At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic professional services platform and drive significant growth through strategic acquisitions.
- Company: PE-backed firm focused on serving SME and mid-market clients across the UK.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonuses, and meaningful equity participation.
- Other info: Opportunity for first-time PE CEOs and a people-first culture.
- Why this job: Shape the future of a growing company while making impactful decisions.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in B2B professional services with M&A expertise.
The predicted salary is between 150000 - 200000 £ per year.
Board Equity has been retained to identify a CEO for a PE-backed, multi-office professional services platform serving SME and mid-market clients across the UK. Sub-£50m revenue. Meaningful equity. Clear exit horizon.
The opportunity includes full P&L ownership with equity participation, responsible for delivering a roughly two-fold increase in EBITDA over a three-year hold period through accelerated organic growth and selective bolt-on M&A. There will be a close partnership with an operationally experienced Chair and an engaged PE sponsor.
Who we're looking for:
- A proven operator from a people-intensive B2B professional services background — regulatory and risk advisory, accountancy and tax advisory, consulting, or adjacent consolidating sectors such as insurance broking, wealth management or legal services.
- Buy-and-build M&A experience — a track record of completing and integrating multiple acquisitions in a people-led business.
- Founder and partner retention — clear evidence of keeping key talent through the post-acquisition period.
- PE governance — comfortable hitting EBITDA targets within a disciplined reporting environment while sustaining a people-first culture.
- Consolidation proposition — the ability to build a story that makes target firms want to join, not just the ability to execute transactions.
Remuneration: Competitive base, performance bonus and meaningful equity in line with PE norms. First-time PE CEOs considered. All approaches treated in the strictest confidence.
Chief Executive Officer in London employer: PE-Backed Professional Services Platform
As a Chief Executive Officer at our PE-backed professional services platform, you will be part of a dynamic and growth-oriented environment that prioritises people and innovation. We offer competitive remuneration, meaningful equity participation, and the opportunity to lead a talented team while driving significant growth in a collaborative culture. Our commitment to employee development and a clear exit strategy makes this an exceptional opportunity for those looking to make a lasting impact in the professional services sector.
Contact Details:
PE-Backed Professional Services Platform Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Executive Officer in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry and let them know you're on the lookout for a CEO role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on opportunities that aren't even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by doing your homework. Understand the company’s culture, their recent M&A activities, and how they’ve been hitting their EBITDA targets. This will show you’re not just another candidate but someone who’s genuinely interested in their success.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t shy away from showcasing your buy-and-build M&A experience. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully integrated acquisitions and retained key talent. This is crucial for a people-intensive business!
✨Tip Number 4
Finally, apply through our website! We’ve got a range of exciting opportunities, and applying directly can give you a better chance of standing out. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative!
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Executive Officer in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the job description. Highlight your experience in B2B professional services and any M&A achievements you've had. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this CEO role. Share your vision for driving growth and retaining talent, and don’t forget to mention your experience with PE governance.
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your past roles, focus on quantifiable achievements. Did you increase EBITDA or successfully integrate acquisitions? We love numbers that tell a story about your impact in previous positions.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at PE-Backed Professional Services Platform
✨Know Your Numbers
As a CEO candidate, you need to be on top of the financials. Brush up on the company's revenue, EBITDA targets, and any recent M&A activity. Being able to discuss these figures confidently will show that you're serious about driving growth.
✨Showcase Your People Skills
This role is all about people, so be ready to share examples of how you've retained talent post-acquisition. Discuss your leadership style and how you foster a people-first culture, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Prepare Your Vision
Think about how you would approach the two-fold increase in EBITDA. Prepare a clear strategy that includes organic growth and potential acquisitions. Presenting a solid plan will demonstrate your readiness for the role and your understanding of the market.
✨Understand PE Dynamics
Familiarise yourself with private equity governance and reporting standards. Be prepared to discuss how you can meet EBITDA targets while maintaining a strong company culture. This knowledge will set you apart as a candidate who understands the unique challenges of a PE-backed environment.
