The most consequential post-investment decision a PE sponsor makes. We place exceptional chief executives into private capital-backed businesses across the UK and Europe, and deliver a qualified shortlist within 72 hours of brief.
Why this hire matters
CEO appointments define the trajectory of a PE investment. The wrong hire doesn’t just delay the value creation plan, it erodes it. Missed milestones, team departures, and a fractured sponsor-management relationship can compress the entire return profile.
We work exclusively within private capital environments. We also work with first-time private capital-backed CEOs, and where appropriate, we provide structured coaching and onboarding support to accelerate effectiveness from day one, because placing the right person is only the beginning.
What great looks like
Investor fluency
Understands sponsor structures, LP expectations, and hold period economics. Communicates transparently with the board and builds trust with investors quickly, not after the first difficult trading update.
Value creation track record
Has driven measurable transformation in a comparable business, through revenue growth, margin improvement, or successful M&A integration. Not just present during a growth period, but accountable for it.
Team builder
Attracts and retains talent above their own pay grade. Creates cultures of accountability without bureaucracy. Knows the difference between leadership and management, and practises both.
Commercial instinct
Reads markets, identifies growth vectors, and makes capital allocation decisions with clarity. Operates with urgency and conviction, even under board scrutiny.
HMN's approach
We focus exclusively on private capital
Every search we run is within a sponsor-backed environment. We know what works, what doesn’t, and how to run confidential searches while an incumbent CEO remains in post.
Our network is deep, not wide
We maintain genuine relationships with PE-calibre chief executives across the UK and Europe, built over years of operating exclusively in private capital. Our search motion is relationship-led and sector-specific, designed to surface candidates not visible on the open market.
We move at the pace the mandate demands
Shortlist delivered within 3–4 weeks. For urgent mandates, an initial qualified shortlist within 72 hours of brief. We also offer interim CEO placements for stabilisation periods or leadership transitions.
The process
1
Brief
We align on investment thesis, board dynamics, culture, and what success looks like at exit, going beyond the job description to understand the environment the CEO will inherit.
2
Search
We map the universe of PE-calibre CEOs with relevant sector, stage, and deal-type experience. We make discreet, direct approaches, including to candidates who are not actively looking.
3
Shortlist
We present 3–5 focused candidates with full assessments of PE fit, leadership style, and value creation track record. Delivered within 3–4 weeks, or 72 hours for urgent mandates.
4
Close
We support through offer, equity negotiation, and 90-day onboarding, including first-time private capital-backed CEO coaching where relevant, to protect the placement.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a CEO search typically take?
We deliver a qualified shortlist within 3–4 weeks of brief. End-to-end completion typically runs 8–14 weeks, depending on notice periods and board availability. For urgent situations, we can present an initial shortlist within 72 hours of brief.
Do you work with first-time private capital-backed CEOs?
Yes. Outstanding executives do not always come with prior PE experience, and we do not exclude them. Where a candidate is exceptional but new to sponsor-backed environments, we provide structured coaching and onboarding support, covering board dynamics, LP reporting, and the pace of PE governance, to set them up for success from day one.
Can you run a confidential search while the existing CEO is in post?
Yes, this is standard practice for us. We operate with full discretion across every stage, candidate approaches, assessments, and references are all handled confidentially. Your incumbent is not placed at risk.
Ready to start a CEO search?
What our clients say
“We needed a CEO who could operate at pace from day one — someone who understood the investor dynamic as well as the commercial opportunity. HMN Capital delivered a shortlist of three genuinely exceptional candidates within six weeks. The appointment has been transformational.”
Portfolio Director, European Mid-Market PE Fund
“Simon and the team took the time to understand our thesis before they started mapping the market. The result was a CEO with exactly the right blend of growth-stage experience and PE literacy. We wouldn't hesitate to use them again.”
Managing Partner, UK Growth Equity Fund