- UK
- US
This case study highlights work delivered in partnership with Jake Seymour following private equity investment into a UK retail business. He supported the appointment of a CIO to drive technology-enabled value creation, making a successful hire after introducing a single, highly aligned candidate and enabling rapid leadership impact at a critical stage of the investment cycle.
Following its first private equity investment, the company entered a pivotal stage of growth, with a clear mandate to professionalise operations, strengthen governance and scale its platform.
With the investor pursuing a broader expansion strategy in the sector, establishing strong technology leadership early in the investment cycle was seen as critical to delivering value creation and supporting long-term growth.
Immediately post-investment, the business required an experienced technology leader who could operate effectively in a private equity environment – balancing strategic transformation with pragmatic delivery.
Technology was identified as a core value-creation lever. The incoming CIO would need to modernise systems, support operational scalability and provide a clear digital roadmap, while working closely with both the leadership team and investors. Timing was also important: the business wanted the right appointment in place quickly, without the distraction of a lengthy search process.
We engaged proactively with both the investment fund and the portfolio leadership team, advising on the profile required and positioning our technology practice as a strategic partner rather than simply running a process.
Drawing on deep sector knowledge and prior mapping of senior technology leaders in retail and private equity-backed environments, we recommended a highly targeted introduction: a CIO with a strong track record delivering transformation in comparable businesses and a clear understanding of private equity value-creation dynamics.
Although the business was initially cautious about progressing with a single candidate, they agreed to meet based on the strength of the alignment and our conviction in the fit across sector experience, delivery capability and cultural style.
The process moved at pace. Within a week of introduction, the candidate met the Managing Director, CEO and COO. His pragmatic approach, ability to align technology with commercial priorities and experience working in investor-backed environments resonated strongly with both management and shareholders.
Following those meetings, the business concluded that a broader market search was unnecessary. After meeting just one candidate, they moved to offer. We supported both parties through structuring and negotiation, ensuring an outcome that aligned with the commercial and cultural priorities of the business and its investors.
The appointment provided immediate technology leadership at a critical stage in the investment lifecycle and established a strong foundation for ongoing transformation and growth. It also reinforced our role as a trusted adviser to both the fund and the portfolio company.
This assignment highlights our ability to operate at the intersection of private equity and technology leadership. By leveraging long-standing relationships and deep sector expertise, we delivered a high-impact appointment quickly and with conviction – enabling the business to focus on execution and value creation rather than a prolonged recruitment process.
“Jake approached us shortly after we secured private equity investment and demonstrated a strong understanding of the pressures and expectations that follow. He provided a candidate who was not only technically and sector-aligned but also an excellent cultural fit. Throughout the process, he was flexible and pragmatic in negotiations, ensuring the final outcome worked well for all parties involved.”
