Who We Are
We’re experienced operators and search experts who know how to get things done in tough environments. → We push when needed, speak hard truths, and cut through the fog to drive clarity and action.​

​Our Ethos:
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We move at deal speed—not consultant pace—delivering talent that matches the pace and pressure of private equity.
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We understand the full chessboard, aligning leaders to the investment thesis—not just the role.
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Our guidance comes from real-world PE experience.
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We focus on impact, not optics—finding operators who remove friction and create results.
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We build momentum by surfacing risks early, setting clear ownership, and driving forward progress.

Scott Engler
Scott is the founder of Sync Executive Partners, a talent solutions company purpose-built to support private equity and venture-backed companies with high-impact executive talent during moments of transition, growth, or transformation.
He spent over 17 years advising C-suite leaders including leading CEB/Gartner’s most successful CFO and CHRO practices, where he developed deep expertise at the intersection of strategy, leadership, and execution.
He has a passion for helping executives and companies reach their full potential by aligning talent with business strategy when the stakes are highest.

Sallie Van Tassel
Sallie Van Tassel an executive insight leader with 20 years of experience advising Fortune 500 leaders across strategy, operations, and talent.
She’s held senior roles at CB Insights, Gartner, and CEB, where she led global teams and built executive networks for CHROs and CFOs. Earlier in her career, she placed CEOs and board members at Heidrick & Struggles, giving her a deep understanding of leadership at the highest levels.
She brings a sharp, cross-functional lens to every challenge and is passionate about helping organizations unlock their full potential.
Faculty & Advisors

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Tim Dunn
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Roxi Wen
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Joe Freda
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L. David Kingsley
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Colleen McKeown
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Chad Bennett
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David Hanrahan
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Janette Jankowski
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Chatelle Lynch
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Bill Farbach
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Michael Shwindle
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Carol Lee
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Scott Rosenberg
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Dan Graham
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Traci Bakke
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Partners

Traci Bakke
Traci is a seasoned private equity HR executive with a passion for helping leaders and organizations unlock their full potential during times of growth, transformation, and value creation.
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With decades of experience, she has led strategic workforce initiatives, restructured organizations for scale, and aligned talent strategies to investment theses across multiple PE-backed companies. Her leadership has played a pivotal role in driving several successful exits, earning the trust of sponsors, CEOs, and executive teams navigating high-stakes change.
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Her expertise lies in guiding organizations through critical inflection points—whether building from the ground up, accelerating performance, or integrating post-acquisition—by combining sharp strategic insight with hands-on execution across leadership development, organizational design, cultural transformation, and performance optimization.

Elissa Mahendra
Elissa is a transformational HR and talent executive with over 20 years of experience across private equity, founder-led, and global public companies—known for driving growth through people during moments of scale, complexity, and reinvention.
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She has led enterprise-wide people strategies through M&A, ownership transitions, CEO succession, IPO readiness, and cultural transformation. A trusted advisor to executive teams and sponsors, she has architected scalable talent systems and inclusive cultures that unlock performance and deliver measurable value—playing a key role in multiple successful exits.
Elissa brings a unique blend of strategic foresight and operational agility—designing future-ready organizations, leadership pipelines, and high-performance cultures that fuel sustained enterprise growth.
Select Sync-Exec Fractional, Team and Interim Talent
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​​CFO with Buy-Side M&A Expertise
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Deep expertise in buy-side M&A, having led five acquisitions between 2018 and 2023. Has overseen the entire M&A process, from evaluation and financial due diligence to deal structuring and post-acquisition integration. Manages a portfolio of hardware, software, services, and subscription-based products.
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Industry: Technology, real estate (retail, office, multi-family, hotel, development, and operations)
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M&A Expertise:
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Led financial due diligence for five buy-side acquisitions.
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Evaluated multiple acquisition candidates and presented findings to senior leadership and the board.
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Managed post-acquisition integration and earnout calculations.
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International Experience:
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Worked for the US division of two Australian public companies and the global HQ of a Swedish-listed public company, managing major offices across the Americas, Europe, and Africa.
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Revenue Bands: < $10M, $10M - $50M, $100M - $500M, $500M - $1.5B, $1.5B and Greater
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Investment Stages: Seed
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Functional Expertise: Finance (CFO)
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Additional Info: Focuses on mining technology with diverse product lines, including SaaS.
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CFO M&A Expert with 75+ Transactions Across Multiple Sectors
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A strategic CFO with a background in private equity, has completed over 75 M&A transactions in healthcare, consumer, industrials, and business services, with deals ranging from $15M to over $1B. Career spans roles as an investor, operator, and advisor, enabling them to guide companies through growth, turnaround situations, and successful exits.
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Industry: Healthcare services, technology (including SaaS and multi-unit), consumer, diversified industrials, business services
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M&A Expertise:
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Sourced, closed, and integrated seven platform/add-on deals ranging from $15M to $80M.
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Executed buy-side and sell-side transactions, providing financing for deals between $100M and $1B+.
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Over 100 M&A transactions with $25B+ in total value.
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International Experience: None
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Revenue Bands: $10M - $50M, $50M - $100M, $100M - $500M, $500M - $1.5B
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Investment Stages: Series B+C, Series D+, IPO or Equivalent, Buyout
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Functional Expertise: Finance (CFO)
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Additional Info: Trusted advisor to C-suite, with expertise in building robust infrastructures and enabling companies to scale and prepare for exit.
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GM/VP CFO with Expertise in Capital Markets Technology and Global Operations
With a 15-year career in capital markets technology, this executive has extensive experience managing full M&A lifecycles. They have served as the global controller and head of finance for major financial institutions, leading FP&A teams across the Americas, Europe, and Latin America. Their expertise spans SaaS, software, professional services, and transaction-based revenue models.
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Industry: Capital markets technology, SaaS, software, professional services
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M&A Expertise:
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Led full M&A lifecycles, from investment thesis and due diligence to integration.
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Managed global close, audit, controls, and reporting across 55 countries.
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International Experience:
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Global controller for Blackstone's Refinitiv and head of FP&A for Thomson Reuters.
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Led expansion into the UK for Axoni, a VC-backed company.
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Revenue Bands: $10M - $50M, $1.5B and Greater
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Investment Stages: Series B+C, Buyout
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Functional Expertise: Finance (CFO)
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Additional Info: 15 years of experience in capital markets tech, across various revenue models.
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Experienced CFO with Global M&A and Leadership Roles in Multiple Industries
A finance professional with a background in investment banking and corporate finance, this executive has led M&A efforts for companies across the US, Europe, and Asia. With hands-on experience in buy-side roll-up strategies and sell-side transactions, they have driven the acquisition of companies in England, Thailand, and India, while also managing M&A strategies in the Americas and Scandinavia.
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Industry: Technology, services, consumer goods, manufacturing
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M&A Expertise:
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Led both buy-side and sell-side transactions at JPMorgan and a publicly traded company with an $800M division.
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Executed acquisitions in Europe and Asia, considering potential roll-ups in Latin America and Scandinavia.
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International Experience:
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Lived and worked in England and India while leading international M&A.
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Consulted for companies with Fortune 500 clients like Netflix, Amazon, and Apple.
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Revenue Bands: < $10M, $10M - $50M, $50M - $100M, $100M - $500M
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Investment Stages: Seed, Series A, Series B+C, Series D+, IPO or Equivalent
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Functional Expertise: Finance (CFO), Sales / Revenue, Operations
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Additional Info: Holds a CPA (inactive) and an MBA with a specialization in finance.
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Global HR Leader with Expertise in Human Capital M&A
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Led human capital due diligence and integration on 14 acquisitions, totaling nearly $8.7B in value. With a strong focus on optimizing operations, they have successfully delivered $5M in profit by eliminating redundancies. They have held global HR responsibilities in companies spanning the Americas, Europe, and Asia, driving cultural integration and standardizing HR operations across mergers.
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Industry: Pharma/CRO, technology, manufacturing, financial services, real estate
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M&A Expertise:
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Led HR due diligence and integration on acquisitions valued at $8.7B across multiple industries.
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Managed cultural and DEIA integration during mergers at Ingersoll Rand, Emmes, Beckman Coulter, and more.
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International Experience:
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Led HR functions for global companies across the Americas, Europe, and Asia.
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Worked on acquisitions involving employees in 11 different countries.
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Revenue Bands: < $10M, $10M - $50M, $100M - $500M, $500M - $1.5B, $1.5B and Greater
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Investment Stages: Buyout
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Functional Expertise: HR / People
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Additional Info: 13 years of experience in pharma/medical equipment, with 8 years in technology.
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HR Leader with M&A Expertise in Pharmaceuticals and Manufacturing
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M&A experience, having led HR integration efforts for acquisitions in the pharmaceutical and manufacturing sectors. Involved in both U.S.-based and global transactions, including divestitures and Reverse Morris Trust transactions. Post-merger, they ensure seamless cultural integration and alignment of HR operations across diverse teams.
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Industry: Healthcare, pharmaceuticals, food & beverage, manufacturing
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M&A Expertise:
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Led HR processes for several U.S. and global acquisitions, overseeing post-merger integration.
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Extensive experience in divestitures and Reverse Morris Trust transactions.
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International Experience: Yes
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Revenue Bands: $10M - $50M, $50M - $100M, $100M - $500M, $500M - $1.5B, $1.5B and Greater
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Functional Expertise: HR / People
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Additional Info: Background in IT leadership and strategic systems implementation.
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Strategic Finance Leader in Professional Services and SaaS
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Led the finance and accounting functions for companies in professional services and SaaS. They have driven M&A efforts, including due diligence and integration, for transactions valued at $50M. Their approach to finance emphasizes operational efficiency and alignment with business goals, ensuring sustainable growth.
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Industry: Professional services, SaaS, media, entertainment
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M&A Expertise:
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Led sell-side exit for a $50M company in 2022, including financial and tax due diligence.
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Spearheaded post-merger integration, financial forecasting, and cost reductions.
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International Experience: No
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Revenue Bands: < $10M, $10M - $50M, $50M - $100M
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Functional Expertise: Finance (CFO), HR / People, Operations
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Additional Info: Focus on driving financial excellence and operational efficiency across diverse industries.
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CFO with M&A and Integration Expertise in SaaS and Tech
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This seasoned finance executive has significant experience in SaaS and tech-enabled services, having led both buy-side and sell-side M&A transactions. They played a key role in the $1.8B acquisition of Stack Overflow by Prosus and the $1B acquisition of Drawbridge by LinkedIn. With deep expertise in finance, operations, and HR, they have successfully managed post-merger integration in global settings.
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Industry: SaaS, tech-enabled services, B2B enterprise
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M&A Expertise:
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Managed buy-side processes for four "acquihires" and led the integration for Stack Overflow's $1.8B acquisition.
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Extensive experience in leading capital markets and M&A activities.
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International Experience:
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Worked with international divisions generating revenue and incurring expenses in the UK/EU, India, and Mexico.
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Experience in adhering to Dutch Bourse reporting requirements and IFRS compliance.
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Revenue Bands: $10M - $50M, $50M - $100M, $100M - $500M
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Investment Stages: Series B+C, Series D+, Buyout
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Functional Expertise: Finance (CFO), HR / People, Operations
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Additional Info: Specializes in scaling high-growth, venture-backed startups while maintaining capital efficiency and driving M&A.
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Private Equity and Venture Capital CHRO with Expertise in HR M&A
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A seasoned CHRO with hands-on M&A experience, this executive has worked closely with private equity and venture capital firms to optimize the human capital aspects of numerous M&A deals. From integrating two $1.5B companies to reducing turnover by 18% post-acquisition, they have proven success in aligning workforce strategies with business goals to drive long-term value.
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Industry: Private equity, healthcare, technology, manufacturing
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M&A Expertise:
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Led the HR integration of multiple M&A transactions across tech, manufacturing, and healthcare sectors.
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Reduced employee turnover by 18% and increased operating margins by 12% post-acquisition.
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International Experience:
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Led HR strategies across Europe, North America, and Asia-Pacific, integrating global teams and aligning HR practices across regions.
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Developed talent pipeline programs and unified compensation structures that improved retention rates.
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Revenue Bands: < $10M, $10M - $50M, $50M - $100M, $100M - $500M, $500M - $1.5B, $1.5B and Greater
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Investment Stages: Seed, Series A, Series B+C, IPO or Equivalent
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Functional Expertise: HR / People
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Additional Info: Deep experience in driving talent alignment and cultural integration during M&A, particularly in high-growth tech and private equity environments.
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Tech-Enabled Commerce CFO with Extensive M&A Experience
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This finance leader has a proven track record of leading multiple acquisitions in the tech-enabled commerce sector. With deals ranging from $30M to $70M, they have extensive experience in financial and strategic analysis, due diligence, board communication, and post-acquisition integration. They also bring strong legal expertise to the M&A process.
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Industry: Tech-enabled commerce, consumer & e-commerce, SaaS, health-tech, logistics
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M&A Expertise:
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Led multiple buy-side M&A transactions, overseeing the full financial and legal aspects of the acquisitions.
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Managed post-deal integration, ensuring seamless transitions and alignment of financial goals.
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International Experience:
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Held global leadership roles at Amazon and UGI, managing international teams and navigating complex entity structures.
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Revenue Bands: $50M - $100M, $100M - $500M, $1.5B and Greater
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Investment Stages: Series D+, IPO or Equivalent
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Functional Expertise: Finance (CFO), Sales / Revenue, Product
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Additional Info: A finance leader with global expertise and a strategic approach to M&A, with a focus on tech-enabled commerce and SaaS models.
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SaaS and Professional Services CFO with Extensive M&A Experience
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An experienced finance executive with deep expertise in SaaS and professional services, this CFO has led multiple M&A transactions, from due diligence to integration. They have worked extensively with strategic buyers and sponsors, exiting companies to major firms and managing the post-acquisition integration process.
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Industry: SaaS, professional services, pro services
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M&A Expertise:
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Led two buy-side M&A processes, including post-acquisition integration.
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Extensive experience exiting companies to both strategic buyers and private equity sponsors.
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International Experience:
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Led SaaS businesses with large operations in Canada and India.
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Revenue Bands: $10M - $50M, $50M - $100M, $100M - $500M, $500M - $1.5B, $1.5B and Greater
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Investment Stages: Series A, IPO or Equivalent, Buyout
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Functional Expertise: Finance (CFO), HR / People, Operations
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Additional Info: Expertise in SaaS and pro services, with significant experience in managing international teams and post-M&A integrations.
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Private Equity CFO with 15 Years of Experience in Driving Transformational Change
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This seasoned CFO brings over 15 years of experience in driving transformational change across diverse industries, including technology, healthcare, and pharmaceuticals. They have completed over 10 deals valued at $250M+, focusing on maximizing value and leading companies through significant growth or exits.
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Industry: Technology (SaaS), healthcare, pharmaceuticals
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M&A Expertise:
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Led buy-side and sell-side deals valued over $250M from within organizations.
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Expert in deal structuring, post-merger integration, and maximizing value creation.
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International Experience: Yes
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Revenue Bands: < $10M, $10M - $50M, $50M - $100M, $100M - $500M
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Investment Stages: Seed, Series A, Series B+C, Series D+, IPO or Equivalent, Buyout
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Functional Expertise: Finance (CFO), HR / People, Product, Operations, CEO, GM
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Additional Info: A strategic CFO with unconventional yet deep expertise, driving significant change and value across industries.
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Global HR Leader with Expertise in M&A and Transformation in SaaS and Tech
This HR executive has over 15 years of global experience in leading transformational change within SaaS and tech companies. They have led HR processes during M&A, managing cultural integration and operational streamlining across the Americas, EMEA, and APAC.
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Industry: SaaS, tech, travel, airlines
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M&A Expertise:
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Led the people workstream for four mergers and large-scale transformation projects.
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Short stint as HR M&A Director for a global spin-out and JV project.
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International Experience:
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Extensive global roles across the US, EMEA, APAC, and LatAm.
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Led teams and managed HR transformation projects across various continents.
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Revenue Bands: < $10M, $10M - $50M, $50M - $100M, $100M - $500M, $500M - $1.5B, $1.5B and Greater
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Investment Stages: Series B+C, Series D+
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Functional Expertise: HR / People
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Additional Info: Thrives in managing transformational change, with a focus on hypergrowth and turnaround situations.