Our Approach

Every search begins with a simple question: What kind of leader does this investment actually require?

Two women having a discussion in an office, with laptops and papers on the table.

Answering that question involves more than a job description. It requires understanding the investment thesis, the operating environment, and the leadership style needed to get the placement right.

From there, the process unfolds deliberately:

  1. Define the role and refine the leadership profile.

  2. Identify and recruit executives with relevant experience.

  3. Facilitate structured candidate presentations and evaluation.

  4. Guide stakeholders through the interview process and maintain alignment at every stage

  5. Coordinating the final offer and guiding both parties to a successful agreement

As the search progresses, client feedback sharpens the focus until the final candidate list reflects not just qualifications—but fit.

Four Principles Behind Every Search

The person who leads the search should stay in the search

At Premier Private Equity Placements, every engagement is led directly by our president, Phil Jakeway. The person who begins the search remains responsible for the outcome. That continuity creates better judgment and faster progress. 

Specialization produces better candidates

We concentrate on two roles: CEO and CFO. Both sit at the center of value creation inside private equity portfolio companies. By focusing on these positions, unlike firms who work on all C-Level roles, we maintain relationships with executives who understand operational performance, investor expectations, and the pace of PE-backed organizations.

The best searches adapt

A search rarely begins with perfect clarity. As candidates are evaluated and market feedback emerges, the definition of the role becomes sharper. Our methodology reflects this reality. Each search evolves through ongoing dialogue with the client, refining the profile until the right candidate emerges.

The goal isn’t placement. It’s performance

A successful search isn’t measured by a hire—it’s measured by what that leader delivers over time. We evaluate success through long-term impact, not initial placement.

Two men in business suits walking and talking in an office hallway.

Let’s get started.

Every search starts with a conversation. Share a few details below, and we will connect to understand your needs and how we can help.