Welcome to Westgate's weekly note & home of the 90-Day Plan, downloaded by more than 9200 executives worldwide since December of 2020. 

~~~~~~~~~

The pathway to a CEO role for a portfolio company may be a logical next step in your career when you consider the structure of a private equity firm and its particular mandate and also meet the performance criteria. 

It’s a complicated asset class, certainly, but some similarities across private equity funds provide helpful context to understand what PE firms generally seek in a portfolio CEO.  

As a basic structure and construct, private equity firms generally invest in companies requiring help with financial and market growth. Many firms have an industry focus, and others diversify across sectors. I don’t believe you need to be a private equity expert to serve as a CEO in a private equity-backed company. 

Business is business, and companies need to remain liquid, serve their customers, and be profitable. 

Considering a CEO search in this asset class, private equity firms purchase (invest in) portfolio companies for several reasons. Some are to help the company prepare for a strategic sale, for an IPO (initial public offering), or to help it scale to the next level. 

Access to capital is a key reason firms seek the help of the PE firm, but that’s not all. Private equity firm leaders have lots of experience growing and supporting their portfolio companies and serve as advisors to those companies. Cross-portfolio collaboration also helps companies grow, scale, and manage risk. 

PE Portfolio Performance Profile (communication/behavioral style):

Private equity firms are interested in investing in portfolio companies with strong management teams. General managers and divisional presidents with strong performance profiles will be attractive to those firms. Knowing and articulating your strengths in your executive marketing collateral will help you build credibility and authority. 

Consider the performance profile of a high-performing leader taken from our inventory of profiles ...

Do you struggle to write the best message when emailing executive recruiters and board chairs?

The 90-Day Brand Offer

Grab the attention of the capital markets, other key investors, and your target market. Stand out and build your authority and thought leadership. 

Explore our 90-Day Brand program here.

Happy Easter, Ramadan Mubarak & Happy Passover!

The early spring is a favorite time. As part of my 2023 family photo project (spanning more than 6 decades), I found this photo this morning as I prepare Easter dinner for the family (there will be 10 of us today).

It is a photo of me (Maureen Farmer, left) and my sister (Sarah Thomas, right) taken at the White Point Beach Resort in Nova Scotia (CANADA) a long time ago. We had our four children there for a short spring break reprieve from busy work and school schedules. 

I remember this afternoon very well. The children were in the pool (there was a lifeguard) and Sarah and I slipped away for a refreshment and a giggle. 

I hope you're having a wonderful Sunday where ever you are.

Have an optimized week ahead! 

Maureen Farmer is a CEO advisor and personal branding strategist for next-level executives, investors, and board nominees. 

This e-letter is published weekly and you are receiving this because you have opted in or downloaded an asset from our website.

Westgate is a 100% independent professional services firm.

Westgate Executive Branding and Career Consulting Inc. would like to acknowledge that we are located in Mi'kma'ki, the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi'kmaq People. We are all Treaty people.