. This ensures that new executives can deliver immediate impact – while aligning culturally and strategically with the PE logic of the company.

Whether operational excellence in the mid-market or strategic scaling in international markets – we deliver impactful placements. In an environment where time pressure, performance expectations, and stakeholder interests converge, you need a partner who masters both speed and precision. That’s what we stand for.

Typical Requirements in the PE Context

Our experience shows that the required skills and leadership profiles vary significantly depending on the phase of the private equity investment. In PE environments, speed, adaptability, and entrepreneurial thinking are critical.

Common responsibilities and requirements for C-level and leadership roles include:

• CEO with a focus on post-merger integration and strategic repositioning

• CFO to establish exit readiness, financial engineering, and controlling structures

• CMO for brand positioning and market penetration in buy-and-build scenarios

• CHRO for organizational development, cultural transformation, and change processes

• Board Member with a deep understanding of PE goals and sparring ability at eye level

With our executive search approach, we identify individuals who can confidently take on these challenges – in complex, fast-paced, and demanding PE settings.

Why Clients Choose Wirz & Partners

• Industry-specific expertise – deep understanding of PE-driven business models

• Structured search process – efficient, transparent, and proven

• Discretion & confidentiality – sensitive handling of confidential projects

• Long-term fit – we think beyond the placement itself

• Exclusive network - Rather than posting open roles, we engage with high-potential executives directly – including those not actively seeking new opportunities.

Our strength: We bridge the language of investors, management, and operational teams – with sensitivity, speed, and a focus on results.