![Raj Kushwaha OP 21](https://www.peievents.com/en/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Raj-Kushwaha-OP-21.jpg)
International
Operating Partners Forum Napa 2024
June 13-14, 2024
The Meritage Resort and Spa, Napa
Accelerate future levers in value creation
In its fifth year in person on the West Coast, the Operating Partners Forum will return to Napa in 2025. Experience vast opportunities and activities to network with your value creation peers in a relaxed setting in Wine Country. Learn and share best practices with an elite group of PE value creation experts from the leading firms across all functional areas.
The new and expanded Forum will include 2.5 days for all functional specialists and generalists including a dedicated track focused on tech and digital value creation now running across both days of the event.
“As a serial CTO turned Operating Partner, I really enjoyed meeting and hearing from my peers who have had a similar career journey.”
David Rowley
Technology Operating Partner, Diversis Capital
Create the most operationally efficient portfolio companies
Hear first-hand perspectives on how to further develop your operational skill set.
Network with top value creators
Meet with the largest community of operational experts in one place over 2.5 days.
Learn key strategies for cross-portfolio initiatives
Find the right tools and knowledge to create value.
2024 agenda highlights
The 2024 agenda was carefully curated to feature all functional areas in value creation across 2 days; key highlights included:
- The rise and prominence of the operating partner in PE
- AI for value creation: practical use cases beyond the hype
- Uncovering how talent partners work cross functionally in an operating team to execute human capital strategies
- A full track focused on tech and digital value creation within the breakout series now running across both days of the event
- Accelerating cross-functional integrations for value creation
- Scaling product innovation – strategies for rapid growth
- Integrating commercial due diligence as a key element of your operational toolkit
- Finance in the current landscape: operating partners share challenges and opportunities
- And much more…
2024 speakers
![Raj Kushwaha OP 21](https://www.peievents.com/en/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Raj-Kushwaha-OP-21.jpg)
Meet the leading PE operating partner community:
2024 agenda
This year’s Forum features all functional areas of value creation across two days. The new and expanded agenda includes a full track on tech and digital value creation across both days of the event.
For more information about the upcoming program, please contact Marc Mele at marc.m@pei.group.
Agenda
Day 1 - Wednesday 12th
Operating Partners Napa Winery Tour and Lunch Trip (for operating partners only)
Venue: Inglenook Winery
This excursion, solely for the operating partners attending the Forum, will include a tour of the estate with tastings of their exquisite wines and lunch provided. There will be a shuttle departing at 11:30 am from the event venue, the Meritage Resort. Nestled in the heart of Napa Valley, Inglenook will provide a unique setting to network with your peers in a relaxed atmosphere.
Operating Partners Forum Napa Pre-Event Welcome Reception (for operating partners only)
Venue: VINEYARD DECK at the Meritage Resort & Spa
Join the operating partners community at our opening grand reception in Wine Country taking place on the hillside of the Meritage’s nine-acre vineyard. Enjoy spectacular vineyard views at sunset and expand your network with the brightest leaders in value creation while indulging in pre-function appetizers, aperitifs, & cocktails.
Operating Partners Forum Napa Welcome Dinner (for operating partners only)
Venue: ESTATE CAVE at the Meritage Resort & Spa
Join us as we welcome all the operating partners for a private dinner to facilitate networking before the conference at the venue’s one-of-a-kind Estate Cave. Increase your connections in a relaxed setting featuring a unique barrel-shaped ceiling illuminated by iron-wrought chandeliers.
Agenda
Day 2 - Thursday 13th
Registration and breakfast
Think tanks for full-time operating partners — value creation war rooms (for operating partners only)
These closed-door discussions led by your peers will allow you to learn and share best practices of successful operating partners. The think tanks will also allow you to submit topics to be introduced by the facilitators and discussed in the room. Please select one of the rooms by functional area:
Room 1: Tech and Digital Operating Partners
Facilitators:
Patrick Mizer, Portfolio CTO, Blue Star Innovation Partners
Milo Sprague, Chief Technology Advisor, FTV Capital
Room 2: Human Capital/Talent Operating Partners
Facilitators:
Brian Kasser, Talent Partner, Welsh, Carson, Anderson & Stowe
Room 3: GTM, Sales and Revenue Growth Operating Partners
Facilitators:
Irene LaCota, Senior Director, Marketing Excellence, The Riverside Company
Daniel Perry, Director, Sales and Commercial Excellence, Parthenon Capital
Room 4: Finance Operating Partners
Facilitator:
Brian Regan, Managing Director and CFO, Spectrum Equity
![Mizer, Patrick, PFC, DC, 24, CROPPED A speaker photo for Patrick Mizer](https://www.peievents.com/en/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Mizer-Patrick-PFC-DC-24-CROPPED-1.jpg)
![Sprague A speaker photo for Milo Sprague](https://www.peievents.com/en/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Sprague.png)
![Brian Kasser A speaker photo for Brian Kasser](https://www.peievents.com/en/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Brian-Kasser.jpg)
![La Cota, Irene, OP, NAPA, 24, CROPPED A speaker photo for Irene LaCota](https://www.peievents.com/en/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/La-Cota-Irene-OP-NAPA-24-CROPPED.jpg)
![Daniel Perry OPNY'23 A speaker photo for Daniel Perry](https://www.peievents.com/en/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Daniel-Perry-OPNY23.jpg)
![Brian Regan OPTech20 A speaker photo for Brian Regan](https://www.peievents.com/en/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Brian-Regan-OPTech20.jpg)
PEI’s welcome and chairman’s opening remarks
Chairman:
Tim Sanders, Vice President of Client Strategy, Upwork
![Tim Sanders OPHC'21 Tim Sanders, Upwork](https://www.peievents.com/en/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Tim-Sanders-OPHC21.jpg)
The rise and prominence of the operating partner in PE
- Sharing examples of how operating partners are more and more creators of alpha in the current macro climate
- What are common misconceptions you hear around the value that operating partners bring to PE?
- Uncovering how best to position yourself at your firms as operating partners: how do you show and quantify the value you bring? How do you get the most out of working with your investment teams?
- What will the position and prominence of operating partners look like in future in dissecting trends in PE?
- What should operating partners do and what shouldn’t they do in looking at the future?
Moderator:
Amy Daly, Americas Private Equity Consulting Leader, EY
Panelists:
Russell Findlay, Senior Executive Director and Operating Partner, H.I.G Capital
Prital Kadakia, General Partner, Serent Capital
Scott McKenzie, Operating Partner, Bain Capital
Achi Yaffe, Managing Director, Portfolio Operations, GI Partners
![Daly, Amy, OP, NAPA, 24, CROPPED A speaker photo for Amy Daly](https://www.peievents.com/en/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Daly-Amy-OP-NAPA-24-CROPPED-1.jpg)
![Findlay, Russell, OP, NAPA, 24, CROPPED A speaker photo for Russell Findlay](https://www.peievents.com/en/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Findlay-Russell-OP-NAPA-24-CROPPED.jpg)
![Kadakia, Prital, OP, NAPA, 24, CROPPED A speaker photo for Prital Kadakia](https://www.peievents.com/en/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Kadakia-Prital-OP-NAPA-24-CROPPED.jpg)
![Scott McKenzie A speaker photo for Scott McKenzie](https://www.peievents.com/en/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Scott-McKenzie.png)
![Achi Yaffe A speaker photo for Achi Yaffe](https://www.peievents.com/en/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Achi-Yaffe.jpg)
Value creation as a symphony: amplifying synergies and cross functional integrations
- As a functional specialist how do you best work with other functional areas tactically? Where do you find synergies and clashes?
- What does your operating team look like across functions? How does your function really add value?
- What tips can you share about establishing operating rhythms to accelerate cross functional integrations in different stages?
- What are the most prominent functional areas in value creation and where is your team looking to expand? How will AI and tech influence functions and functional models?
Moderator:
Sean Mooney, Founder and CEO, BluWave
Panelists:
Lisa Ames, Operating Executive, Marketing, Norwest Venture Partners
Angela Geffre, Head of Human Capital, GrowthCurve Capital
Casey Myers, Partner, Edison Edge, Edison Partners
Brian Regan, Managing Director and CFO, Spectrum Equity
Networking break
Finding the balance in value creation through enterprise value expansion: profitability, growth, and cash flow
- Maximize enterprise value by looking beyond cost-savings: new markets, cutting-edge products/solutions, and high-efficiencies to enable growth
- Understand how operating partners achieve the right balance to drive enterprise value within the hold period (post 100 days)
- Dive into examples of how cost-savings can be effectively reinvested to fuel business growth and further increase enterprise value
- Uncover organizational best practices in the current environment to accelerate growth and achieve higher profitability and cash flow
Moderator:
Giuseppe Gasparro, Partner and Managing Director, AlixPartners
Panelists:
Bala Ganesan, Managing Director, Oaktree Capital Management
Sonal Singla, Senior Operating Advisor, Hellman & Friedman
Chris Westington, Director of Portfolio Management and Value Creation, BCI
Ellen Williams, Vice President, Growth Acceleration Group, General Atlantic
![Gasparro, Giuseppe, OP, NAPA, 24, CROPPED A speaker photo for Giuseppe Gasparro](https://www.peievents.com/en/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Gasparro-Giuseppe-OP-NAPA-24-CROPPED.jpg)
![Bala Ganesan OPNY'21 A speaker photo for Bala Ganesan](https://www.peievents.com/en/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Bala-Ganesan-OPNY21-scaled.jpg)
![Singla, Sonal, OP, NAPA, 24, CROPPED A speaker photo for Sonal Singla](https://www.peievents.com/en/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Singla-Sonal-OP-NAPA-24-CROPPED.jpg)
![Chris Westington A speaker photo for Chris Westington](https://www.peievents.com/en/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Chris-Westington.jpeg)
![Williams, Ellen, OP, NAPA, 24, CROPPED A speaker photo for Ellen Williams](https://www.peievents.com/en/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Williams-Ellen-OP-NAPA-24-CROPPED.jpg)
The AI boom in PE: practical use cases for value creation from due diligence to the first 500 days
- Learn how AI is changing the face of PE with use cases from investment risk management in due diligence to applications in the first year
- How are you applying AI to make better decisions for your PE firm and your portfolio companies?
- Understand the financial side of the AI boom in looking at business implications, prioritization, opportunities, and costs
Moderator:
Jeffrey Klein, Managing Director, Private Equity Performance Improvement, Alvarez & Marsal
Panelists:
Sajjad Jaffer, Head of Data, Analytics and Machine Learning, GrowthCurve Capital
Raj Kushwaha, Co-Head of Value Creation and Chief Digital Officer, Warburg Pincus
Jeffrey Malcolm, Value Accelerator Operating Advisor, Technology, Goldman Sachs Asset Management
Gary Survis, Operating Partner, Insight Partners
Coffee break
Interactive Working Group 1 (for operating partners only) — Integrating commercial due diligence in your operational playbooks
This deep dive discussion designed solely for operating partners will allow the audience to join an interactive and dynamic discussion with designated facilitators.
- Understanding pricing, GTM, and market research as an opportunity in diligence
- How do you go about scrutinizing commercial data in the due diligence phase?
- How do you uncover what works and what doesn’t commercially for the business? How do you go about choosing and prioritizing your initial commercial projects/tasks?
- How do you build success in selecting the right sales talent and understanding which gaps need to be filled?
- How do you achieve alignment with the management team to deliver the commercial value creation plan?
Facilitators:
Beth Dresdale, Principal, Head of Value Creation, Martis Capital
Tim Foster, Managing Director, Investor Group Services (IGS)
Interactive Working Group 2 (for operating partners only) — Workforce compensation challenges and opportunities: uncovering trends beyond executive comp
This deep dive discussion designed solely for operating partners will allow the audience to join an interactive and dynamic discussion with designated facilitators.
- How are companies handling equity and the distribution of equity across different levels?
- How do you best deal with executive compensation, negotiations, and requests?
- How effectively are you doing comp benchmarking up and down the ranks?
- How are you incentivizing employees across the different levels to retain them in this environment?
- How are you handling inflationary pressures and challenges tied to compensation?
Facilitator:
Melissa Grim, Partner and Chair, Executive Compensation & Benefits Practice Group, Benesch Friedlander Coplan & Aronoff
![Grim, Melissa, OP, NAPA, 24, CROPPED A speaker photo for Melissa Grim](https://www.peievents.com/en/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Grim-Melissa-OP-NAPA-24-CROPPED.jpg)
Interactive Working Group 3 (for operating partners only) — CFO-Operating Partner dynamics: alignment, support, retainment, and development
This deep dive discussion designed solely for operating partners will allow the audience to join an interactive and dynamic discussion with designated facilitators.
- What makes a great portfolio company CFO? How do you go about selecting the right CFO?
- What are the causes associated with CFO turnover and what are you doing to retain CFOs?
- How do you handle tensions with your CFOs and finance departments?
- How do you incentivize, assess, and develop your CFOs across the lifecycle?
- What is top of mind for your CFOs? How is the role of the CFO changing and evolving?
- Showcasing different skills and traits needed for CFOs in different sectors/industries
Facilitators:
Barclay Stanton, Managing Director, Los Angeles Office Lead, Accordion
![Stanton, Barclay, OP, NAPA, 24, CROPPED A speaker photo for Barclay Stanton](https://www.peievents.com/en/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Stanton-Barclay-OP-NAPA-24-CROPPED.jpg)
Tech and Digital Value Creation Working Group 4 (for operating partners only) — Building a culture of innovation at your portfolio companies
This deep dive discussion designed solely for tech operating partners will allow the audience to join an interactive and dynamic discussion with designated facilitators.
- Best practice in driving innovation through people: equipping management teams to create an innovative and entrepreneurial environment
- Making best use of digital innovation, technology and tools to deliver value
- How do you approach modernizing legacy technologies
- Sharing lessons learned from delivering innovation in a downturn
- How do you prevent and overcome obstacles and roadblocks to innovation?
- With an eye to the future how are you building a culture for AI? What is needed to push it forward within your workforces?
Facilitator:
Srinivasa Bhaskara, CTO, Nagarro
![Bhaskara, Srinivasa, OP, NAPA, 24, CROPPED A speaker photo for Srinivasa Bhaskara](https://www.peievents.com/en/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Bhaskara-Srinivasa-OP-NAPA-24-CROPPED.jpg)
Networking lunch
Women in PE and VC portfolio operations lunch discussion (invitation-only for operating partners)
This closed-door lunch discussion will explore what it’s like being a woman in PE and VC portfolio operations.
- Sharing challenges, tips, and strategies for your career paths as women operating partners
- Building credibility and trust with the deal teams and management teams – what are some ways you’ve found success in doing that?
- What are some of the strengths women have that make you uniquely positioned to excel in this space? What are some of the challenges we should be mindful of and how have you tackled these obstacles?
- What does effective networking look like? What are the types of networking opportunities you think are most important/impactful for women to be aware of?
- How have you leveraged the relationships you’ve built within your core professional network to expand beyond your firm’s reach? What role does mentorship play
Facilitators:
Hannah Arnold, President, CEO, Resilere Partners
Danielle Jezienicki, Impact and ESG Advisor, GroundForce Capital
Avra Schaaf, Principal, Head of Value Creation, Lead Edge Capital
Track 1 Operating Partner-Chief Revenue Officer dynamics
- How do you hire a good CRO? What do you look for in a CRO?
- How do operating partners work best with portfolio company CROs?
- How can you best support them? How do you drive commercial initiatives in tandem with CROs?
- How do you organize sales teams, hires, accounts, and customer renewal/retention policies with your CROs?
Moderator:
Tindall Hein, Partner, ON Partners
Panelists:
Jerry Hughes, Director, Commercial Excellence, American Securities
Daniel Perry, Director, Sales and Commercial Excellence, Parthenon Capital
Paul Stansik, Partner, ParkerGale Capital
Drew Zarges, Vice President, Portfolio Operations, Commercial, Platinum Equity
![Hein, Tindall, OP, NAPA, 24, CROPPED A speaker photo for Tindall Hein](https://www.peievents.com/en/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Hein-Tindall-OP-NAPA-24-CROPPED.jpg)
![Hughes Jerry OPNY '20 A speaker photo for Jerry Hughes](https://www.peievents.com/en/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Hughes_-Jerry-OPNY-20.png)
![Daniel Perry OPNY'23 A speaker photo for Daniel Perry](https://www.peievents.com/en/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Daniel-Perry-OPNY23.jpg)
![Paul Stansik Cropped A speaker photo for Paul Stansik](https://www.peievents.com/en/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/paul-stansik-cropped.png)
![Zarges, Drew, OP, NAPA, 24, CROPPED A speaker photo for Drew Zarges](https://www.peievents.com/en/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Zarges-Drew-OP-NAPA-24-CROPPED.jpg)
Track 2 Leveraging the human capital function as a key asset of your value creation team
- How do talent partners work best and engage cross functionally in a value creation team?
- An inside look at the execution of various talent strategies intersecting with other functions
- Comparing roles and responsibilities of human capital operating partners at different firms
- Understanding what matters and what can be improved though the lens of the human capital operating partner
- How are you making the talent function be seen as must-have in driving value creation in this environment?
Moderator:
Mark Sinatra, CEO, Aspen HR
Panelists:
Elizabeth Blake, Operations Vice President, Human Capital, Trive Capital
Andy Caine, COO and Partner, Head of CoE Team, Frazier Healthcare Partners
Ben Holzemer, Partner, Global Head of Human Capital, TPG Global
Katie Solomon, Managing Director, Talent Management, Genstar Capital
![Sinatra, Mark, OP, NAPA, 24, CROPPED A speaker photo for Mark Sinatra](https://www.peievents.com/en/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Sinatra-Mark-OP-NAPA-24-CROPPED-1.jpg)
![Blake, Elizabeth, OP, NAPA, 24, CROPPED A speaker photo for Elizabeth Blake](https://www.peievents.com/en/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Blake-Elizabeth-OP-NAPA-24-CROPPED.jpg)
![Caine, Andy RIFSF23 CROPPED A speaker photo for Andy Caine](https://www.peievents.com/en/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Caine-Andy-RIFSF23-CROPPED.png)
![Ben Holzemer Of TPG A speaker photo for Ben Holzemer](https://www.peievents.com/en/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Ben-Holzemer.jpeg)
![Katie Solomon OPHC 21 Katie Solomon, Genstar Capital](https://www.peievents.com/en/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Katie-Solomon-OPHC-21-.jpg)
Track 3 Tech and Digital Room: Cyber-attacks, AI, SEC regulations and geopolitics – a perfect storm driving security transformation in PE portfolio companies
- What is the state of cyber-attacks at PE backed companies?
- Why is AI both a risk and opportunity for the cyber security industry and PE?
- Is increasing regulation on cyber breach disclosure a sign of things to come?
- How geopolitics and economic stability (or lack thereof) impact the cyber threats?
- How can the right cyber security framework, technology and architecture protect PE portcos from attack vectors?
Moderator:
Akshay Grover, Managing Director, Global Private Equity Practice, Zscaler
Panelists:
Matt Hollcraft, Operating Partner – Technology and Cyber, H.I.G. Capital
Iggy Javellana, Operations Executive, Cerberus Capital Management
Miten Marvania, Managing Director, Business Services Platforms, Blue Owl Capital
Jeff Montgomery, Operations Vice President, Cybersecurity, Trive Capital
![Grover, Akshay OPEU24 CROPPED A speaker photo for Akshay Grover](https://www.peievents.com/en/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Grover-Akshay-OPEU24-CROPPED.png)
![Matt Hollcraft A speaker photo for Matt Hollcraft](https://www.peievents.com/en/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Matt-Hollcraft-scaled.jpeg)
![Iggy Javellana Cropped A speaker photo for Iggy Javellana](https://www.peievents.com/en/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/iggy-javellana-cropped.png)
![Miten Marvania Cropped A speaker photo for Miten Marvania](https://www.peievents.com/en/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/miten-marvania-cropped.png)
![Montgomery, Jeff, OP, NAPA, 24, CROPPED A speaker photo for Jeff Montgomery](https://www.peievents.com/en/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Montgomery-Jeff-OP-NAPA-24-CROPPED.jpg)
Track 4 Product modernization as a unique value creation lever for legacy tech assets
- Operating partners share war stories in working with portcos to modernize legacy products
- How do you best work with and support your Chief Product Officers to deliver innovation and drive outcomes?
- How do you align your product strategy with your value creation strategy across the lifecycle to deliver growth?
- Dissecting the anatomy of product roadmaps: from innovation to GTM acceleration and execution
Moderator:
Punit Kulkarni, Global Private Equity Leader, Persistent
Panelists:
Alex Bello, Director, Product and Technology Strategy, EQT Group
Ben Johnson, Managing Director, Product Management, LLR Partners
David Rowley, Technology Operating Partner, Diversis Capital
Chris Satchell, Managing Director Technology and Digital, Clayton Dubilier & Rice
![Punit Kulkarni OPWG'22 A speaker photo for Punit Kulkarni](https://www.peievents.com/en/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Punit-Kulkarni-OPWG22-1.jpg)
![Created With GIMP A speaker photo for Alex Bello](https://www.peievents.com/en/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Bello-Alex-OP-NY-24-CROPPED-1.jpg)
![Johnson, Ben, OP, NAPA, 24, CROPPED A speaker photo for Ben Johnson](https://www.peievents.com/en/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Johnson-Ben-OP-NAPA-24-CROPPED.jpg)
![Satchell, Chris OPNY'23 CROPPED A speaker photo for Chris Satchell](https://www.peievents.com/en/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Satchell-Chris-OPNY23-CROPPED.png)
![David Rowley A speaker photo for David Rowley](https://www.peievents.com/en/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/David-Rowley.jpeg)
Track 5 Recruiting key roles in tech talent at the executive level and beyond
- Best practices in recruiting tech executive leadership and cyber executives (CISOs, CTOs), and product executives
- How is the demand for tech talent shifting/evolving? What are the biggest challenges when it comes to finding and onboarding tech talent?
- What newly created digital roles have you created at your companies? What tech skill sets will be required in the future?
- How is AI influencing and going to influence tech roles needed today and in future?
- What types of executives are needed to deliver tech transformations, build AI capabilities, and unlock emerging technologies?
Moderator:
Ned Lanphier, Partner, Riviera Partners
Panelists:
Lauren Ipsen, Talent Partner, Decibel VC
Sam Jakola, Operating Partner, Head of Talent, Craft Ventures
Jessica Nisenbaum, Operating Advisor, Pennant Equity Partners
Eli Potter, CIO as a Service, Insight Partners
![Lanphier, Ned, OP, NAPA, 24, CROPPED A speaker photo for Ned Lanphier](https://www.peievents.com/en/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Lanphier-Ned-OP-NAPA-24-CROPPED.jpg)
![Ipsen, Lauren, OP, NAPA, 24, CROPPED A speaker photo for Lauren Ipsen](https://www.peievents.com/en/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Ipsen-Lauren-OP-NAPA-24-CROPPED.jpg)
![Jakola, Sam, OP, NAPA, 24, CROPPED A speaker photo for Sam Jakola](https://www.peievents.com/en/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Jakola-Sam-OP-NAPA-24-CROPPED.jpg)
![Nisenbaum, Jessica, OP, NAPA, 24, CROPPED A speaker photo for Jessica Nisenbaum](https://www.peievents.com/en/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Nisenbaum-Jessica-OP-NAPA-24-CROPPED.jpg)
![CREATOR: Gd Jpeg V1.0 (using IJG JPEG V80), Quality = 82 A speaker photo for Eli Potter](https://www.peievents.com/en/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Eli-Potter-OPSF22.jpeg)
Track 6 Tech and Digital Room: Unlocking the power of data science and advanced analytics in value creation
- How are you working with management teams to adopt analytics and data science? Are you working with data scientists?
- Establishing and comparing data first playbooks for private equity portfolio operations
- How are you accelerating value creation through data science across the lifecycle?
- Sharing differences and similarities in applying data science in different sectors
- Grasping the advantages of moving to a more modern data architecture
Moderator:
Andrew Nolan, Partner, PwC
Panelists:
Sebastien Bilodeau, President, Cerberus Technology Solutions, Cerberus Capital Management
Sajjad Jaffer, Head of Data, Analytics and Machine Learning, GrowthCurve Capital
Torben Thurow, Head of Data Analytics, Dunes Point Capital
Coffee break
Track 7 Innovative commercial design and strategy: new levers to scale up post a period of depressed growth
- Diversifying your growth strategies with non-traditional sales-assisted models and an efficient growth stack
- Monetizing new recurring revenue streams across usage/consumption, PLG, channel/ecosystems, and direct sales
- Perfecting the price lift, plus pitfalls to avoid
- Monetizing new AI solutions vs just using AI to drive efficiency
- Integrating quote-to-revenue processes for exit readiness with increased visibility into quality of revenue
Moderator:
Michael Belkin, Director, Private Equity Partnerships and Global Alliances, Zuora
Panelists:
AJ Gandhi, Chief Growth Officer, Marlin Equity Partners
Josh Gold, Senior Operating Executive, Hellman & Friedman
Drew Kiran, Practice Director – Go To Market, K1 Investment Management
Track 8 Procurement transformation in high growth environments: cultural and execution success factors
- Bending the cost curve to expand margin through third party cost
- Generating cost consciousness across the organization
- Getting the most from your CPO & effective sponsorship
- Selling the change to the business
- Building scalable partnerships for growth
- Understanding gross margin in Saas & Cloud
Moderator:
Fabian Bodoky, Director, Efficio
Panelists:
Raz Khan, Principal, Permira
Jana Wayne, Managing Director, Head of Procurement, Hunter Point Capital
Track 9 Tech and Digital Room: Advancing tech and digital value creation initiatives with your management teams
- Understand how to think through the lens of a CFO, CTO, and CEO as a PE tech leader
- Learn techniques on how to drive a digital agenda to deliver accelerated returns
- How is the C-suite evolving to deliver digital value creation? How do sectors differ?
- Uncover tech and digital roadmaps and what is needed in different stages of the lifecycle: how do you get it done
Moderator:
Vish Narayanan , Partner, McKinsey & Company
Panelists:
Kate Ju, Vice President, Value Accelerator, Goldman Sachs Asset Management
Raj Kushwaha, Co-Head of Value Creation and Chief Digital Officer, Warburg Pincus
Anish Sharan, Head of Digital Transformation, Pritzker Private Capital
Carsten Weber, Principal, Highview Capital
![Narayanan, Vish, OP, NAPA, 24, CROPPED A speaker photo for Vish Narayanan](https://www.peievents.com/en/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Narayanan-Vish-OP-NAPA-24-CROPPED.jpg)
![Kate Ju Cropped A speaker photo for Kate Ju](https://www.peievents.com/en/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/kate-ju-cropped.png)
![Raj Kushwaha OP 21 A speaker photo for Raj Kushwaha](https://www.peievents.com/en/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Raj-Kushwaha-OP-21.jpg)
Raj Kushwaha
Managing Director & Partner, Co-Head Value Creation and Chief Digital Officer, Warburg Pincus
Read bio![Anish Sharan A speaker photo for Anish Sharan](https://www.peievents.com/en/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Anish-Sharan.jpg)
![Carsten Weber OPSF'22 A speaker photo for Carsten Weber](https://www.peievents.com/en/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Carsten-Weber-OPSF22.jpg)
Track 10 Portfolio company perspectives: unlocking the supply chain to maximize return
- Capturing multi-modal opportunity throughout the supply chain
- Supporting operating needs while achieve data standards
- Improving service while reducing cost with footprint optimization
- Taking a critical lens to recovery and cost-to-serve
Moderator:
Tony Totta, Executive Vice President, eShipping
Panelists:
Greg Gladstone, President and Chief Commercial Officer, FloWorks
Dave Kippola, Vice President of Operations, Trimlite
Track 11 Building and developing high performing teams
- How to build a high-performance team looking at complementary skills, experiences, technical aspects, and personality traits
- Understanding the importance of diversity of thought to spark creative and nonhomogeneous ways of thinking
- How do you measure the right skillsets and metrics to create impact, drive cohesion, and avoid discrepancies?
- How are you filling specific roles or delivering projects based on less tangible skills?
- Comparing and contrasting team structures at your portcos: operating partners share what works and what doesn’t to drive the value creation plan
- Dissecting the psychology of effective teams in looking at journey, purpose, positions, communication, and leadership
- Developing and improving future workforces in looking at tomorrow’s new talent
- What do future stars want?
Moderator:
Rory Gaston, Group Managing Director, Saragossa
Panelists:
Michael Kingston, Managing Director, Portfolio CIO Americas, The Carlyle Group
Karina Sobieski, Managing Director, Human Capital, Clearlake Capital Group
Coffee break
Interactive Working Group 5 (for operating partners only) — Advanced pricing strategies as a key commercial enabler in your value creation plan
This deep dive discussion designed solely for operating partners will allow the audience to join an interactive and dynamic discussion with designated facilitators.
- Navigating and beating inflation: operating partner war stories
- What factors do you consider when determining the optimal pricing model and pricing levels?
- How are you looking at pricing with an eye to the future and a shifting economy?
Facilitators:
William Humsi, Partner, Simon-Kucher & Partners
Alexis Underwood, Managing Director, Wynnchurch Capital
Interactive Working Group 6 (for operating partners only) — Talent recruitment and retention in the current marketplace: sharing tricks of the trade
This deep dive discussion designed solely for operating partners will allow the audience to join an interactive and dynamic discussion with designated facilitators.
- What are you doing at your companies to recruit and retain execs and next level down in companies in the current market?
- What incentives work best in this environment? How do you ensure that key employees are retained throughout the holding period?
- What challenges have you faced in terms of talent retention and how have you addressed those?
- Leveraging search firms beyond linear ways — how do you drive and improve performance from search firms?
Facilitators:
Dina DeMarco, Division President – Private Equity Talent Solutions, Hueman
Melanie Williams, Head of Talent Acquisition, AlpineX Group
Interactive Working Group 7 (for operating partners only) —Unifying your tech stack to improve EBITDA, cash flow, and cut costs
This deep dive discussion designed solely for operating partners will allow the audience to join an interactive and dynamic discussion with designated facilitators.
- Streamlining and automating your business/finance processes to increase profitability and cash flow
- Discussing tools that directly support DSO improvement and cash forecasting
- Unifying applications to cut costs, time, and improve efficiency
- Managing and aligning your tech stack with ERP integrations
- Operating partners share war stories in prioritizing profitability and reducing complexity
Facilitators:
Tucker Moon, Operating Vice President, Accel-KKR
Chad Wonderling, Chief Financial Officer, Zone & Co
Tech and Digital Value Creation Working Group 8 (for operating partners only) — Cybersecurity operating partner workshop: practitioner’s perspectives
This deep dive discussion designed solely for tech operating partners will allow the audience to join an interactive and dynamic discussion with designated facilitators.
- Talking through a live ransomware incident – where to start? Who do you bring in?
- How do you pivot during the inevitable twists & turns? How do you turn chaos & crisis into an opportunity?
- Real outcomes & lessons learned: how can you safeguard & elevate your cyber resilience strategy?
Facilitators:
Sean Curran, Co-Founder and Managing Partner, ENDUIR Cyber
Michael Picton, Co-Founder and Managing Partner, ENDUIR Cyber
Networking and cocktail reception
Venue: EVENT LAWN at the Meritage Resort & Spa
The Meritage’s grandest event venue, the sprawling Event Lawn will provide a delightful setting at the end of the first day for you to chat and hear what is on everyone’s mind after a full day of valuable insights.
Agenda
Day 3 - Friday 14th
Registration and breakfast
Deep dive breakfast discussion 1 (for operating partners only) — The role of the operating partner: delivering value creation in today’s macro climate
This breakfast deep dive discussion designed solely for operating partners will allow you to join an interactive discussion with designated facilitators.
- Comparing models: what makes a great operating partner/value creation team?
- How do you effectively engage with your portfolio companies to achieve alignment and delivery of the value creation plan
- Uncovering where successful operating partners focus their attention, value creation team processes, and how to deploy an operating team
- Bridging the gap between the investment teams’ thesis and what actually happens in reality
- Unlocking the healthy interplay between operating partners and management teams to make them more effective
- Sharing war stories across different sectors: dos and don’ts in key phases of the lifecycle
Facilitator:
William Bundy, Partner, McKinsey & Company
![Bundy, William OPEU24 CROPPED A speaker photo for William Bundy](https://www.peievents.com/en/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Bundy-William-OPEU24-CROPPED.png)
Deep dive breakfast discussion 2 (for operating partners only) — Operating Partner-deal team dynamics: sharing lessons learned
This breakfast deep dive discussion designed solely for operating partners will allow you to join an interactive discussion with designated facilitators.
- Operating partners share dos, don’ts and valuable experiences in working with deal teams across the lifecycle
- What does your deal team want and expect from you? How do you showcase value?
- How to build trust and grow your relationship with deal teams: what does a successful partnership look like?
- How are you handling value creation ownership in sitting between the deal team and the management team as an operating partner
Facilitators:
David Van Wert, Partner, RSM
Daniel Heidenreich, Director, Private Equity, RSM
Deep dive breakfast discussion 3 (for operating partners only) — AI morning workshop: operating partners share tactical use cases
This breakfast deep dive discussion designed solely for tech and digital operating partners will allow the audience to join an interactive discussion with designated facilitators.
- How to be realistic when it comes to AI opportunities and implementation
- How are you working with your management teams and with your PE firm on the adoption of AI? How are you handling pushback? What is the biggest barrier towards adopting generative AI across portfolio companies?
- How do you build a business case for deploying AI, considering it’s a new approach?
- Sharing real life use cases: how are your investments in AI aligned with your value creation and business strategy?
- AI in private equity: what comes next?
Facilitators:
Yale Kwon, Partner, AlixPartners
Hoyoung Pak, Partner and Managing Director, AlixPartners
Saurabh Singh, Partner, AlixPartners
Think tanks for full-time operating partners — value creation war rooms (for operating partners only)
Invitation-only think tanks for full-time PE and VC operating partners. These closed-door discussions led by your peers will allow you to learn and share value creation strategies of successful operating partners. Please select one of the rooms:
Room 1: Heads of Value Creation Teams
Facilitators:
Raj Kushwaha, Co-Head of Value Creation and Chief Digital Officer, Warburg Pincus
Casey Myers, Partner, Edison Edge, Edison Partners
Room 2: Operating Partners
Facilitators:
Billy Hegeman, Operating Advisor, Norwest Equity Partners
Michael Monagle, Principal, Portfolio Operations, Providence Equity Partners
![Raj Kushwaha OP 21 A speaker photo for Raj Kushwaha](https://www.peievents.com/en/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Raj-Kushwaha-OP-21.jpg)
Raj Kushwaha
Managing Director & Partner, Co-Head Value Creation and Chief Digital Officer, Warburg Pincus
Read bio![Casey Myers OPNY'23 A speaker photo for Casey Myers](https://www.peievents.com/en/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Casey-Myers-OPNY23-1.jpg)
![Hegeman, Billy, OPNAPA, 24, CROPPED A speaker photo for Billy Hegeman](https://www.peievents.com/en/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Hegeman-Billy-OPNAPA-24-CROPPED.jpg)
![Mike Monagle OPNY'22 A speaker photo for Michael Monagle](https://www.peievents.com/en/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Mike-Monagle-OPNY22.jpg)
Chairman’s welcome
Tim Sanders, Vice President of Client Strategy, Upwork
![Tim Sanders OPHC'21 Tim Sanders, Upwork](https://www.peievents.com/en/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Tim-Sanders-OPHC21.jpg)
Heads of value creation perspectives: uncovering what your operating team leaders need from you
- How large is your team? How did you build out your operating team and is your team still growing?
- How do you organize and incentivize your operating team?
- What makes a great operating partner? What do you value most in your operating team?
- How do you develop your operating partner team members? How do you support them when ready for the next step? How are you looking at the next generation of operating partners?
- Which functional or sector area of expertise is your team heavily focused on and looking to expand on? What types of backgrounds/skill sets do you look for in onboarding operating partners?
- How does your operating team add value overall? How do you quantify it?
- Sharing dos and don’ts as a value creation team leader in different phases of the lifecycle
Moderator:
Ryan Jones, Private Equity Leader, Deloitte Consulting
Panelists:
Cory Eaves, Partner and Head of Portfolio Operations, BayPine
Jim Murphy, Senior Managing Director, Value Creation, LLR Partners
Ed Richards, Chief Operating Officer, Head of Portfolio Operations, Marlin Equity Partners
Kyle Roemer, Managing Director, Head of Catalyst Group, Incline Equity Partners
![Ryan Jones OPNY'22 A speaker photo for Ryan Jones](https://www.peievents.com/en/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Ryan-Jones-OPNY22.jpg)
![Cory Eaves Cropped A speaker photo for Cory A. Eaves](https://www.peievents.com/en/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/cory-eaves-cropped.png)
![Jim Murphy OPNY'23 A speaker photo for Jim Murphy](https://www.peievents.com/en/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Jim-Murphy-OPNY23.jpg)
![Richards, Ed, OP, NAPA, 24, CROPPED A speaker photo for Ed Richards](https://www.peievents.com/en/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Richards-Ed-OP-NAPA-24-CROPPED.jpg)
![Kyle Roemer OPHC'22 A speaker photo for Kyle Roemer](https://www.peievents.com/en/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Kyle-Roemer-OPHC22-scaled.jpg)
Value creation accelerator: roadmaps from due diligence to the first 12-15 months
- How can operating partners play a greater role in due diligence? Which functional areas are you focusing on in due diligence?
- Showcasing operating partner dos and don’ts in diligence in working with your investment team as well as the leadership team
- How can the due diligence phase allow you to accelerate your value creation journey and the entire lifecycle?
- What data are you scrutinizing to identify early warning signs of needed performance or operational improvement?
- What does successful onboarding for your companies look like through the lens of the operating partner and through the lens of the portco?
- How do you ensure alignment with your portco management teams in the first 100 days and beyond?
- What are the most important levers you pull in the first 12-15 months?
Moderator:
Adam Pollak, Americas Regional Head, KPMG Elevate, KPMG International
Panelists:
Chioma Achebe, Principal, The Carlyle Group
Ignacio Giraldo, Partner, TPG
Tony La Rosa, Managing Director, Technology and O.P.S., Clearlake Capital Group
Ellen Williams, Vice President, Growth Acceleration Group, General Atlantic
![Adam Pollak Cropped A speaker photo for Adam L. Pollak](https://www.peievents.com/en/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/adam-pollak-cropped-e1723472862268.png)
![Achebe, Chioma, OPNAPA24, CROPPED A speaker photo for Chioma Achebe](https://www.peievents.com/en/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Achebe-Chioma-OPNAPA24-CROPPED-1.jpg)
![Ignacio Giraldo A speaker photo for Ignacio Giraldo](https://www.peievents.com/en/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Ignacio-Giraldo.jpg)
![La Rosa, Tony, OP, NAPA, 24, CROPPED A speaker photo for Tony La Rosa](https://www.peievents.com/en/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/La-Rosa-Tony-OP-NAPA-24-CROPPED-1.jpg)
![Williams, Ellen, OP, NAPA, 24, CROPPED A speaker photo for Ellen Williams](https://www.peievents.com/en/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Williams-Ellen-OP-NAPA-24-CROPPED.jpg)
Networking break
LP views of the operating partner and value creation in PE
- LP views and expectations in looking at different operating partners models and how they are applied
- What could PE do better and what do LPs want to see? What should operating partners do when it comes to showcasing the value they provide?
- How do LPs diligence operating partners and value creation during their fund diligence, and how do LPs evaluate operating partners in steering their investments?
- Are LP views of operating partners and value creation influencing how PE firms utilize operating partners?
- How is the evolution of the operating partner role and value creation being perceived by LPs?
Moderator:
Matt Krna, Venture Partner, Alpha Partners
Panelists:
Chris Roth, Chief Investment Officer, 5T Wealth
Jamey Spencer, Managing Director and Portfolio Manager, Hall Capital Partners
Seth Wong, Vice President, GIC
Management team performance and assessments across the investment lifecycle
- How do you set the right expectation for management teams and ensure you have the right fit?
- Grasping how to make quality executive hirings at the right time: there can be a ripple effect when not done right multiple years down the road
- What criteria do you evaluate your CEOs on? How do you do it?
- How are you considering and assessing your tech leaders (CIOs/CTOs) as key roles?
- How are you tracking performance throughout the lifecycle to ensure alignment with the VCP?
- Sharing CFO/CEOs scorecards: determining the right leadership capabilities for current times
Moderator:
Rory Gaston, Group Managing Director, Saragossa
Panelists:
Beth Dresdale, Principal, Head of Value Creation, Martis Capital
Russell Findlay, Senior Executive Director and Operating Partner, H.I.G Capital
Mark Papp, Tide Rock YieldCo President, Tide Rock
Eric Wilson, Principal, Portfolio Operations, NextGen Growth Partners
![Gaston, Rory OPEU24 NEW CROPPED A speaker photo for Rory Gaston](https://www.peievents.com/en/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Gaston-Rory-OPEU24-NEW-CROPPED.png)
![Dresdale, Beth, OP, NAPA, 24, CROPPED A speaker photo for Beth Dresdale](https://www.peievents.com/en/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Dresdale-Beth-OP-NAPA-24-CROPPED.jpg)
![Findlay, Russell, OP, NAPA, 24, CROPPED A speaker photo for Russell Findlay](https://www.peievents.com/en/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Findlay-Russell-OP-NAPA-24-CROPPED.jpg)
![Papp, Mark, OP, NAPA, 24, CROPPED A speaker photo for Mark Papp](https://www.peievents.com/en/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Papp-Mark-OP-NAPA-24-CROPPED.jpg)
![Eric Wilson A speaker photo for Eric Wilson](https://www.peievents.com/en/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Eric-Wilson-scaled.jpeg)
Coffee break
Interactive Working Group 9 (for operating partners only) — Value creation for the exit: operating partners perspectives
This deep dive discussion designed solely for operating partners will allow the audience to join an interactive and dynamic discussion with designated facilitators.
- How closely did the post close experience match the pre-close promises? What worked and what didn’t?
- Harnessing data assets to drive value creation for the exit – incorporating the data side of exits
- What is your approach to preparing a portfolio company for exit, and how do you work with other functional specialists to execute the plan?
- How do you evaluate potential buyers or investors during the exit process?
- What are some key factors that you believe contribute to a successful exit, and how do you measure the success of an exit?
Facilitator:
Sam Foster, Managing Partner, Pennant Equity Partners
![Foster, Sam, OP, NAPA, 24, CROPPED A speaker photo for Sam Foster](https://www.peievents.com/en/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Foster-Sam-OP-NAPA-24-CROPPED.jpg)
Interactive Working Group 10 (for operating partners only) — Tactical finance and accounting workshop in the current economy
This deep dive discussion designed solely for operating partners will allow the audience to join an interactive and dynamic discussion with designated facilitators.
- FP&A; budgeting and forecasting; how do you forecast and budget through volatility
- Sharing tactical viewpoints in accounting and controlling: what to do if you have issues with your accounting function
- Practitioner views on the importance of working capital management and liquidity
- Do you outsource CFO services?
Facilitator:
Jackie Joelson, Head of Private Equity and Venture Capital, Oracle NetSuite
![Jackie Joelson Cropped A speaker photo for Jackie Joelson](https://www.peievents.com/en/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Jackie-Joelson-Cropped.png)
Tech and Digital Value Creation Working Group 11 (for operating partners only) — Optimizing tech due diligence to boost and accelerate digital in the first 100 days
This deep dive discussion designed solely for tech operating partners will allow the audience to join an interactive and dynamic discussion with designated facilitators.
- How to do tech, digital and data assessments as part of due diligence, understanding your costs, risks, and what needs to be prioritized early on in the process
- Uncovering challenges and opportunities: IT diligence vs. software diligence for different types of businesses
- Laying the groundwork in tech due diligence as a key enabler for success in the later stages
Facilitators:
Thomas Shelford, Managing Director, Crosslake
Milo Sprague, Chief Technology Advisor, FTV Capital
Networking lunch
Tech and digital operating partners lunch discussion (for operating partners only) — Rate optimization: the no regrets cloud cost management tactic your portcos are not fully leveraging
This closed-door deep dive lunch discussion solely for tech and digital operating partners will explore key digital and tech strategies to enhance value.
One of the highest impact tactics to optimize a cloud environment with cloud providers that is often underemployed by CTOs and VPs of Engineering is pricing or rate optimization through discount instruments. If cloud costs are a top P&L line item in your portfolio, missing out on rate optimization is gross margin dollars left on the table. Learn how rate optimization can be tracked, and with the right automation, employed in your organization to incrementally add margin to the business.
- What is rate optimization?
- How is it different from usage/workload optimization?
- What are the use cases that are candidates for rate optimization?
- Why is rate optimization often overlooked by CTOs/VP Engs?
- Why is rate optimization an obvious KPI for an operating partner?
- Why is automation critical for expert rate optimization?
Facilitator:
Chris Cochran, Co-Founder and CEO, ProsperOps
![Cochran, Chris, OP, NAPA, 24, CROPPED A speaker photo for Chris Cochran](https://www.peievents.com/en/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Cochran-Chris-OP-NAPA-24-CROPPED.jpg)
Track 12 Leveraging the finance function across the investment lifecycle
- Comparing finance playbooks throughout the key stages of the lifecycle
- As a finance operating partner, how do you add value pre-deal, and during the first 100 days, first 6 months, and in the first year? How are you operating during the hold period in the current climate?
- Can you share the most unique accomplishment of your finance function?
- Uncovering finance value creation best practices for the exit
Moderator:
Eidji Braghin, Partner, Deal Advisory and Strategy, KPMG US
Panelists:
Andrea Greene, Operating Partner, One Rock Capital Partners
Spencer Khoury, Director, Value Creation, Shamrock Capital
Subhi Sherwell, Director of Operations, TPG Capital
Track 13 GTM strategies, models, and playbooks for success
- Establishing and monitoring the right GTM metrics
- What does a successful GTM model look like?
- Building and scaling effective commercial teams
- GTM, sales, and marketing alignment across the investment lifecycle
- Mobilizing and partnering with management teams on GTM
Moderator:
Tim Foster, Managing Director, Investor Group Services (IGS)
Panelists:
Renee Cohen, Vice President, Marketing Operating Executive, Norwest Venture Partners
Scott Graham, Operating Partner, Go-to-Market, Diversis Capital
Kevin McShane, Operating Partner, Go-To-Market Practice Leader
John Zink, Director of Operations, Marlin Equity Partners
![Foster, Tim, OP, NAPA, 24, CROPPED A speaker photo for Tim Foster](https://www.peievents.com/en/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Foster-Tim-OP-NAPA-24-CROPPED.jpg)
![Cohen, Renee, OP, NAPA, 24, CROPPED A speaker photo for Renee Cohen](https://www.peievents.com/en/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Cohen-Renee-OP-NAPA-24-CROPPED.jpg)
![Scott Graham OPSF'22 A speaker photo for Scott Graham](https://www.peievents.com/en/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Scott-Graham-OPSF22-scaled.jpg)
![Kevin Mcshane Cropped A speaker photo for Kevin McShane](https://www.peievents.com/en/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/kevin-mcshane-cropped.png)
![John Zink Cropped A speaker photo for John Zink](https://www.peievents.com/en/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/john-zink-cropped.png)
Track 14 Tech and Digital Room: Tech and Digital Room: How to execute a multi-year digital transformation for a traditionally analog portco
- Operating partners share war stories in working with traditionally analog companies that are embarking on digital transformations
- How do you go about digitizing manual processes and use technology to improve operations
- Sharing dos and don’ts in moving non-software companies to digital: how best to engage with your companies to digitize workflows
- Uncovering digital capability building and change management as key factors that underpin the success of these transformations
- How are you using and showcasing data as part of the process to improve decision making?
Moderator:
Dan Lau, Vice President, Head of Business Development, Symphony
Panelists:
Greg Kegeles, Operating Partner, Digital Transformation, Newlight Partners
Alan Rozet, Senior Operating Associate, Digital and Technology, Clayton Dubilier & Rice
Russell Uyeda, Operating Partner, Operational Resource Group, HGGC
![Dan Lau Cropped A speaker photo for Dan Lau](https://www.peievents.com/en/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/dan-lau-cropped.png)
![Greg Kegeles OPNY22 A speaker photo for Greg Kegeles](https://www.peievents.com/en/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Greg-Kegeles-OPNY22-1.jpg)
![Rozet, Alan, OP, NAPA, 24, CROPPED A speaker photo for Alan Rozet](https://www.peievents.com/en/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Rozet-Alan-OP-NAPA-24-CROPPED.jpg)
![Uyeda, Russell, OPNAPA, 24, CROPPED A speaker photo for Russell Uyeda](https://www.peievents.com/en/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Uyeda-Russell-OPNAPA-24-CROPPED.jpg)
Track 15 Harnessing the power of AI and customer analytics in your sales and revenue growth operations
- Filtering through the noise with your management teams when it comes to emerging AI technologies for sales
- Sharing practical use cases in leveraging AI tools to monetize your customer data and augment your sales and marketing efficiency
- Utilizing advanced customer analytics to increase retention and renewal rates, upsell, and cross-sell
- How do you see the role of customer analytics evolving in the next few years?
Moderator:
Michael Belkin, Director, Private Equity Partnerships and Global Alliances, Zuora
Panelists:
Peter Kim, Head of GTM, WestBridge Capital
Ryan McMullin, Operating Principal, Clearhaven Partners
Ben Spiegel, Operating Principal, BayPine
Ercan Ucak, Vice President, Cerberus Capital Management
Track 16 Tech and Digital Room: New vs. old value creation levers: what needs to stay, what needs to be added, and what needs to go?
- Future trends in tech and how they will impact PE portfolio operations
- Looking holistically at the role of an operating partner in value creation do you believe there is a need for change? What changes are needed?
- How do you go about discovering and integrating new technologies within portfolio companies
- What is your approach when it comes to buy vs. build?
Moderator:
Bala Narayanaswamy, Global Head of Private Equity, Infosys
Panelists:
Nathaniel Barling, Co-Head, Applied Software Group, Andreessen Horowitz
Billy Hegeman, Operating Advisor, Norwest Equity Partners
Jeffrey Malcolm, Value Accelerator Operating Advisor, Technology, Goldman Sachs Asset Management
![Narayanaswamy, Balaji, OP, NAPA, 24, CROPPED A speaker photo for Bala Narayanaswamy](https://www.peievents.com/en/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Narayanaswamy-Balaji-OP-NAPA-24-CROPPED.jpg)
![Barling, Nathaniel, OP, NAPA, 24, CROPPED A speaker photo for Nathaniel Barling](https://www.peievents.com/en/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Barling-Nathaniel-OP-NAPA-24-CROPPED.jpg)
![Hegeman, Billy, OPNAPA, 24, CROPPED A speaker photo for Billy Hegeman](https://www.peievents.com/en/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Hegeman-Billy-OPNAPA-24-CROPPED.jpg)
![Jeffrey Malcolm A speaker photo for Jeffrey Malcolm](https://www.peievents.com/en/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Jeffrey-Malcolm.jpeg)
Jeffrey Malcolm
Value Accelerator Operating Advisor, Technology, Goldman Sachs Asset Management
Read bioChairman’s closing remarks and insights into “Becoming a catalyst for change: the REDUCE model”
Operating partners are increasingly tasked with being change agents, both inside their firms as well as across portfolios. Tim will reveal Wharton based research on how to stop pressing and start “releasing the parking brake” as a key for digital transformation, culture transformation and operational improvement efforts.
Presented by:
Tim Sanders, Vice President of Client Strategy, Upwork
![Sanders, Tim OPE23 CROPPED A speaker photo for Tim Sanders](https://www.peievents.com/en/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Sanders-Tim-OPE23-CROPPED.png)
End of Conference
Explore our exclusive operating partner only networking activities
Deepen your relationships and build your network throughout the Forum with our operating partner exclusive networking events taking place in Wine Country.
Explore our unlimited networking opportunities, including our pre-event reception & dinner, breakfast and lunch discussions, plus an entire pre-conference itinerary (with access to select Napa wineries). Connect with the leading community of PE operating partners and exchange ideas with key players in value creation that will help you in your day-to-day operations.
Pre-conference winery tour and lunch
Wednesday, June 12, 2024
Operating Partners Forum Napa Winery Tour and Lunch Trip (invitation-only)
11:30 am – 3:00 pm
Venue: Inglenook Winery
This excursion, solely for the operating partners attending the Forum, will include a tour of the estate with tastings of their exquisite wines and lunch provided. There will be a shuttle departing at 11:30 am from the event venue, the Meritage Resort. Nestled in the heart of Napa Valley, Inglenook will provide a unique setting to network with your peers in a relaxed atmosphere.
Hosted by:
Pre-conference dinner and reception
Wednesday, June 12, 2024
Operating Partners Forum Napa Welcome Reception (invitation-only)
5:30 – 7:30 pm
Venue: VINEYARD DECK at the Meritage Resort & Spa
Join the operating partners attending the Forum at our opening grand reception in Wine Country taking place on the hillside of the Meritage’s nine-acre vineyard. Enjoy spectacular vineyard views at sunset and expand your network with the brightest leaders in value creation while indulging in pre-function appetizers, aperitifs, & cocktails.
Hosted by:
Operating Partners Forum Napa Welcome Dinner (invitation-only)
7:30 – 9:00 pm
Venue: ESTATE CAVE at the Meritage Resort & Spa
Join us as we welcome all the operating partners for a gourmet networking-style dinner and Wine Experience brought to you by Far Niente Winery. Expand your network the night before the conference at the venue’s one-of-a-kind Estate Cave.
Hosted by:
Day 1 lunch and reception
Thursday, June 13, 2024
Women in PE and VC Portfolio Operations Lunch (invitation-only)
1:00 – 2:00 pm
Venue: The Meritage Resort & Spa
This closed-door lunch discussion will explore what it’s like being a woman in PE & VC portfolio operations. Join this interactive session for an inside look at women’s leadership: challenges and opportunities.
Hosted by:
Operating Partners Forum Napa Day 1 Networking Reception
5:40 – 6:40 pm
Venue: EVENT LAWN at the Meritage Resort & Spa
The Meritage’s grandest event venue, the sprawling Event Lawn will provide a delightful setting at the end of the first day for you to chat and hear what is on everyone’s mind after a full day of valuable insights.
Day 2 breakfasts and lunch
Friday, June 14, 2024
Operating Partners Forum Napa Deep Dive Breakfasts (operating partners only)
7:45 – 8:30 am
Venue: The Meritage Resort & Spa
These breakfast deep dive discussions, designed solely for operating partners, will focus on key strategies in value creation and allow you to share your views and learn key insights from peers.
Hosted by:
Digital and Tech Operating Partners Lunch Discussion (operating partners only)
1:10 – 2:00 pm
Venue: The Meritage Resort & Spa
This closed-door deep dive lunch discussion solely for tech operating partners will focus on a strategic area in digital value creation to enhance value. Increase your connections and exchange ideas with tech leaders in value creation.
Hosted by:
Featured interactive discussions & networking opportunities
Think Tanks
Led by operating partners and designed for operating partners only, these closed-door war room sessions will allow you to engage in lively discussions with your peers. The think tanks will also allow you to submit topics to be covered while sharing best value creation practices.
Interactive Working Groups
These exclusive deep dive discussions, only available to operating partners, allow you to participate in interactive and dynamic discussions focused on different functional topics with designated expert facilitators.
Pre-Event Resources
2024 speakers
For speaking opportunities, contact Marc Mele at marc.m@pei.group or call +1 646 581 9295.
![Raj Kushwaha OP 21](https://www.peievents.com/en/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Raj-Kushwaha-OP-21.jpg)
Raj Kushwaha
Managing Director & Partner, Co-Head Value Creation and Chief Digital Officer, Warburg Pincus
Connect with the largest community of operating partners on the West Coast
The Operating Partners forums and events are the most efficient and effective way to connect directly with private equity operating partners and value creation experts.
To learn more about ways to create a customized program that maximizes your desired impact and to engage with PEI’s operating partners community, please contact Lawrence Dvorchik by email Lawrence.d@pei.group or call +1 646 545 4429.
Event venue and hotel options
DIGITAL & TECHNOLOGY VALUE CREATION
Unlock the next frontier in digital value creation
The Operating Partners Forum Napa agenda includes an entire technology track running across both days of the event. Join a leading community of operating partners to discuss and debate strategies to deliver value through technology in today’s rapidly changing world.
The Forum welcomes an elite crowd of tech value creators in PE and VC portfolio operations for deep dive discussions on tech transformations and innovative initiatives. Get a firm grasp on how you can impact returns in your role with the largest assembly of digital operating partners in an environment designed to encourage open conversations.
“As a serial CTO turned Operating Partner, I really enjoyed meeting and hearing from my peers who have had a similar career journey.”
David Rowley
Technology Operating Partner, Diversis Capital
Carve your niche in technology operations
Hear first-hand perspectives on how to further develop your operational skill set.
Learn key technology strategies to create value
Find the right tools and knowledge to deliver successful cross-portfolio initiatives.
Network with top PE
and VC tech value creators
Meet with the largest community of technology operational experts all in one place
Agenda highlights
- Digital & Technology Operating Partners Lunch Discussion (for operating partners only)
- Building a framework for AI: leveraging AI to optimize your processes and deliver value
- Establishing an advanced data governance framework
- What makes a great tech and digital operating partner in today’s world?
- Accelerating tech value creation roadmaps with your management teams
- Product innovation: roadmaps and strategies for execution
- Cybersecurity: dos and don’ts in the current landscape
- Tech due diligence done right
- Leveraging Cloud optimization as a key value creation element
- And much more…