HR Consulting Private Equity
Private equity as the engine of the economy
As an experienced recruitment consultancy in the private equity sector, we support private equity companies in successfully filling vacancies with the right talent and interim assignments.
The DACH private equity market remains a key driver of growth and transformation:
- Employment effect
Private equity-invested companies in the DACH region employ 1.8 million people, which accounts for 17% of all PE-dependent jobs in Europe. (*1)
- Dry Powder & Fund Landscape
Around 400 active PE funds in the DACH region held almost € 52 billion in uncommitted capital (‘dry powder’) at the end of 2022 to make new or follow-on investments in the short term. (*2) (*3)
Our headhunter for private equity is:
Dennis Müller
Managing Partner
Dennis holds an MBA and has worked as a Group Director and Senior Manager in private equity, mid-market and big tech. He led responsible transformations, cost reductions, talent strategies and AI integrations. Since 2021, he has also been working as an interim manager, AI advisor and strategy consultant focusing on people transformation
The German private equity market has become a key growth driver in recent years. In 2021, around 12.6 billion euros flowed into over 950 companies – this is the highest level in years and underlines the confidence of institutional investors in German SMEs and technology-driven growth companies. More than 470 investment companies are currently involved in over 5,500 portfolio companies, which employ around 1.51 million people and generate a sales volume of around 293 billion euros.
Investment volume 2021
‘In 2021, around 12.6 billion euros were invested in over 950 companies…’ (*3)
Current commitments & portfolio key figures
‘More than 470 investment companies in over 5,500 portfolio companies, employing around 1.51 million people and generating a sales volume of around €293 billion.’ (*4)
Private equity will therefore remain a mainstay for innovation and efficiency boosts in industry, technology and services in the future. Professional HR consulting is a decisive success factor in identifying and attracting precisely those managers and professionals who will ensure sustainable value growth and operational excellence in your portfolio companies.
PAPE as an efficient recruitment consultant for Private Equity
As a private equity recruitment consultancy, we combine our industry expertise with extensive networks.
„Market-leading insights and customised talent for sustainable value creation.“
Economic significance & added value of private equity
Portfolio companies benefit from private equity:
- Capital for innovation: PE investors provide targeted financing for digitalisation projects, R&D projects and international expansion plans. This enables disruptive business models and new technologies to reach market maturity more quickly.
- Strategic support: Your portfolio companies benefit from experienced CEOs, CFOs and board members who support you with operational experience, benchmark analyses and proven KPI dashboards – often at advisory or board level.
- Network effects: Access to international synergies in the markets and for follow-up
- Professionalism in corporate governance: introduction of KPI reporting, compliance and ESG standards.
Typical challenges in the private equity environment
- Skills shortage: “Limited recruiting pools” – CFOs, CEOs and COOs with deal experience and lean management expertise are short and, due to the nature of the business sector in question, there is a lack of the right talent at executive and professional level.
- Interim requirements: Bridge-building by experienced interim managers for short-term vacancies who are ready for deployment within a very short lead time.
- Cultural integration: “M&A focus” – the rapid integration of different corporate cultures requires targeted cultural fit assessments and onboarding programmes.
- Performance tracking: Standardised monitoring for objective management of the turnaround.
Sector-specific applications
Private equity investors focus on growth and efficiency in a wide range of sectors, in particular
- Technology & Software
- Healthcare & Life Sciences
- Industry & Engineering
- Energy & Cleantech
- Consumer Goods & Retail
- FinTech & InsurTech
Typical positions:
- Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
- Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
- Chief Operating Officer (COO)
- Portfolio Manager / Portfolio Operations Lead
- Head of People & Culture / Head of HR
- Head of Business Development
- Head of Strategy & Transformation
- ESG & Compliance Officer
- Interim Manager (CFO / COO / temporary CEO)
FAQs on personnel consulting in private equity
How quickly can PAPE HR Consulting Private Equity present an executive?
As a rule, we present suitable C-level candidates within 4 – 8 weeks, other roles in a more short delivery time. For interim requirements, the process can be shortened to up to 1 week, depending on the role requirements.
What advantages does a specialised private equity recruitment consultancy offer compared to general recruitment?
Our focus on private equity topics guarantees a deep understanding of the market, access to exclusive candidates and an accelerated recruitment process – thanks to a customised approach and an established network.
How does the recruitment consultancy ensure the quality of the candidates?
Through experienced consultants who have already worked as managers in the industry, a standardised screening process, detailed skills analyses and reference checks. Our assessment process is specially tailored to the requirements of executive search portfolios.
Does PAPE Personalberatung offer guarantee or replacement arrangements for private equity appointments?
Yes, we offer a replacement guarantee of up to three years for key positions. Should a candidate leave within this period, we will replace them free of charge.
How are international candidates integrated?
Thanks to our global network, we can also recruit international managers for PE mandates. Intercultural assessments and location analyses are part of our service.
„Private equity efficiently – with PAPE by your side“
_____________________________________________________________________
Sources:
(*1) Invest Europe, Private Equity at Work (April 2023), p. 7: ‘The DACH region follows with 1.8 million jobs, representing 17% of the total.’
(*2) Number of active funds: ‘Around 400 active PE funds in the DACH region…’ – Roland Berger, Private Equity – State of the Region (July 2024): ‘With +400 active PE funds…’ rolandberger.com
(*3)…hold almost €52bn of uncommitted capital (‘dry powder’) as of the end of 2022…” – Roland Berger, Ready to reignite: Private equity in the DACH region (June 2023): ‘…with the EUR 52 billion kept as dry powder in the DACH region in 2022…’
(*4) PE-Magazin, article ‘German private equity market remains on a high level’ (4 April 2022): ‘…investments of over €12.6 billion were made, and… almost 1,000 companies were financed.’ pe-magazin.com
(*5) Invest Europe, Annual Report 2024: ‘Our member firms invested in over 5,500 portfolio companies, supporting 1.51 million jobs and generating €293 billion in revenues.’
Nehmen Sie Kontakt mit uns auf!
Wenn wir Sie jetzt auf den Geschmack gebracht haben, dann laden wir Sie ein, mit uns zu erleben, wie viele Chancen eine Veränderung in sich birgt. Wir freuen uns auf Sie!