The Business of Private EquityNEW
The Business of Private Equity
Overview
Private equity (PE) firms are built on investment expertise, but running the firm itself requires a distinct set of leadership, strategic, and operational capabilities. While most senior leaders rise through the ranks as dealmakers, they often lack formal preparation for the multifaceted responsibilities of managing a private equity organization.
The Business of Private Equity program addresses this gap. Designed for executives on the path to leadership or newly appointed to senior roles, it equips participants with the frameworks, insights, and peer connections to successfully guide their firms through growth, succession, and organizational complexity.
Impact
Participants will leave with a deeper understanding of what it takes to run a private equity firm—not just manage portfolio companies. Through interactive sessions with top industry leaders and academics, participants will:
- Learn to identify and manage the operational and leadership roles critical to a PE firm’s success
- Gain tools for scaling firms through acquisitions or organic growth while managing integration challenges
- Understand the legal, financial, and cultural aspects of leadership succession
- Enhance strategies for effective investor, employee, and stakeholder communication
- Anticipate the risks and opportunities that shape the long-term trajectory of private equity organizations
Program Themes
Scaling the Private Equity Firm
Explore the strategic and operational challenges of expanding a PE firm, whether through acquisitions of other asset managers or organic growth. Learn about due diligence, integration practices, and approaches to ensure firm-wide alignment during expansion.
Investing in Private Equity Businesses
Understand the unique perspective of GP-stakes investors who evaluate PE firms as businesses in their own right. These discussions shed light on patterns of firm leadership, succession planning, and the challenges that arise as firms mature and grow.
The Chief Operating Officer Perspective
Examine the COO’s role in overseeing global operations, technology, risk, and enterprise services. Participants will gain insight into how COOs create organizational efficiency and ensure that the firm’s infrastructure supports both investment and client needs.
Leadership Succession Planning
Delve into the complex process of leadership transitions, from compensation structures and legal considerations to cultural continuity. Learn from industry leaders and advisors about strategies for ensuring seamless succession.
Branding and Communication in the Private Equity Firm
Discover why a compelling brand and effective communication strategy are essential to fundraising, talent retention, and portfolio company alignment. Explore best practices for communicating with investors, employees, and partners.
Who’s Who in the Private Equity Firm
Gain a comprehensive view of critical roles beyond investment professionals, including General Counsel, CFO, COO, and Investor Relations. Learn how these roles interact and support the overall functioning of a PE firm.
Risk Management in the Private Equity Firm
Analyze how firms navigate investment, political, and regulatory risks. Uncover strategies to identify, assess, and mitigate risks that affect performance and reputation.
Value Creation Strategy and Team Formation
Explore how firms build dedicated value creation teams to drive portfolio growth. Learn the challenges around talent acquisition, compensation, and organizational alignment in forming these teams.
Participant Profile
This program is designed for private equity professionals stepping into or preparing for senior leadership roles. Typical participants include:
- Partners, Managing Directors, and senior executives with 8–12 years of experience in private equity.
- Newly appointed CEOs or Managing Partners seeking to strengthen their organizational leadership capabilities.
- Executives in adjacent industries who need to understand how PE firms operate to lead partnerships or advisory roles effectively.
- Private equity firm founders looking to take their firm to the next level
Program Directors
Michael Ewens
David L. and Elsie M. Dodd Professor of Finance, Columbia Business School; Co-Director, Private Equity (Online)
Guest Speakers
All certificate images are for illustrative purposes only and may be subject to change at the discretion of Columbia Business School Executive Education.
Sign Up for Email Alerts
Sign up for program updates and content relevant to today's business leaders from Columbia Business School Executive Education.