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Catalyst Global Partners is a specialist executive search firm focused solely on private equity firms and their portfolio companies. We advise investors, boards, and executive teams on securing senior leaders who act as the catalyst for value creation, transformation, and long-term performance.
Our work centres on permanent C-suite and board-level appointments in complex, high-expectation environments. We operate where leadership quality has a direct and measurable impact on investment outcomes.
recruiting beyond the resume
We look past titles and tenure to understand how leaders think, operate, and influence the organisations they serve. Our evaluation approach focuses on behavioural fit, decision-making style, and the conditions under which individuals perform at their best.
Through structured interviews, evidence-based assessment, and robust referencing, we identify candidates whose leadership qualities align with the specific demands of each mandate.
We also support executives throughout their career journeyoffering guidance as they consider new opportunities, prepare for senior appointments, or transition into broader leadership roles.
94%
of placed executives remain in role beyond the first 24 months
87%
of searches completed within 10–12 weeks
92%
shortlist-to-placement ratio across C-suite mandates
4.8/5
average client satisfaction score across global engagements
client perspectives
UK Mid-Market Private Equity Firm
Jamie Waugh supported us on a confidential retained search for a Chief Financial Officer for one of our UK portfolio companies, a £150m turnover engineering business operating in a complex, highly regulated environment.
From the outset, Jamie demonstrated a deep understanding of both the private equity mindset and the specific operational and financial challenges facing the business. He invested significant time upfront to understand the investment thesis, value creation plan, and the dynamics between the Board, management team, and shareholders.
The search was run with absolute discretion and rigour. Jamie presented a well-curated shortlist of high-calibre CFO candidates, all of whom were credible at Board level and experienced in PE-backed environments, including transformation, M&A, and operational finance. His assessment of candidates went well beyond technical capability, with particular strength in evaluating cultural fit, leadership style, and the ability to operate effectively with investors.
Throughout the process, communication was clear, proactive, and commercially focused. Jamie managed stakeholders on all sides with professionalism and integrity, and the assignment was delivered on time and to an exceptionally high standard.
We would have no hesitation in recommending Jamie for senior, confidential retained searches within private equity-backed businesses and look forward to working with him again.
Partner | On behalf of a portfolio company
Global Mid-Market Private Equity Firm
Jamie partnered with us on a confidential retained search for a Chief Operating Officer for a UK-headquartered, globally operating business backed by mid-market private equity.
This was a critical appointment requiring a COO capable of professionalising operations at scale, driving international performance, and acting as a true partner to the CEO and Board. Jamie demonstrated a strong grasp of our value-creation plan, the complexities of operating across multiple geographies, and the leadership profile required to succeed in a PE-backed environment.
The search was executed with a high degree of discretion and pace. Jamie delivered a compelling shortlist of internationally experienced operators with proven track records in operational excellence, change management, and growth in complex global environments. His insight into candidate motivations, leadership behaviours, and cultural alignment was particularly valuable in supporting confident decision-making.
The quality of the outcome reflected the depth of Jamie’s market knowledge and his ability to access and assess senior operational talent. We would strongly recommend him for senior leadership searches within private equity-backed businesses, particularly where global scale, operational complexity, and absolute discretion are required.
Senior Partner | Global Operations
Over two decades of expertise
Our work has supported investors and management teams in achieving meaningful performance imporvmenets, including:
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Placement of CEO who led a strategic transformation resulting in a significant uplift in EDITDA within 18 months
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Recruitment of a CFO who accelerated post-acquisition integration and strengthened financial discipline.
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Development of an Operating Partner bench to support cross-border expansion for a mid-market PE platform.
