So, I'm currently working at a PE portfolio company as a Sr. Finance Manager; hoping to exit in around 2-3 years. I'm coming from another Portfolio company (where I was a Corp Finance Mgr) that exited. I'm wondering if PE firms are looking to hire people with portfolio company/exit experience to work at their firms? I'd like to consider making the transition after a couple more exits, if not sooner. I have an MBA from Rice Univ, if this helps at all.
Thanks in advance for your honest advice.
It's possible, although not common. Typically firms are top heavy with executives that have backgrounds like (1) banking + ivy MBA or (2) executive experience. The rest of the shops staff up with young ex-bankers or ex-consultants that they can work hard and don't expect a direct path to the top. I'm assuming you're looking for a VP / investment manager type role, and those are hard to find with a non-traditional background..
My recommendation would be to keep doing what you're doing and negotiate more options with each portco you work at, be a CFO of a successful exit, and then look to make the jump. To do that, you will still need to develop networks within a bunch of funds around your city/state. So start building those relationships now if you can and it never hurts to express interest in moving to the buy side.
Also PS, using your last name you're an easy find on linkedin. Guess you might not care as this post is pretty vanilla, but going forward would maybe be less specific with personal details.
Much appreciated, LeonTree. Your comment echoes what I've been told by colleagues and mentors. Although not necessarily what I wanted to hear, it makes perfect sense. Thanks for the advice!
PS. Changed my handle - excellent call, thanks again.
To not be all doom and gloom, I think there could be exceptions where you are in the finance group of a particularly acquisitive portco. If you are relied on to manage a buy and build, those skills are directly transferable.
Thanks for the additional info, LeonTree. Hoping this is the case here.
Absolutely, but usually only in exec roles. If you ran one company well for them they will return and either have you run another or oversee a few on the ops side.
And I’ve seen this on the ops side, not as much on the finance side.
Thanks for the reply Abb5134. I've definitely seen this on the Ops side as well. Wondering if this will apply to Corp Finance as well. I can see making a case for finance; have yet to see a ton of evidence to support it.
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