As part of our “Best of Thought Leadership” series, we’re highlighting some of the most impactful, high-traffic blog posts from Boston Search Group. These posts have resonated with private equity firm leadership and C-suite executives, offering actionable insights into talent strategy, executive compensation, and market trends. Below, you’ll find concise summaries, key takeaways, and links to the original articles—organized for easy reference and maximum value.
Top Recent Reads
| Category | Article Title & Link | Key Takeaways |
|---|---|---|
| Portfolio Company Performance | Top 5 Moves PE Investors Take When Their Portcos Stumble | - Execution failure by management is the leading cause of portfolio underperformance. - The most common corrective action is replacing the CEO (41%). - Augmenting the executive team and bringing in consultants are also frequent responses. - Early signs of trouble (e.g., missed post-acquisition targets) should not be ignored. - Resource allocation should focus on companies with real turnaround potential, not “unremediatable” cases. |
| Executive Compensation & Agreements | CEO Severance and Employment Agreement Survey for Private Equity-Backed Companies | - Median CEO severance in PE-backed companies is 12 months; some cases reach 24 months. - 85%+ of CEOs have formal employment agreements. - Severance terms vary based on CEO experience, founder status, and cap table position. - Notice periods and phased departures can reduce severance liability and maintain productivity during transitions. |
| Compensation Tools | CEO Equity Compensation Calculator | - Provides a structured approach to calculating fair CEO equity in PE/VC-backed firms. - Considers market comparables, cash needs, risk multipliers, and dilution. - Highlights the importance of aligning incentives and factoring in liquidity timelines. - Useful for both boards and executives negotiating compensation packages. |
| Workforce Strategy & Communication | New and Old Euphemisms for the Term Layoff for the 21st Century | - Explores the evolution of terminology around layoffs and workforce reductions. - Highlights the impact of language on employee morale and corporate culture. - Offers a taxonomy of terms—traditional, positive spin, and dehumanizing. - Stresses the importance of transparent, empathetic communication during workforce changes. |
| Market Trends & Talent Strategy | Private Equity’s Impact on Hiring Trends in 2025: Reshaping the Services Sector | - PE investment is driving demand for specialized executive talent in services, especially accounting and financial services. - Forecasts continued sector growth and evolving talent strategies through 2025. - Emphasizes the need for both “builders” and “optimizers” in leadership teams. - Essential reading for firms seeking to stay ahead in a competitive talent market. |
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BSG on Apr 21, 2025 9:06:39 PM
