Sector Practices
Private Equity Executive Search in Ireland
Leadership hires for Irish private equity firms and the businesses they back
Phoenix Search runs retained executive search for private equity firms investing in Ireland and for the Irish businesses they back. We hire the CEOs, CFOs, COOs and non-executive directors who deliver the value creation plan, and the investment and operating professionals who build the firm itself.
The Irish market is small. The executives who have taken a sponsor-backed business through completion, a hold period and an exit are known across the market, and most are already in post. Finding them, and making a move worth their while against carry, co-invest and notice, takes a search partner who knows the people as well as the role.
The brief has also changed. Our Global CFO Survey 2026 found that only 26.6% of CFOs expect the global economy to improve in the first half of 2026, down from 49.5% a year earlier, while 75.5% are confident in their own organisation’s ability to navigate uncertainty. Sponsors are hiring for execution: leaders who protect cash, own the plan and get the business ready to sell.
How we work with sponsors
At or before completion. Many sponsors need a CFO or CEO in place at or shortly after completion. We start the search during the deal process where possible and plan around senior notice periods.
Through the hold. We hire the leaders the value creation plan depends on, including COOs, Chief Revenue Officers and the integration leaders a buy and build strategy needs.
Ahead of exit. We find finance and leadership talent who can make a business ready for a sale, a recapitalisation or a continuation vehicle, and defend the equity story in front of buyers.
Speed and discretion. Sponsor timetables are tight. We run focused searches with clear shortlists and manage the close, including carry, co-invest and notice, from the start.
Roles we search for
Portfolio companies:
- CEOs and Managing Directors
- CFOs and Finance Directors, including first-time and repeat PE CFOs
- COOs, Chief Revenue Officers and commercial leaders
- Chairs and non-executive directors
- Transformation and integration leaders for buy and build platforms
Private equity firms:
- Partners, Investment Directors and investment professionals
- Operating partners and portfolio support leaders
- CFOs, COOs and Heads of Investor Relations
Who we work with: Irish private equity houses, international sponsors with Irish portfolio companies, and growth equity and venture backed Irish businesses. See also our wider private capital executive search practice, CFO executive search and board appointments work, and M&A and corporate finance executive search for deal and corporate development leaders.
Frequently asked questions
Do you hire for portfolio companies as well as private equity firms?
Yes. Much of our private equity work is C-suite and board hiring for sponsor-backed businesses, briefed by deal teams and operating partners.
Can a search start before the deal completes?
Yes. Where the sponsor needs a leader at or shortly after completion, we start during the deal process and build notice periods into the plan.
Should we hire a first-time or a repeat private equity CFO?
A CFO who has been through a full private equity cycle, from completion to exit, shortens the learning curve and reduces risk. A strong first-time candidate can bring more energy and sector depth but needs support from the sponsor’s operating team. Decide which risk you would rather carry before the search starts, because it changes the shortlist.
Do you work with sponsors based outside Ireland?
Yes. We search across Ireland, the UK and the US, and help sponsors find leaders who know the Irish market and can work to the sponsor’s reporting cycle.
