This virtual event is now part of the Operating Partners All Access membership

An Operating Partners All Access membership is a new way to keep a global network of operating partners in the know with high-level content and networking across the year.

The Operating Partners Technology Forum is now just one of the many essential updates we’ll give you throughout the year with your Operating Partners All Access membership.

Learn more

Unlocking the next frontier in digital value creation

For eleven years, Private Equity International has been the leading organizer of events dedicated to PE and VC value creators, with Forums across the globe in New York, San Francisco, London and Singapore gathering over 500 operating partners annually. PEI is now pleased to bring the Operating Partners Technology Forum to uncover deep dive discussions, strategies and initiatives to achieve value creation through technology.

In an increasingly digital world, the Forum will gather an elite crowd of technology value creators in PE & VC portfolio operations. Our community of operating partners will discuss and debate plans and actions at a crucial time in history to deal with the downturn and reset strategies for growth through technology.

It is the place to meet and get a firm grasp on transformation and innovation initiatives with a concentration of tech & digital operating partners, C-level executives, suppliers & resources all in one setting to discuss strategies in impacting returns at a critical time for portfolio valuations.


2021 Agenda highlights

» Invitation-only think tanks for operating partners to select: The future of digital operating partner models, and third-party tech providers for value creation

» Technology value creation roadmaps throughout the entire lifecycle

» Tech’s trillion-dollar war for talent: lessons and opportunities for PE investors

» Doubling down on cybersecurity

» The role of technology in sales transformation

» Uncovering cloud transformations success stories

» Technology M&A integration best practices: key steps for PE and their portfolio companies

» The next frontier in data science and advanced analytics in private equity

» Technology value creation best practices for the exit

» The next level of implementing AI/ML for value creation

» Tech due diligence done right: critical elements in pre-deal assessments

» The future of technology and digital initiatives in working with your portfolio companies in the post COVID-19 world and beyond

» Women in PE and VC technology operations breakfast (invitation-only)

» Innovation: digital initiatives in the fast lane

» Workforce analytics: leveraging data science with talent/portfolio performance

» Digital transformation portfolio company case studies

» Digital and analytical tools to enhance the supply chain

» Profit driven digital marketing and ecommerce

» Leveraging technology and AI for the finance function

» Operating partner-CIO/CTO dynamics

Carve your niche in technology operations

Hear first-hand perspectives on how to further develop your operational skill set by looking at successful PE and VC models.

Learn key technology strategies to create value

Find the right tools and knowledge to deliver successful cross-portfolio initiatives.

Operating Partners Forum: Asia

Network with top PE
and VC tech value creators

Meet with the largest community of technology operational experts all in one place.


 

Watch our guided video for a preview of what you can expect at this year’s virtual conference.

Features include:
» Watch anytime, anywhere
» Schedule 1-to-1 or private group meetings
» On-Demand access for 12 months
» Live Q&A, polling and surveys
» And so much more!

Featured speakers

View all speakers
View all speakers

Download the 2021 agenda

 

  • Virtual networking opportunities
  • Plenary sessions
  • Think tanks
  • Breakout sessions
  • Interactive discussions and live Q&A
  • And much more!

 

2021 Firms participating include:

Accel-KKR
Bain Capital
Blue Point Capital Partners
CVC Capital Partners
EQT Partners
H.I.G. Capital
Hamilton Robinson Capital Partners
Leonard Green & Partners
One Rock Capital Partners
Partners Group
Pollen Street Capital
TCV
TELEO Capital
The Carlyle Group
Thoma Bravo
Thompson Street Capital Partners
TZP Group
Warburg Pincus

Event testimonials

Focused, interesting and fast paced sessions. Great discussions. Very informative and enjoyed watching the collaboration between presenters. They complemented e…

Read full testimonial

The event gave me insight into where AI/ML might be headed by business value creators who work in digital transformation day in and day out.

The content was extremely applicable to the current landscape of economy.

Your membership includes:

Operating Partners All Access is a service that connects you to the people and resources that can help guide you through today’s ever-changing nuances of doing your job, year-round.

This Forum is one of the many essential updates we’ll give you throughout the year with your Operating Partners All Access membership. All event attendees must be members

Discover best practices and ideas at a critical time for portfolio valuations at the industry’s best virtual event for private equity value creators

All sessions, idea forums and interactive meetings are uniquely designed to solve your toughest challenges during the covid-19 crisis & beyond.

See for yourself how the Operating Partners Technology Forum will work.

Available from anywhere & on-demand for up to 12 months.


Leading thought-provoking operating partner experts — all NEWLY updated!

Without ever leaving the comfort and security of your home, you can enjoy ALL the 100 + value creation experts sharing their practical guidance. Plus, you can participate in audience Q&A, polls, and download content and papers with just a few clicks

You also get:

  • Built-in calendar to create your own daily schedule so you don’t miss your favorite sessions
  • Automated reminders
  • Polling and surveys
  • On-demand playback gives you access to sessions for up to 12months

Network & build key relationships

Online networking can never replace face-to-face interaction, but done right, it can provide a very effective way for people to build their professional relationships and knowledge. At an in-person event, you get 2 days of engagement. With the Operating Partners Technology Forum, you get an active virtual community.

Take advantage of these benefits:

  • Attendee and Operating Partner directories: Use our searchable directory of our delegates, solution providers and speakers, so you can quickly find the right people and companies to connect with.
  • Private messaging: Reach out privately and directly online (without having to expose email and phone number to “the world”)
  • Virtual Meet-ups: Pre-schedule multi-person video conferences or one on one type meetups, allowing you to connect and talk about topics of interest.

2021 Agenda

For speaking opportunities, contact Marc Mele at marc.m@peimedia.com or call +1 646 581 9295.

*Please Note: All session times listed are Eastern Time (ET)

Day 1 Day 2
View agenda page

Agenda

Day 1 - Thursday 3rd

Morning discussions & welcome remarks
09:00 - 10:00

Operating partners portfolio operations breakfast discussion: How technology is changing pricing and implications for PE firms (invitation-only)

George Bene, David Head
  • The trends: more data, faster analytics, proliferation of execution tools
  • What it means for PE firms, from diligence through profit improvement and sale
  • What to do now: implications post-COVID and in today’s inflationary environment


Facilitators:
George Bene
, Managing Director, AlixPartners
David Head, Managing Director, AlixPartners

Hosted by:

George Bene, Alix Partners

George Bene

Managing Director, AlixPartners

Read bio
David Head, Alix Partners

David Head

Managing Director, AlixPartners

Read bio
10:00 - 10:55

Invitation-only think tank for full-time operating partners: value creation war room

Richard Spencer, Geoffrey Baird

This closed-door virtual room is a deep dive session into utilizing technology as a key value creation enabler. It is an opportunity to learn and share best practices for operating partners. The think tank will allow you to submit topics to be covered in one of the tech rooms you select:

Think Tank Room 1 The future of digital operating partner models
Facilitator:
Richard Spencer
, Co-Founder, Chief Operating Officer, Operating Partner, Kamylon Holdings

Think Tank Room 2 Third-party tech providers for value creation
Facilitator:
Geoffrey Baird, Senior Operating Advisor, LLR Partners

A speaker photo for Richard Spencer

Richard Spencer

Co-Founder, Kamylon Holdings

Read bio
Geoffrey Baird LLR Partners

Geoffrey Baird

Independent Operating Executive, Palladium Equity Partners

Read bio
10:55 - 11:00

PEI’s welcome and opening remarks

Marc MeleHead of Content, Operating Partners All Access Programming, PEI Media

Plenary sessions
11:00 - 11:40

Technology value creation roadmaps throughout the entire lifecycle

Jeffrey Klein, Greg Caltabiano, Oded Noy, Lucia Soares, Wayne Williams
  • How to develop an effective tech strategy roadmap: pre-acquisition, 100 days, and exit
  • Achieving alignment with leadership, strategy, IT teams, and tech capabilities
  • Which areas are most often misaligned and how do you address the issues created by these misalignments?
  • Finding gaps in the first 100 days
  • Technology strategic roadmap execution – typical challenges, best practices for execution, and related mitigation strategies?
  • Tech playbooks: what works and what doesn’t?

Moderator:
Jeffrey Klein, Managing Director, Alvarez & Marsal

Panelists:
Greg Caltabiano, Operating Partner, HGGC
Oded Noy, Senior Operating Partner, Technology, Diversis Capital
Lucia Soares, Managing Director and Portfolio Chief Information Officer Americas, The Carlyle Group
Wayne Williams, Operating Partner, Resurgens Technology Partners

A speaker photo for Jeffrey Klein

Jeffrey Klein

Managing Director, Alvarez and Marsal

Read bio
Greg Caltabiano, HGGC

Greg Caltabiano

Operating Partner, HGGC

Read bio
Oded Noy, Diversis Capital

Oded Noy

Senior Operating Partner, Technology, Diversis Capital

Read bio
A speaker photo for Lucia Soares

Lucia Soares

Managing Director and Chief Information Officer, The Carlyle Group

Read bio
Wayne Williams, Resurgens Technology Partners

Wayne Williams

Operating Partner, Resurgens Technology Partners

Read bio
11:40 - 12:20

Tech’s trillion-dollar war for talent: lessons and opportunities for PE investors

Atta Tarki, Dave Beuerlein, Larry Kutscher, Katie Solomon, Paul Zuber
  • Amazon, Microsoft, Apple and Google’s trillion-dollar war for talent and implications in recruiting strategy for PE backed companies
  • Overcoming the challenges of scarcity in tech talent, attracting, retaining, and supporting tech talent in the current environment
  • What are the biggest pain points of hiring and onboarding 100% remotely?
  • Leveraging tools and resources to drive hiring
  • What strategies are leading PE portfolio companies utilizing to find great tech talent?

Moderator:
Atta Tarki, CEO and Managing Director, ECA Partners   

Panelists:
David Beuerlein, Operating Partner, Khosla Ventures
Larry Kutscher, CEO, A Place for Mom
Katie Solomon, Managing Director, Talent Management, Genstar Capital
Paul Zuber, Operating Partner, Thoma Bravo

Atta Tarki, ECA Partners

Atta Tarki

CEO and Managing Director, ECA Partners

Read bio
A speaker photo for Dave Beuerlein

Dave Beuerlein

Operating Partner, Khosla Ventures

Read bio
Larry Kutscher, A Place For Mom

Larry Kutscher

Chief Executive Officer, A Place for Mom

Read bio
Katie Solomon, Genstar Capital

Katie Solomon

Managing Director, Talent Management, Genstar Capital

Read bio
A speaker photo for Paul Zuber

Paul Zuber

Operating Partner, Thoma Bravo

Read bio
12:20 - 13:00

Cybersecurity: opportunity and peril

Dean Weber, Dan Bennett, Eric Feldman, Connor McGauley, Brad Strahorn
  • First-hand stories in dealing with cybersecurity breaches
  • Examples of attacks targeting remote workforces, data, supply chains, applications, and platforms
  • How to allocate resources to it: what is enough security? how is security diligence changing?
  • What processes ensure security? What are the steps? How to recover?

Moderator:
Dean Weber
, Senior Vice President, Alix Partners

Panelists:
Dan Bennett, Managing Director, Chief Technology Officer, Castlelake
Eric Feldman, Chief Information Officer, The Riverside Company
Connor McGauley, Vice President, Portfolio Operations, GI Partners
Brad Strahorn, Director, Portfolio Support Group, Thompson Street Capital Partners

Dean Weber

Dean Weber

Senior Vice President, AlixPartners

Read bio
Dan Bennett, Castlelake

Dan Bennett

Managing Director, Chief Technology Officer , Castlelake

Read bio
Eric Feldman

Eric Feldman

Chief Information Officer, The Riverside Company

Read bio
A speaker photo for Connor McGauley

Connor McGauley

Vice President, Portfolio Operations, GI Partners

Read bio
Brad Strahorn, Thompson Street Capital Partners

Brad Strahorn

Director, Portfolio Support Group, Thompson Street Capital Partners

Read bio
13:00 - 13:30

The role of technology in the future of selling

Michael Smith, Paul Gille, Kunal Mehta, Kush Tulsidas, Cici Zheng
  • Where are we now? What has happened over the past 6-12 months? What have been the most important levers, e.g., roles, segmentation, coverage, messaging, comp, etc.
  • Role of tech in the digital transformation of sales, e.g., world class prospect-to-cash process
  • The do’s and don’ts – successes and disasters on the journey

Moderator:
Michael Smith, Senior Managing Director, Technology, Media and Telecom Practice, Blue Ridge Partners

Panelists:
Paul Gille, Operating Partner, TELEO Capital
Kunal Mehta, Principal, Portfolio Operations, TCV
Kush Tulsidas, Operating Partner, One Rock Capital Partners
Cici Zheng, Principal, ParkerGale Capital

Michael Smith

Michael Smith

Senior Managing Director, Technology, Media and Telecom Practice, Blue Ridge Partners

Read bio
A speaker photo for Paul Gille

Paul Gille

Operating Partner, TELEO Capital

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Kunal Mehta, TCV

Kunal Mehta

Principal, Portfolio Operations, TCV

Read bio
A speaker photo for Kush  Tulsidas

Kush Tulsidas

Operating Partner, One Rock Capital Partners

Read bio
A speaker photo for Cici  Zheng

Cici Zheng

Managing Director, Corridor Capital

Read bio
Virtual networking lunch and extended live Q&A
13:30 - 14:00

Virtual networking lunch and extended live Q&A interactive discussions

Please use this time as an opportunity to join one of the interactive discussions, or connect with conference attendees and sponsors via the video chat function one-on-one or as a small group

Interactive Discussion 1: Technology value creation roadmaps throughout the entire lifecycle

Interactive Discussion 2: Tech’s trillion-dollar war for talent: lessons and opportunities for PE investors

Interactive Discussion 3: Cybersecurity: opportunity and peril

Interactive Discussion 4: The role of technology in the future of selling

Plenary
14:00 - 14:40

Innovation: digital initiatives in the fast lane

Gerard Keating, Gilad G. Amir , Raj Kushwaha, Hannah Gräfin von Waldersee
  • Digital innovation for customer experience to drive business outcomes
  • Digital innovation for new demand testing: taking advantage of research tech to build your product roadmap
  • Digital innovation for scalability to sustain growth and expand your portcos’ teams to meet demand; corporate tools and process innovation need to keep up with product innovation
  • Digital innovation as a means to build diversity: remote work drove the creation of new apps and tools that allow your operating partners to build diverse teams wherever the talent is located
  • Digital innovation as a means to build resilience: technology to help your portfolio overcome pandemics or survive economic crises, digital knowledge sharing to minimize the impact of layoffs or turnover

Moderator:
Gerard Keating, Chief Technology Officer, Globalization Partners

Panelists:
Gilad Amir,
Digital Operating Partner, Pollen Street Capital 
Raj Kushwaha,
Managing Director, Digital Strategy and Innovation, Operating Partner and Chief Digital Officer, Warburg Pincus
Hannah Gräfin von Waldersee, Vice President, Strategy and Innovation, Insight Partners

Gerard Keating, Globalization Partners

Gerard Keating

Chief Technology Officer, Globalization Partners

Read bio
A speaker photo for Gilad G. Amir

Gilad G. Amir

Digital Operating Partner, Pollen Street Capital

Read bio
A speaker photo for Raj Kushwaha

Raj Kushwaha

Managing Director & Partner, Co-Head Value Creation and Chief Digital Officer, Warburg Pincus

Read bio
Hannah G, Insight Partners

Hannah Gräfin von Waldersee

Vice President, Strategy and Innovation, Insight Partners

Read bio
Breakouts 1
14:40 - 15:20

Track 1 — The next frontier in data science and advanced analytics in private equity

Michael Watson , Harrison Lung , Andy Pickens, Russ Trpkovski
  • What do you see as the most influential change in data and analytics in the PE space?
  • To what extent are data/analytics initiatives like AI being icluded in deal theses when acquisitions are being considered?
  • Sharing use cases and approaches to data strategy to grow topline
  • Where is the most value being delivered from data/analytics initiatives across your companies? How do you prepare your organizations to effectively use data?
  • How do integrate data science and advanced analytics across the business, not just in one specific department?
  • What are biggest challenges convincing management teams to build data strategy?
  • KPIs, metrics, and data visibility: what are some of the most effective ways in which you have been using data to manage your growing portfolio?

Moderator:
Michael Watson, Vice President of AI, Coupa

Panelists:
Harrison Lung, Partner, Portfolio Value Creation, Siris Capital
Andy Pickens, Managing Director, Data and Digital Transformation, Apollo Portfolio Performance Solutions, Apollo Global Management
Russ Trpkovski, Operating Principal, CVC Capital Partners

Michael Watson, Al Coupa

Michael Watson

Vice President, AI Coupa

Read bio
Harrison Lung

Harrison Lung

Partner, Portfolio Value Creation, Siris Capital

Read bio
A speaker photo for Andy Pickens

Andy Pickens

Technology Operating Principal – Private Equity, Apollo Global Management

Read bio
A speaker photo for Russ Trpkovski

Russ Trpkovski

Operating Principal, CVC

Read bio
14:40 - 15:20

Track 2 —Being technology ready after close: critical elements in pre-deal diligence and a plan for post-deal success

Brent Fisher, Tye Howell, John Mavriyannakis, Souvick Paul
  • Keys insights from operating partners for successful technology due diligence and post close technology readiness in partnering with investment teams, providers, and target companies
  • What is most critical to accurately understand about a company’s technology capabilities pre-deal? Most critical to plan for after integration?
  • Why you need to understand the current business application landscape (ERP, CRM, HCM) and management reporting. How to leverage IT diligence to position the business to scale?
  • How to avoid post-deal technical integration challenges

Moderator:
Brent Fisher, Managing Director – Technology, Riveron

Panelists:
Tye Howell, Managing Director of Data and Digital, Blue Point Capital Partners
John Mavriyannakis, Partner, Maverix Private Equity
Souvick Paul, Vice President, Cerberus Operations and Advisor Company, Cerberus Capital Management

Brent Fisher, Riveron

Brent Fisher

Managing Director – Technology, Riveron

Read bio
A speaker photo for Tye Howell

Tye Howell

Operating Partner, Rubicon Technology Partners

Read bio
John Mavriyannakis

John Mavriyannakis

Partner, Growth, Maverix Private Equity

Read bio
Souvick Paul

Souvick Paul

Vice President, Private Equity, Brookfield Asset Management

Read bio
Networking break and extended live Q&A
15:20 - 15:50

Networking break and extended live Q&A interactive discussions

Please use this time as an opportunity to join one of the interactive discussions, or connect with conference attendees and sponsors via the video chat function one-on-one or as a small group

Interactive Discussion 1: Innovation: digital initiatives in the fast lane

Interactive Discussion 2: The next frontier in data science and advanced analytics in private equity

Interactive Discussion 3: Being technology ready after close: critical elements in pre-deal diligence and a plan for post-deal success

 

Breakouts 2
15:50 - 16:30

Track 3 — Uncovering cloud transformations success stories

Richard Sittema, Brian Jawalka, Hossein Moiin
  • Key cloud transformation external and internal business aspects
  • Cloud migrations, application transformation, and continuous investment into cloud infrastructure
  • Successful cloud migration transformation case studies: what are the enablers for transition?
  • Looking at the challenges of building and hiring cloud expertise in your companies: how are you dealing with it? What challenges might company culture pose to cloud adoption?
  • Understanding the financial aspects of cloud transformations on revenue and costs

Moderator:
Richard Sittema, Principal, Grant Thornton

Panelists:
Brian Jawalka, Principal, Portfolio Operations, Product and Technology, TCV
Hossein Moiin, Operating Partner, Cota Capital

A speaker photo for Richard Sittema

Richard Sittema

Principal, Grant Thornton

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A speaker photo for Brian Jawalka

Brian Jawalka

Principal, Portfolio Operations, Product and Technology, TCV

Read bio
Hossein M

Hossein Moiin

Operating Partner, Cota Capital

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15:50 - 16:30

Track 4 — Enabling a data-driven CFO: driving value via automation and analytics

Ana Minter, Amanda Good, Monica Johnson, Steven Siwinski
  • The evolving role of the CFO as the data steward for enterprise performance management
  • Automation in finance and accounting is no longer a debate, but many organizations are still struggling with how
  • An organization’s path from anecdotal and reactive to data-driven and proactive
  • Overcoming the finance and accounting talent crunch with purposeful automation
  • Outlining a clear path to value via data and automation

Moderator:
Ana Minter, Director, Data and Digital Services, RSM US

Panelists:
Amanda Good, Partner and Head of Global Value Creation, Searchlight Capital Partners
Monica Johnson, Operating Partner and CFO, NGP Capital
Steven Siwinski, Operating Partner, High Road Capital Partners

RSM US

Ana Minter

Director, Management Consulting, RSM US

Read bio
A speaker photo for Amanda Good

Amanda Good

Partner, Global Head of Value Creation, Searchlight Capital Partners

Read bio
A speaker photo for Monica Johnson

Monica Johnson

Operating Partner and CFO, NGP Capital

Read bio
A speaker photo for Steven Siwinski

Steven Siwinski

Operating Principal, Accel-KKR

Read bio
Plenary session
16:30 - 17:00

The future of technology and digital initiatives in working with your portfolio companies in the post COVID-19 world and beyond

Declan Morris, Cory Eaves, Ron Park, Pratap Sarker
  • Using technology to make your processes and businesses more efficient in the current environment and in the years to come
  • Looking at the overlap of tech with other functions in the company (sales, customer support, etc.)
  • Tools and resources to manage the business: what is effective to build your business
  • How would describe your approach when working with portco leadership on technology initiatives?
  • How will the future of work change processes and managing relationships with management virtually? What is the long-term vision in leveraging tech?
  • Understanding the challenges around web-enablement and changes in consumer behavior
  • Recent digital transformation and digital disruption stories within specific industries

Moderator:
Declan Morris, Private Equity Transformation Advisor, Amazon Web Services (AWS)

Panelists:
Cory Eaves, Operating Partner, General Atlantic
Ron Park, Operating Advisor, TA Associates
Pratap Sarker, President, Greenway Health

Declan Morris

Declan Morris

Private Equity Transformation Advisor, Amazon Web Services (AWS)

Read bio
A speaker photo for Cory Eaves

Cory Eaves

Operating Partner, General Atlantic

Read bio
Ron Park, TA Associates

Ron Park

Operating Advisor, TA Associates

Read bio
Pratap Sarker

Pratap Sarker

President, Greenway Health

Read bio
Extended live Q&A interactive discussions
17:00 - 17:30

Extended live Q&A interactive discussions

Please use this time as an opportunity to join one of the interactive discussions

Interactive discussion 1:Uncovering cloud transformations success stories

Interactive discussion 2: Enabling a data-driven CFO: driving value via automation and analytics

Interactive discussion 3: The future of technology and digital initiatives in working with your portfolio companies in the post COVID-19 world and beyond

 

Interactive working groups
17:00 - 17:30

Interactive working group discussion: The role of technology in sales transformation (invitation-only)

Michael Smith
  • Integration across the revenue journey – e.g., world class prospect-to-cash process
  • Where to leverage tech
  • How to prioritize tech investments/ROI
  • Crafting a realistic roadmap, metrics, expectations

Facilitator:
Michael Smith,
Senior Managing Director, Technology, Media and Telecom Practice, Blue Ridge Partners

Hosted by:

Michael Smith

Michael Smith

Senior Managing Director, Technology, Media and Telecom Practice, Blue Ridge Partners

Read bio
17:30 - 17:30

End of day 1

Agenda

Day 2 - Friday 4th

Think tanks
09:30 - 10:15

Women in tech interactive breakfast discussion (invitation-only)

Carrie DiLauro, Angela Zutavern

This closed-door virtual room discussion will explore what it’s like being a woman focused on PE and VC technology operations for value creation:

  • What are the issues causing a disparity in genders?
  • Exploring career paths, development, and how to position yourself as female tech leaders
  • Is your firm focused on women in tech leadership at portfolio companies?
  • Recruiting female digital/tech talent: creating a more equal playing field across the operating team and your portcos
  • Looking at trends and stats in gender in PE & VC

Facilitators:
Carrie DiLauro, DirectorOperations, Hamilton Robinson Capital Partners
Angela Zutavern, Managing Director, AlixPartners

Hosted by:

A speaker photo for Carrie DiLauro

Carrie DiLauro

Director, Operations, Hamilton Robinson Capital Partners

Read bio
Angela Zutavern AlixPartners

Angela Zutavern

Managing Director, AlixPartners

Read bio
10:15 - 11:00

Invitation-only think tank for full-time operating partners: value creation war room

Paul Ilse, Neil Kimber, Prital Kadakia, Raj Kushwaha

This closed-door virtual session is an opportunity to learn and share how to develop your role as an operating partner. The think tank will allow you to submit topics to be covered in the room. It will allow you to select one of the two rooms:

Room 1
Facilitators:
Paul Ilse, Senior Operating Partner, Francisco Partners Consulting
Neil Kimber, Operating Principal, Accel-KKR


Room 2
Facilitator:
Prital Kadakia, Partner, Serent Capital
Raj Kushwaha, Managing Director, Digital Strategy and Innovation, Operating Partner and Chief Digital Officer, Warburg Pincus

 

A speaker photo for Paul Ilse

Paul Ilse

Senior Operating Partner, Francisco Partners Consulting

Read bio
A speaker photo for Neil Kimber

Neil Kimber

Principal, Accel-KKR

Read bio
A speaker photo for Prital Kadakia

Prital Kadakia

General Partner, Serent Capital

Read bio
A speaker photo for Raj Kushwaha

Raj Kushwaha

Managing Director & Partner, Co-Head Value Creation and Chief Digital Officer, Warburg Pincus

Read bio
Plenary sessions
11:00 - 11:30

Top tech trends for private equity

Adam Sheffield, Cory Eaves, Dan Grosh, Todd Markson
  • The digital workplace is here to stay
  • Cyber security and data privacy become even more important in a digitally reliant world
  • Global connectivity reshaping the war on talent
  • Automation and artificial intelligence get bigger and better
  • Focus on speed and flexibility leading to rise IT outsourcing
  • Rapid acceleration of digitalization resulting in increased investment in tech

Moderator:
Adam Sheffield,
Chief Revenue Officer, Global Upside

Panelists:
Cory Eaves, Operating Partner, General Atlantic
Dan Grosh, Operating Partner, Diversis Capital
Todd Markson, Operating Partner, Bain Capital Tech Opportunities

Adam Sheffield, Global Upside

Adam Sheffield

Chief Revenue Officer, Global Upside

Read bio
A speaker photo for Cory Eaves

Cory Eaves

Operating Partner, General Atlantic

Read bio
Dan Grosh- Diversis capital

Dan Grosh

Operating Partner, Human Capital, Diversis Capital

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A speaker photo for Todd Markson

Todd Markson

Operating Partner, Tech Opportunities, Bain Capital

Read bio
Breakouts 3
11:30 - 12:10

Track 5 —Accelerating focused growth: tech strategies for customer retention/success

Adam Echter, Ben Cox, Alexandra Lutz, Kristin Nimsger, Bijal Sheth
  • Managing customer retention with tech, machine learning, AI
  • Leveraging AI and advanced digital tools to segment your customers and reduce churn
  • Focusing on net retention rate to accelerate growth
  • Empowering your customer success with optimized interactions
  • Uncovering growth stories and early warning signs with operating partners

Moderator:
Adam Echter,
Partner, Simon-Kucher & Partners

Panelists:
Ben Cox,
Operating Director, Sumeru Equity Partners 
Alexandra Lutz,
Managing Director, EQT Partners
Kristin Nimsger, Operating Partner, Thoma Bravo
Bijal Sheth, Operations Principal, Pamlico Capital

 

A speaker photo for Adam Echter

Adam Echter

Partner, Simon-Kucher

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A speaker photo for Ben Cox

Ben Cox

Operating Director, Sumeru Equity Partners

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A speaker photo for Alexandra Lutz

Alexandra Lutz

Managing Director, EQT Partners

Read bio
Kris nimsger, thoma bravo

Kristin Nimsger

Operating Partner, Thoma Bravo

Read bio
Bijal S

Bijal Sheth

Operations Principal, Pamlico Capital

Read bio
11:30 - 12:10

Track 6 —Leveraging technology and AI for the finance function

Bill Klein, Howard Reba, Neeta Rastogi Singh, Nora Turek, Scott Tynes

AI is here, and many companies are already integrating it into their services and products to win a competitive edge. AI has a role to play in Finance as well, providing value to this core competency. During this session, we will share real-world insights and suggestions from our work with numerous CFOs of PE-backed companies, and we will focus on the unique challenges facing the modern CFO, as traditional solutions fail to deliver the full value of finance organizations. For CFOs looking to change and improve their operations, this session will deliver:

  • The crucial attributes of the modern CFO
  • A review of the overwhelming technology landscape
  • A look at the potential of AI for finance, the ROI it provides, and what the future will hold
  • An exploration of ‘Finance as a Service’ and how it can deliver financial clarity, efficiency, and scalability

Moderator:
Bill Klein, President, Consero Global

Panelists:
Howard Reba, Head of Portfolio Finance, CI Capital Partners
Neeta Rastogi Singh, Chief Operating Officer, Activant Capital
Nora Turek, Vice President, Finance and Portfolio Operations, Greycroft
Scott Tynes, CEO, Consero

A speaker photo for Bill Klein

Bill Klein

President, Consero Global

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Howard Reba_WP_2019_Speaker

Howard Reba

Head of Portfolio Finance, CI Capital Partners

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Neeta Rastogi, Activant

Neeta Rastogi Singh

Chief Operating Officer, Activant Capital Group LLC

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Nora Turek

Nora Turek

Vice President, Finance and Portfolio Operations, Greycroft

Read bio
A speaker photo for Scott  Tynes

Scott Tynes

CEO, Consero Global

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Virtual networking lunch and extended live Q&A
12:10 - 12:40

Networking lunch and extended live Q&A interactive discussions

Please use this time as an opportunity to join one of the interactive discussions, or connect with conference attendees and sponsors via the video chat function one-on-one or as a small group

Interactive Discussion 1: Top tech trends for private equity

Interactive Discussion 2: Accelerating focused growth: tech strategies for customer retention/success

Interactive Discussion 3: Leveraging technology and AI for the finance function

Breakouts 4
12:40 - 13:20

Track 7 —How winning retailers are scaling DTC ecommerce

Kevin Forsyth, Jarrad Berman, Mark Fiske, Darren Herman, Jaimee Michaud
  • How to effectively address customers moving to digital
  • Understanding how branding is an extension of customer experience, designing your customer experiences effectively
  • Addressing customer retention with metrics and key initiatives
  • Automation for lead generation
  • Product management, data, and product marketing best practices

Moderator:
Kevin Forsyth, Assistant Vice President, Strategy and Enablement, Wunderkind

Panelists:
Jarrad Berman,
Vice President, Digital Transformation, TZP Group
Mark Fiske, Operating Partner, Digital and Marketing Strategies, H.I.G. Capital
Darren Herman, Operating Partner, Bain Capital
Jaimee Michaud, Director, Portfolio Support Group, Advent International

Kevin Forsyth

Kevin Forsyth

Assistant Vice President, Strategy and Enablement, Wunderkind

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A speaker photo for Jarrad Berman

Jarrad Berman

Vice President, Digital Transformation, TZP Group

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A speaker photo for Mark  Fiske

Mark Fiske

Operating Partner, Digital Strategies, H.I.G. Capital

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Darren Herman

Darren Herman

Operating Partner, Bain Capital

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Jaimee Michaud Advent

Jaimee Michaud

Vice President, Portfolio Support Group, Advent International

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12:40 - 13:20

Track 8 — Digital transformation portfolio company case studies

Sarah Walker , Robert Bostock, Josephine Hus, Lucia Soares

Operating partners will share specific portfolio case studies and war stories in driving and executing digital transformation projects.

Moderator:
Sarah Walker,
Vice President, Global Head of Private Equity Practice, Salesforce

Panelists:
Robert Bostock, Principal, Investcorp
Josephine Hus, Operating Executive, Head of Digital Transformation, Permira Advisers
Lucia Soares, Managing Director and Portfolio Chief Information Officer Americas, The Carlyle Group

 

A speaker photo for Sarah  Walker

Sarah Walker

Global Head of Private Equity Practice, Salesforce

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Robert Bostock

Robert Bostock

Principal, Investcorp

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A speaker photo for Josephine Hus

Josephine Hus

Operating Executive, Permira

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A speaker photo for Lucia Soares

Lucia Soares

Managing Director and Chief Information Officer, The Carlyle Group

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Breakouts 5
13:20 - 14:00

Track 9 —Maximizing ROI with technology M&A integration – strategies for PE and portcos

David van Toor, David Muhlenkamp, Robert Roley , Kevin Wood, Mark Woods

Most acquisitions fail to deliver the expected results. Join our expert panel as they share strategies and approaches that ensure portfolio acquisition performance exceeds expectations. From synergy validation to integration planning and execution – day one planning to team integration – the panel will discuss the critical elements of M&A success from a technology perspective. This interactive panel will share lessons learned the hard way and provide insights and best practices to guide your next integration project.

Moderator:
David van Toor, Managing Director, Central, Crosslake Technologies

Panelists:
David Muhlenkamp, Managing Director, Head of Portfolio Operations, Lindsay Goldberg
Robert Roley, Director of Portfolio Operations, TPG Capital 
Kevin Wood,
Operating Partner and Co-Founder, Clearhaven Partners
Mark Woods, Partner and Head of North American Private Equity, Cathay Capital

David van Toor, crosslake

David van Toor

Managing Director, Central, Crosslake Technologies

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A speaker photo for David Muhlenkamp

David Muhlenkamp

Managing Director, Head of Portfolio Operations, Lindsay Goldberg

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Robert Roley

Robert Roley

Director of Portfolio Operations, TPG Capital

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Kevin Wood

Kevin Wood

Operating Partner and Co-Founder, Clearhaven Partners

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Mark Woods, Cathay Capital

Mark Woods

Partner, Head of North American Private Equity at Cathay Capital

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13:20 - 14:00

Track 10 — The next level of implementing AI/ML for value creation

Michael Watson , Parasvil Patel, Elisabeth Rehder, Richard Spencer
  • Getting a pulse check on AIML: what is real?
  • How can PE firms and their portfolio companies identify opportunities to use AI and ML to improve business outcomes?
  • What use cases should PE portfolio companies focus on?

Moderator:
Michael Watson, Vice President of AI, Coupa

Panelists:
Parasvil Patel, Principal, Radical Ventures
Elisabeth Rehder, Senior Principal, Portfolio Value Creation, CPP Investments
Richard Spencer, Co-founder, Chief Operating Officer, Operating Partner, Kamylon Holdings

Michael Watson, Al Coupa

Michael Watson

Vice President, AI Coupa

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parasvil patel radical ventures

Parasvil Patel

Principal, Radical Ventures

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Elisabeth Rehder

Elisabeth Rehder

Senior Principal, Portfolio Value Creation

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A speaker photo for Richard Spencer

Richard Spencer

Co-Founder, Kamylon Holdings

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Networking break and extended interactive live Q&A
14:00 - 14:30

Networking break and extended live Q&A interactive discussions

Please use this time as an opportunity to join one of the interactive discussions, or connect with conference attendees and sponsors via the video chat function one-on-one or as a small group

Interactive Discussion 1: How winning retailers are scaling DTC ecommerce

Interactive Discussion 2: Digital transformation portfolio company case studies

Interactive Discussion 3: Maximizing ROI with technology M&A integration – strategies for PE and portcos

Interactive Discussion 4: The next level of implementing AI/ML for value creation

Plenary sessions
14:30 - 15:00

SaaS companies: reducing costs and unlocking hidden value

Hal Polley, Jean-Marc Levy, Thad Longson, Matt Thompson
  • What does a sophisticated RevOps function look like? And why is the RevOps model a critical growth-hack for SaaS companies?
  • Following a series of acquisitions and roll-ups, hw can the “Frankenstein” SaaS business efficiently clean up its tech stack?
  • How can the office of the CFO consolidate unit economics to reduce operating contracts? (e.g. cloud providers)
  • What is “Development Velocity Excellence” and how can sponsors work with management to achieve it?
  • How can SaaS companies monetize their data to scale from a single format product to an autonomous, commercial platform with multiple revenue streams?

Moderator:
Hal Polley,
Managing Director and Co-Head of Western Region, Accordion

Panelists:
Jean-Marc Levy, Operating Partner, Edison Partners
Thad Longson, Operating Principal, HGGC
Matt Thompson, Senior Vice President, Portfolio Operations, Skyview Capital

A speaker photo for Hal Polley

Hal Polley

Managing Director and Co-Head of Western Region, Accordion

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Jean Marc Levy, Edison Partners

Jean-Marc Levy

Operating Partner, Edison Partners

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A speaker photo for Thad Longson

Thad Longson

Operating Principal, HGGC

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A speaker photo for Matt Thompson

Matt Thompson

Senior Vice President, Portfolio Operations, Skyview Capital

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15:00 - 15:30

Operating partner-CIO/CTO dynamics

Aswatha "Amar" Amarnath , Manek Kapur, Neil Kimber, Krish Mani
  • How is the CIO and CTO role evolving? How are backgrounds/required skills changing?
  • Cooperation and collaboration value creation partnerships: comparing dynamics
  • What are the challenges? How are operating partners influencing CTO decision making?
  • Looking at best practices in working with different types of companies

Moderator:
Aswatha Amarnath (Amar), Senior Vice President, Strategic Engagements and Sales Strategy, Wipro

Panelists:
Manek Kapur, Vice President, TMT and Digital Value Creation, Partners Group
Neil Kimber, Operating Principal, Accel-KKR
Krish Mani, CTO Portfolio Operations, Platinum Equity

A speaker photo for Aswatha "Amar" Amarnath

Aswatha "Amar" Amarnath

Senior Vice President and Head of Global Sales Operations, Wipro

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A speaker photo for Manek  Kapur

Manek Kapur

Senior Vice President, Technology Private Equity, Partners Group

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A speaker photo for Neil Kimber

Neil Kimber

Principal, Accel-KKR

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Krish Mani

Krish Mani

CTO Portfolio Operations, Platinum Equity

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Extended live Q&A
15:30 - 16:00

Extended live Q&A interactive discussions

Please use this time as an opportunity to join one of the interactive discussions

Interactive discussion 1: SaaS companies: reducing costs and unlocking hidden value

Interactive discussion 2: Operating partner-CIO/CTO dynamics

16:00 - 16:00

End of conference

2021 Speakers

Interested in speaking at this year’s Forum? Please contact Marc Mele at marc.m@peimedia.com or call +1 646 581 9295.

Aswatha "Amar" Amarnath

Senior Vice President and Head of Global Sales Operations, Wipro

Gilad G. Amir

Digital Operating Partner, Pollen Street Capital

Geoffrey Baird LLR Partners

Geoffrey Baird

Independent Operating Executive, Palladium Equity Partners

George Bene, Alix Partners

George Bene

Managing Director, AlixPartners

Dan Bennett, Castlelake

Dan Bennett

Managing Director, Chief Technology Officer , Castlelake

Jarrad Berman

Vice President, Digital Transformation, TZP Group

Dave Beuerlein

Operating Partner, Khosla Ventures

Robert Bostock

Robert Bostock

Principal, Investcorp

Greg Caltabiano, HGGC

Greg Caltabiano

Operating Partner, HGGC

Ben Cox

Operating Director, Sumeru Equity Partners

Carrie DiLauro

Director, Operations, Hamilton Robinson Capital Partners

Cory Eaves

Operating Partner, General Atlantic

Adam Echter

Partner, Simon-Kucher

Eric Feldman

Eric Feldman

Chief Information Officer, The Riverside Company

Brent Fisher, Riveron

Brent Fisher

Managing Director – Technology, Riveron

Mark Fiske

Operating Partner, Digital Strategies, H.I.G. Capital

Paul Gille

Operating Partner, TELEO Capital

Amanda Good

Partner, Global Head of Value Creation, Searchlight Capital Partners

Hannah G, Insight Partners

Hannah Gräfin von Waldersee

Vice President, Strategy and Innovation, Insight Partners

Dan Grosh- Diversis capital

Dan Grosh

Operating Partner, Human Capital, Diversis Capital

David Head, Alix Partners

David Head

Managing Director, AlixPartners

Darren Herman

Darren Herman

Operating Partner, Bain Capital

Tye Howell

Operating Partner, Rubicon Technology Partners

Josephine Hus

Operating Executive, Permira

Paul Ilse

Senior Operating Partner, Francisco Partners Consulting

Brian Jawalka

Principal, Portfolio Operations, Product and Technology, TCV

Monica Johnson

Operating Partner and CFO, NGP Capital

Prital Kadakia

General Partner, Serent Capital

Manek Kapur

Senior Vice President, Technology Private Equity, Partners Group

Gerard Keating, Globalization Partners

Gerard Keating

Chief Technology Officer, Globalization Partners

Neil Kimber

Principal, Accel-KKR

Bill Klein

President, Consero Global

Jeffrey Klein

Managing Director, Alvarez and Marsal

Raj Kushwaha

Managing Director, Operating Partner & Chief Digital Officer, Warburg Pincus

Larry Kutscher, A Place For Mom

Larry Kutscher

Chief Executive Officer, A Place for Mom

Jean Marc Levy, Edison Partners

Jean-Marc Levy

Operating Partner, Edison Partners

Thad Longson

Operating Principal, HGGC

Harrison Lung

Harrison Lung

Partner, Portfolio Value Creation, Siris Capital

Alexandra Lutz

Managing Director, EQT Partners

Krish Mani

Krish Mani

CTO Portfolio Operations, Platinum Equity

Todd Markson

Operating Partner, Tech Opportunities, Bain Capital

John Mavriyannakis

John Mavriyannakis

Partner, Growth, Maverix Private Equity

Connor McGauley

Vice President, Portfolio Operations, GI Partners

Kunal Mehta, TCV

Kunal Mehta

Principal, Portfolio Operations, TCV

Jaimee Michaud Advent

Jaimee Michaud

Vice President, Portfolio Support Group, Advent International

RSM US

Ana Minter

Director, Management Consulting, RSM US

Hossein M

Hossein Moiin

Operating Partner, Cota Capital

Declan Morris

Declan Morris

Private Equity Transformation Advisor, Amazon Web Services (AWS)

David Muhlenkamp

Managing Director, Head of Portfolio Operations, Lindsay Goldberg

Kris nimsger, thoma bravo

Kristin Nimsger

Operating Partner, Thoma Bravo

Oded Noy, Diversis Capital

Oded Noy

Senior Operating Partner, Technology, Diversis Capital

Ron Park, TA Associates

Ron Park

Operating Advisor, TA Associates

parasvil patel radical ventures

Parasvil Patel

Principal, Radical Ventures

Souvick Paul

Souvick Paul

Vice President, Private Equity, Brookfield Asset Management

Andy Pickens

Managing Director, Apollo Portfolio Performance Solutions

Hal Polley

Managing Director and Co-Head of Western Region, Accordion

Neeta Rastogi, Activant

Neeta Rastogi Singh

Chief Operating Officer, Activant Capital Group LLC

Howard Reba_WP_2019_Speaker

Howard Reba

Head of Portfolio Finance, CI Capital Partners

Elisabeth Rehder

Elisabeth Rehder

Senior Principal, Portfolio Value Creation

Robert Roley

Robert Roley

Director of Portfolio Operations, TPG Capital

Pratap Sarker

Pratap Sarker

President, Greenway Health

Adam Sheffield, Global Upside

Adam Sheffield

Chief Revenue Officer, Global Upside

Bijal S

Bijal Sheth

Operations Principal, Pamlico Capital

Richard Sittema

Principal, Grant Thornton

Steven Siwinski

Operating Principal, Accel-KKR

Michael Smith

Michael Smith

Senior Managing Director, Technology, Media and Telecom Practice, Blue Ridge Partners

Lucia Soares

Managing Director and Chief Information Officer, The Carlyle Group

Richard Spencer

Co-Founder, Kamylon Holdings

Brad Strahorn, Thompson Street Capital Partners

Brad Strahorn

Director, Portfolio Support Group, Thompson Street Capital Partners

Atta Tarki, ECA Partners

Atta Tarki

CEO and Managing Director, ECA Partners

Matt Thompson

Senior Vice President, Portfolio Operations, Skyview Capital

Russ Trpkovski

Operating Principal, CVC

Kush Tulsidas

Operating Partner, One Rock Capital Partners

Nora Turek

Nora Turek

Vice President, Finance and Portfolio Operations, Greycroft

Scott Tynes

CEO, Consero Global

David van Toor, crosslake

David van Toor

Managing Director, Central, Crosslake Technologies

Sarah Walker

Global Head of Private Equity Practice, Salesforce

Michael Watson, Al Coupa

Michael Watson

Vice President, AI Coupa

Dean Weber

Dean Weber

Senior Vice President, AlixPartners

Wayne Williams, Resurgens Technology Partners

Wayne Williams

Operating Partner, Resurgens Technology Partners

Kevin Wood

Kevin Wood

Operating Partner and Co-Founder, Clearhaven Partners

Mark Woods, Cathay Capital

Mark Woods

Partner, Head of North American Private Equity at Cathay Capital

Cici Zheng

Managing Director, Corridor Capital

Paul Zuber

Operating Partner, North American Lead, Hg

Angela Zutavern AlixPartners

Angela Zutavern

Managing Director, AlixPartners

2021 Sponsors

PEI’s Operating Partners Technology Forum unites private equity operating partners and technology value creation experts. This intersection of individuals provides service providers with unique and customized programs to engage in thought provoking content discussions and provides numerous opportunities to connect in one-on-one discussions, roundtable events, and various other networking activities.

To explore how your firm can take a prominent leadership position, contact Lawrence Dvorchik at lawrence.d@peimedia.com or call +1 646 545 4429.

‘Record demand’ for operating partners: Survey

As GPs seek to boost portfolio company value, they are under pressure to reduce costs and increase efficiencies as operational issues become increasingly complex and LPs push for lower fees.

Operating partner roles are the fastest-growing positions in private equity this year, driven by a sharper focus on deploying capital raised in 2016 and 2017. Executive search firm Heidrick & Struggles is experiencing “record demand” for operating partners among private equity firms, according to its 2019 North American Private Equity Operating Professional Compensation Survey, which received responses from 217 private equity operating professionals.

Head of talent, chief financial officer for portfolio operations, and generalist operating partner roles were the top operating professional searches. Increasingly complex operational issues in portfolio companies coupled with LPs insisting on lower fees puts pressure on GPs to reduce costs and increase operational efficiencies.

Two evolutions have taken place in recent years, Jonathan Goldstein, regional managing partner, Americas for Heidrick & Struggles’ private equity practice and the report’s co-author, told Private Equity International. Private equity firms are hiring operating partners earlier in their careers, contrary to the previous trend of hiring semi-retired or retired professionals. What’s more, operating partners have proven their worth, driving private equity firms to build out their operating professionals’ ranks and add mid-level and junior operating professionals as well.

Base-level salaries and bonuses for operating roles more than doubled from 2016. Successful operating partners had a mix of consulting and operations experience and previous private equity exposure, according to the report.

Almost 87 percent of operations professionals had no prior relationship with the manager or with its portfolio companies, showing that “private equity firms were expanding their search beyond their network pools to seek talent”, Goldstein told PEI.

Compensation details

Base-level salaries and bonuses for operating professionals did not change significantly from 2017 to 2018; 68 percent of respondents received base-level salary increases of $50,000 or less in 2018. Likewise, 48 percent of respondents reported a higher bonus in 2018 than 2017.

“Change in compensation is not indicative of one thing or the other,” Goldstein said. “Bonuses are driven by increases in AUM, where the fund might be in its lifecycle and the individual’s own progression at the firm.”

Operating partners are eligible for carried interest, usually calculated on a whole-fund basis. Most respondents did not get warrants or options in the portfolio companies they oversaw. Only 43 percent of senior/executive advisors and 29 percent of general partners received warrants or options, and the average warrant participation for these two groups was $2.4 million and $2.6 million, respectively.

Most respondents were not eligible for direct equity participation except at the firm and general partner level. Almost all respondents said they had co-investment rights, according to the report.

Almost 41 percent of respondents said their cash compensation was funded by fund management fees, while 15 percent said their firms used only portfolio company oversight fees and 12 percent said their firms used time billed directly to portfolio companies. The remaining third of respondents said their firms used a mix of two or more funding methods.

 

Poll: the Operating Partner role in driving value creation

No one said that creating lasting value was easy – especially in a struggling company. PEI’s Operating Partner Forums discuss all aspects of value creation, from harnessing technology to leveraging human capital to boost operations. More than 200 operating partners attended the New York edition in October 2019, sharing their views on key aspects of value creation as highlighted in our most recent poll below.