From the Front Lines of Executive Search: Insights That Drive Growth
INDUSTRY INSIGHTS
Empowering Businesses with Knowledge and Trends that Drive Growth
When the Criteria Are Wrong, Even the Best Executive Will Fail
Why Alignment Outranks Pedigree in Pre or Post-Acquisition Leadership
By Sammy Siegal | Founder & Managing Director, Crimson Jay Executive Search Partners
Private equity and M&A teams pride themselves on disciplined deal processes, but when it comes to leadership selection, rigor often gives way to resume bias. Big-name backgrounds and logos may feel safe, but they don’t guarantee alignment with the investment thesis.
An executive built for stability can unintentionally preserve legacy complexity, while one built for top-line growth may overlook the cost discipline critical to a leveraged environment. The mismatch isn’t about talent, it’s about alignment.