• Jan 02, 25
• Shawn Cole
• Case Studies
• 0 comment

Case Study: Private Equity Portfolio Company Boards

Client Background

Ronin is a forward-thinking investment firm that structures its Boards of Directors differently from most private equity firms. Each portfolio company Board includes at least six external industry executives and only one Ronin Partner.

This unique structure ensures a wealth of industry expertise and operational insights for each portfolio company.

To align with their strategy, Ronin often begins assembling Boards six months before finalizing a transaction, requiring proactive and targeted executive recruitment.

The Challenge

Ronin sought to aggressively expand its portfolio by acquiring businesses within the electrical, water, telecom/satellite, and IT asset disposition sectors. This required identifying and securing multiple highly qualified senior executives to populate their Boards.

Additionally, these executives needed to come from organizations playing significant roles in the targeted sectors, ensuring deep alignment with Ronin’s portfolio companies’ needs and strategic goals.

The Engagement

Cowen Partners Executive Search was engaged by Ronin to lead the search for these high-impact Board members. Leveraging our proven executive search process, we were tasked with identifying, vetting, and recruiting candidates capable of contributing to the strategic and operational success of Ronin’s portfolio companies.

Our Approach

Cowen Partners Executive Search deployed a comprehensive, solutions-based search strategy:

• Market Mapping: Conducted an extensive market analysis of executives within Ronin’s targeted sectors, identifying companies and individuals who met the desired leadership profiles.
• Direct Outreach: Engaged directly with top-tier candidates, emphasizing the opportunity to contribute to transformative portfolio Boards within Ronin’s unique governance structure.
• Evaluation and Vetting: Assessed candidates based on leadership experience, strategic vision, operational expertise, and alignment with Ronin’s portfolio goals.
• Seamless Coordination: Maintained close collaboration with Ronin’s leadership to ensure timely placement of candidates, aligning with the proactive six-month timeline.

Results

Cowen Partners Executive Search successfully recruited a diverse and accomplished slate of executives across Ronin’s targeted sectors. Highlights of the engagement included:

• Rapid Turnaround: Delivered qualified candidates within weeks of initiating the search, keeping Ronin’s Board assembly on track.
• Sector Expertise: Secured executives from leading companies in electrical systems, water infrastructure, satellite communications, and IT asset disposition, ensuring deep industry knowledge on every Board.
• Strategic Fit: Every selected candidate brought a blend of operational rigor, commercial acumen, and a growth-oriented mindset, perfectly aligning with Ronin’s portfolio objectives.

Conclusion

By partnering with Cowen Partners Executive Search, Ronin achieved its goal of assembling highly effective and proactive Boards of Directors. This collaboration ensured Ronin could confidently pursue acquisitions within their targeted sectors, knowing their portfolio companies would benefit from exceptional Board-level leadership and expertise.

For firms like Ronin, where strategic governance is paramount, Cowen Partners Executive Search provides unmatched access to the marketplace, delivering results that drive growth and success.