Our Work
CFO/COO
The Client
Ireland’s premier venture capital fund manages €435M in assets, backing globally ambitious technology companies. With five active funds and a portfolio of over 100 high-growth businesses, the firm supports founders in scaling internationally through deep operational expertise and a robust investor network.
The Challenge
As the firm expanded its footprint across Europe and North America, it needed a transformational CFO/COO to drive financial strategy, operational efficiency, and investor relations. The key challenges included:
– Finding a dual-skilled executive who could oversee finance and operations at a global scale.
– Navigating regulatory complexities across multiple jurisdictions, including Ireland, the UK, and the US.
– Ensuring seamless investor relations and fund management processes to support the firm’s next growth phase.
– Attracting a high-caliber leader in an intensely competitive market for financial and operational talent.
Our Approach
Phoenix Search was exclusively retained to identify, assess, and secure the right leader for this pivotal role.
Our methodology included:
– Global Talent Mapping: Conducted extensive research into the financial and operational leadership landscape across venture capital, private equity, and asset management sectors.
– Targeted Executive Search: Leveraged our network to engage high-performing CFOs/COOs with fund management, strategic finance, and investor relations expertise.
– Market Insights & Benchmarking: Provided compensation and structuring guidance to align the role with industry best practices and attract top-tier talent.
– Confidential Candidate Engagement: Managed a discreet and highly selective search process to ensure seamless discussions with potential candidates.
Results
– Identified and secured a world-class CFO/COO with extensive experience in fund management and global operations.
– Successfully navigated a competitive talent market, securing a leader who aligned with the firm’s values and long-term vision.
– Enabled the firm’s next phase of expansion, ensuring its financial and operational strategy is primed for growth across Europe and North America.
– Strengthened investor relations capabilities, enhancing fund lifecycle communications and onboarding processes.
Phoenix Search also maintained contact with all parties during the onboarding process to provide support and advice to ensure the smooth integration. Several months into the role, the client had benefited significantly from the seamless transition of the COO, witnessing first hand some hugely valuable operational and strategic deliverables greatly benefiting the Chairman and wider organization.
Phoenix’s track record in executive search for investment firms, coupled with our consultative approach and deep talent intelligence, allowed Ireland’s premier venture capital fund to secure a CFO/COO who will drive long-term success. Our global reach, sector expertise, and precision-driven methodology ensure we consistently deliver exceptional leadership talent.
