How Private Equity is Settin’ Trends

In previous years, when it came to patterns and trends in our business, it was safe to say that our clients’ needs were typically based on new strategies, new products, geographic expansion, etc. However, in 2016, we started to see a rather notable change. First, there was a clear shift from new roles to replacement roles—in fact, 70% of 180one searches conducted in 2016 were for replacement positions, compared to only 45% in 2015. Second, we saw a noticeable spike in the number of clients that were backed by private equity firms. In other words, we experienced a 180% increase in PE-backed clients from 2015 to 2016. And finally, with the help of these latest trends, 2016 became the year of the CFO for 180one as the percentage of our CFO searches went up from 15% to 35%, or a 133% increase.

2016 Year In Review

One could conclude that the increase in PE-backed clients drove the increase of replacement roles, specifically with the CFO position. But how are these trends interrelated? Let’s take a look.


Private Equity vs. IPO

Why are more private companies choosing to take the private equity path? Why is private equity becoming so popular? According to an “Inc. 5000” article, getting to an IPO is still “the most prestigious rite of passage in American business”. But with the ever-changing market, access to capital, the compliance cost of going and staying public, and the desire to control its own destiny - new and growing companies are taking advantage of private equity.

IPO Pricings by Year Chart

According to a report from Renaissance Capital, 2017 is on track to be the second least active IPO year in the last eight years, just behind 2016 (with 105 IPOs priced). And while most companies look to an IPO to raise capital, Bain & Company’s Global Private Equity Report 2017 noted that more than $2.3 trillion of “new money” has been raised by private equity firms (from buyout to venture capital to growth to mezzanine funds) in the last four years, and more than half a trillion in each of these years. That’s a lot of capital that needs to be put to work.


So, while we have addressed some of the trends that are resulting in more companies choosing private equity as a means to additional capital, let’s see how this trend impacts the shift to replacement positions and the CFO role.


The Role of the CFO in Private Equity

Since the great majority of private equity partners have strong financial acumen, PE firms place a great deal of focus on the financial performance of their portfolio companies, and the importance and breadth of the CFO has certainly evolved to address this dynamic.

Historically, the CFO was primarily responsible for ensuring accuracy in the financial statements, but, over time, CEOs are relying on their CFOs to provide the company with an “economic approach” to decision making. Answers to questions such as “should we build a new plant”, “should we expand a product line”, “should we acquire a target company”, are now being supported by the CFO’s organization. 


In addition, private equity firms are interested in knowing and understanding how their portfolio companies are performing on a routine basis. While some companies they acquire already have a sophisticated level of financial reporting, most companies who are being acquired for the first time by a private equity firm have undeveloped systems to drive effective financial reporting. Based on this, a CFO who has the experience in building out a financial reporting process/system and knowing what areas the private equity firm will focus on provides a level of confidence that supports future investments and decisions.


Here are some of the common themes and traits we have found that make for a successful PE CFO:

CFO Bullet Point List

The role of private equity CFOs has evolved beyond traditional accounting functions, and their sphere of influence is expanding fast.


Recruiting in the PE World

As executive recruiters, we understand the unique nature of conducting a private equity search. The similarities between a standard CFO search and a search for a PE CFO are fairly straightforward: the need for top talent does not waiver, there is still an importance riding on culture fit within the company, and of course the right technical skills are imperative. The differences, however, are a little more nuanced. With private equity firms involved, an additional party is introduced into the hiring process, and with that comes new expectations of what the CFO position must entail, as well as a change in how the search for an executive will unfold, which will ultimately vary from company to company. 


There are cases in which the portfolio companies drive and manage the entire hiring process, while there are also situations where the PE firm offers guidance. It is a best practice to have the PE firm involved in the earlier stages of the process because the CFO position is a key link back to the PE firm on the performance of the company. Additionally, if the PE firm is not involved early on, there are no checks and balances of the hiring efforts, and thus it could be easy for the portfolio company to get started down a path that is not compatible with the vision of the PE firm.


PE firms play a vital role in the selection of a CFO, especially because hiring a CFO can be very stressful and it is not uncommon for a portfolio CEO to seek assistance in the process. Not everyone understands finance, especially in the context of private equity, so oftentimes portfolio companies end up needing guidance on how to assess the technical merits of a candidate.


Being knowledgeable about the expectations of the CFO by PE firms, as well as understanding how to include all stakeholders in the hiring process, leads to finding a more successful CFO who will not only accomplish what needs to be done in the short term, but will be able to keep up with the company as it grows. By using a search partner that truly understands the role and the nuances, private equity firms can avoid needing to conduct CFO searches multiple times.


180one Portfolio Companies

We’ve been proud to partner with the following companies that are backed by Private Equity firms:

PE Backed Clients 180one
By Effie Zimmerman February 23, 2026
Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer ABOUT THE COMPANY With roots dating back to 1938, The Papé Group is the West’s leading supplier of capital equipment solutions. Today, Papé operates across nine states with over 4,000 team members, proudly representing premier brands including John Deere, Kenworth, Hyster, Ditch Witch, and more. What sets Papé apart is its commitment to long-term relationships, both with customers and employees. As a fourth-generation, family-led business, Papé believes in the value of a handshake, the importance of service, and the impact of leadership that stays close to the work. ABOUT THE POSITION Reporting to the CEO of the Papé Group and residing in Eugene, Oregon, the VP & Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) serves as the organization’s senior leader responsible for developing and executing a people strategy that supports business performance, operational excellence, and a strong employee experience across a geographically dispersed, multi-site workforce. This leader will bring exceptional integrity, discretion, loyalty, and sound judgment, while building trust and credibility at every level of the organization—from frontline employees to executive leadership. The VP & CHRO will balance the operational needs of the business with employee engagement and workforce stability, ensuring the organization remains compliant, competitive, and well-positioned for growth. This role leads all HR functions, including labor relations, safety, recruiting, benefits, payroll, HRIS, onboarding, training, and performance management, while also serving as a key strategic partner in mergers and acquisitions and regular interactions with the company’s board. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Strategic Leadership & Culture Lead the development and execution of the company’s enterprise-wide HR strategy in alignment with business objectives, operational needs, and long-term growth plans. Serve as a trusted advisor to the CEO and executive leadership team on workforce planning, organizational effectiveness, leadership development, and employee relations. Champion a culture of integrity, accountability, respect, and performance while ensuring employees feel heard, supported, and engaged. Establish and maintain consistent HR practices across multiple locations and states while allowing for local operational needs. Compliance, Risk Management & Employment Law Ensure legal compliance across all employment-related areas, including wage and hour laws, payroll practices, employee classification, leaves of absence, and workplace policies. Partner with legal counsel and internal stakeholders to mitigate risk and ensure consistent application of employment law across 17 states. Oversee safety program alignment and compliance, ensuring workplace safety expectations are embedded into operational leadership and accountability. Lead investigations and resolution of complex employee relations matters with professionalism, confidentiality, and fairness. Total Rewards, Benefits & Retirement Plans Oversee benefits strategy and administration, including medical, dental, vision, disability, leave programs, and wellness offerings. Lead negotiation and management of benefits contracts and vendor relationships to ensure competitive offerings and cost effectiveness. Provide executive oversight for the company’s 401(k) plan, including vendor relationships, fiduciary compliance, plan governance, and employee communication. Partner with finance and executive leadership to manage labor and benefit costs while supporting retention and workforce stability. HRIS & HR Operations Own HR technology strategy and HRIS vendor relationship, including selection, contract negotiation, implementation, optimization, and performance management. Ensure HR processes are efficient, scalable, compliant, and aligned across recruiting, onboarding, payroll, performance management, and reporting. Use metrics and workforce analytics to guide decision-making and improve outcomes. Talent Acquisition, Onboarding & Workforce Planning Oversee recruiting strategy and execution for hourly, salaried, leadership, and specialized roles across a multi-state footprint. Ensure onboarding processes are consistent, high-quality, and designed to improve early retention and productivity. Build workforce planning processes that support operational demands, business growth, and succession planning. Training, Leadership Development & Performance Management Recommend, select, and implement training programs for supervisors and managers, including: compliance training (harassment prevention, wage/hour, safety, union-related training) leadership and soft skills training (communication, coaching, accountability, conflict resolution) Establish leadership development practices that strengthen frontline leadership capability and reinforce company standards. Ensure performance management processes are practical, consistently applied, and drive accountability and employee development. Serves as a key advisor in helping guide and develop members of the emerging fifth generation, supporting thoughtful career pathing, leadership development, and integration into the business in alignment with company values and performance expectations. Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) Lead HR due diligence and integration planning for mergers, acquisitions, and organizational growth initiatives. Evaluate workforce risks, compensation and benefits alignment, union implications, compliance exposure, and retention strategies. Drive integration of HR policies, culture, systems, and talent while maintaining business continuity and employee trust. Labor Relations & Union Negotiations Lead union strategy, labor relations, and negotiations, including preparation, bargaining, grievance management, and contract administration for approximately 100 employees. Maintain productive relationships with union representatives while protecting business continuity and operational flexibility. Provide guidance and coaching to leaders on union-related issues, discipline, and compliance with collective bargaining agreements. Team Leadership & Department Management Lead and develop a high-performing HR organization with functional responsibility for: Safety Recruiting Payroll Benefits HRIS Onboarding Performance Management Employee Relations Establish clear expectations, accountability, and development pathways for HR team members. Manage departmental budget, vendor performance, and service-level expectations. CANDIDATE PROFILE The ideal candidate brings a proven track record of executive leadership, strategic decision-making, and operational excellence within complex, growth-oriented organizations. Key qualifications include: Executive-level HR leadership experience in a multi-location, multi-state organization. Demonstrated success in building credibility with frontline employees and leaders at all levels. Strong working knowledge of employment law, wage and hour compliance, payroll practices, and workplace safety standards. Proven experience negotiating and managing vendor contracts, including HRIS, benefits providers, and retirement plan partners. Strong leadership training and development experience for supervisors and managers (compliance and soft skills). Robust M&A experience, including HR due diligence, integration, and organizational change management. High degree of integrity, discretion, loyalty, and sound judgment. Excellent communication, relationship-building, and conflict resolution skills. Preferred SPHR, SHRM-SCP, or similar credentials. Labor relations experience, including union contract negotiation and administration. Experience in distributed operations such as manufacturing, construction, industrial services, transportation, equipment, logistics, or other field-based environments. Demonstrated success scaling HR operations in a high-growth or acquisition-driven environment. Interested in Learning More? 180one is an executive search firm and is assisting Papé Group in this search. If interested in learning more about the opportunity, please contact Tom Haley / 503-334-1350 /  tom@180one.com  .
By Effie Zimmerman February 17, 2026
Sales Leader ABOUT THE COMPANY Organically Grown Company (“OGC” or the “Company”) is a leading organic produce distributor in the Pacific Northwest, committed to connecting growers, retailers, and consumers through a transparent, sustainable supply chain. As a mission-driven organization, OGC has built its reputation on deep grower partnerships, operational excellence, and an unwavering commitment to organic integrity. The Sales Leader will play a critical role in driving revenue growth, strengthening customer relationships, and leading a high-performing sales organization aligned with OGC’s values, strategic priorities, and long-term vision. ABOUT THE POSITION Reporting to the VP of Sales & Sourcing, this Sales Leader is responsible for and focused on ensuring the highest service levels for our customers. They are focused on leadership of the sales team, ensuring development, performance, morale, and retention. They provide primary leadership over product, pricing, actionable analytics, and promotions as main strategies to manage inventory and drive sales and profit. DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES Leading & Supervisory: Promote the development of flexible, adaptive, and innovative processes for use in new business growth by supporting and enabling an effective and efficient team approach. Provide leadership of the day-to-day operations of the sales department, while maintaining focus on the Company’s strategic goals. Promote safety, development, training, and evaluation of all sales team members. Collaborate organization-wide to support or lead projects and initiatives, facilitate process change, manage organizational change, and ensure success. Ensure proactive and effective collaboration and communication with all other departments for greater efficiency in support of service goals. Ensure proper levels of people growth and succession planning are in place and actively updated and refreshed. Foster a culture of belonging where people feel engaged and inspired. Support OGC sustainability goals and actively work to reduce environmental impact. Nurture, support, and promote the Company Mission, Values & Vision, and Brand. Exemplify OGC values: Cultivate Connection, Win on Service, Build Trust, and Move with Intention. Sales & Service: Develop and implement sales strategies, using analytics to set sales targets and provide guidance on associated sales actions, and forecast sales volume for both existing and new products. Develop and maintain a historical perspective on the marketplace to analyze and predict future trends and needs. Maintain familiarity with competitors’ products and services. Recommend changes in products, services, and sales policies by evaluating results and competitive developments. Stay current with new products and services offered by competitors, and with other trends in the organic produce industry. Develop and implement account management objectives, including key service metrics. Manage the negotiation of products with customers based on margin goals, which may include providing volume discounts or other agreements. Partner with the business development team to create onboarding plans for new business/new partnerships and grow existing accounts. Develop and sustain a sales culture of service & customer value creation. Develop and coordinate programs and processes for industry-leading customer service and sales to increase customer satisfaction, as measured with a trade survey annually. Work closely with Sourcing leadership to align demand planning and inventory strategies with sales growth. Responsible for developing and maintaining customer, grower, and vendor relationships. Travel as needed to meet with customers, attend and host at industry events, and nurture relationships. Analyze lead quality and sales trends to continually refine outreach strategies. Planning and Budgeting: Own budgeting, forecasting, and sales planning for the team. Manage the operational budget through a collaborative approach. Measure sales activities by developing key sales metrics, and ensure that these metrics are analyzed, reported on a regular basis, and adjusted accordingly to achieve OGC sales goals and objectives. Set departmental objectives and goals to align with OGC’s strategic plan, annual goals, and company initiatives. Provide strategic leadership for the future direction of the OGC Sales team in support of the OGC strategic plan and growth initiatives. QUALIFICATIONS 10+ years of progressive & successful sales experience, with at least 5+ years managing and coaching sales teams to meet and exceed sales goals. Preference for a deep understanding of the produce industry, including supply chain logistics, product characteristics, and quality control. Strategic planning and pricing experience. Strong knowledge of the channels of distribution of perishable products or related industries. Exceptional presentation, written and oral communication skills. Experience in fiscal management, including P&L’s, budgets, projections, cost control skills, and a proven track record of revenue generation and strong customer relationships. Excellent management and organizational skills with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects concurrently. Interested in Learning More? 180one has been retained by OGC to manage this search. If interested in learning more about the opportunity, please contact Lisa Heffernan / 971.256.3076/ lisa@180one.com .
By Effie Zimmerman February 11, 2026
Each year, 180one presents our Year in Review, sharing our insights into the overall executive talent market and recapping the work we performed on behalf of our clients throughout the year. To explore what we saw in years’ past, check out the Year in Review section of The Water Cooler.
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