— Executive Search · Private Equity · DACH
Leaders who create value.
We fill C-level and senior leadership positions in PE-backed companies and portfolios — with an understanding of investor logic, value-creation targets and the particular dynamics of transformation and growth phases.
— Industry-specific challenges
Executive search in PE requires a different mindset
In private-equity-led companies, qualifications alone don’t count — what matters is the ability to lead under investor pressure, within defined windows and toward clear value-creation goals.
Not every CEO candidate thinks in EBITDA multiples and exit scenarios. We identify leaders who don’t just tolerate PE logic, but actively drive it.
PE portfolio companies move faster than the market. The leader must deliver from day one — and we actively support them through the critical first 90 days.
Investors often search across several portfolio companies in parallel. We manage capacity and avoid candidate overlap within the portfolio.
The right leader must convince not only the company, but board and investors. We prepare candidates and process accordingly.
I have always experienced Oliver and Sebastian as reliable partners. Results so far: 100% accuracy of fit!
— Mandate scope
Every week counts.
In PE portfolios there is no room for six-month search processes. Our average time-to-hire of 7 weeks is no accident — it is the result of a system.
— Our approach
Fast. Precise. Partner-led.
We don’t run database queries. Every search is led personally by Oliver Kempkens or Sebastian Kohler — from the briefing session to onboarding.
Together we define the search profile, your culture and the success criteria. We understand your business, ownership structure and strategic situation.
Systematic mapping of 200+ profiles in the relevant market — including candidates with no active job profile who are invisible to classic channels.
First profiles serve as the basis for jointly fine-tuning the search profile. We adjust parameters precisely to your feedback before going deep.
In-depth interviews, personality diagnostics and an explicit culture-fit check. You receive 3–5 excellent candidates — no long lists.
Contract negotiation, stakeholder alignment and active support through the first 90 days. We are only done once your leader is successfully on board.
Why our approach works differently
Entrepreneurial thinking
We understand roles in the context of growth, responsibility and strategic impact.
Partner-led, not delegated
Every mandate is led personally by the founding partners — no opaque research process.
Access to the hidden market
We identify leaders on competency and potential — including talent beyond the open candidate market.
Precision over volume
A clearly calibrated shortlist instead of long candidate lists.
— Client references & projects
Executive search for private equity: what really matters
PE-backed companies place particular demands on their leaders: they must think strategically over short horizons, deliver operationally at the same time, and communicate confidently with investors and boards. Classic executive-search processes that take 4–6 months do not fit PE logic.
Kempkens & Kohler has a proven track record filling C-level positions in PE-backed companies — from VC-financed scale-ups to established portfolio companies in buy-out situations. We understand investment managers, operating partners and management teams simultaneously.
As one of the few boutique-led search firms in Germany with the FOCUS Top Executive Search award 2026, we combine speed with substance — on average 7 weeks from the first briefing to a signed agreement.
— Free initial consultation
Let’s talk about your portfolio company.
Whether an ongoing mandate, a planned replacement or an urgent vacancy — tell us about your case and we’ll get back to you personally within 24 hours.
For companies with a hiring need. We work exclusively on a retained basis for companies looking to fill a leadership position. We are unable to consider unsolicited applications via this form.