Diagnose. Partner. Deliver.
Three principles that shape every search.
Human Capital Alpha is the measurable performance edge that comes from the right people in the right seats at the right moment.
We work with funds and their portfolio companies at the moments where human capital matters most: growth, transition, fundraising, acquisition and succession. The strongest hires rarely come from moving quickly. They come from understanding the business properly first.
Diagnose.
We get inside the business before we look outside.
That means spending time with clients before a search begins. Understanding the leadership gaps, the culture around the team, the pressures on the business and what success genuinely needs to look like twelve months later. Often, that changes the brief.
Partner.
Executive search works best when there is openness on both sides.
Clients use us as an extension of their leadership team — sharing context, pressure-testing decisions and having honest conversations when something does not feel right. We stay close throughout the process, not just at shortlist stage.
Deliver.
We are accountable for outcomes, not introductions.
That means rigorous diligence, thoughtful assessment and staying involved after the hire is made — particularly during the first 90 days, when integration challenges tend to surface.
An exceptional candidate.
What exceptional really means.
In private markets, the impact of a senior hire reaches far beyond the role itself.
The right person can strengthen execution, stabilise teams, improve investor confidence and create momentum across a business. The wrong fit can slow all of it down. That is why we never reduce a search to credentials alone.
EXCEPTIONAL MEANS
Right for the role
Someone with the technical capability, judgement and credibility to operate at the level the business genuinely requires — not just the level the title implies.
Right for the firm
Someone who fits the culture, pace and expectations of the organisation, and can build trust with the people around them.
Right for the moment
Different businesses need different leadership at different stages. A hire that works brilliantly during scale-up may not be the right person for integration, transition or succession. We focus on finding leaders who match the context as well as the mandate.
Across Private Markets.
Four practices, one specialism. Specialist talent across funds and their portfolios.
Investment & IR
Led by Charles Peck & Amanda Levin
Investment Directors, IR Directors, Heads of Capital Formation, Capital Markets, Product Specialists.
Corporate Functions
Led by Mark Maynard & Amanda Levin
CFOs, Heads of Tax, General Counsel, Deal Counsel, Heads of Compliance.
Tech & HR
Led by Alex Ford
Chief People Officers, Heads of HR, Heads of Reward, Heads of Talent, CTO, Chief Data Officer
Portfolio Hiring — Human Capital Alpha
Led by Mark Maynard & Alex Ford
Portfolio CEOs, CFOs, COOs, CPOs, CTOs, Chief Strategy Officers, Heads of M&A.
Why clients return.
Most of our work comes through long-term relationships and repeat mandates.
Clients return because we know their businesses well, communicate honestly, and stay involved when things become difficult or sensitive. We work exclusively in private markets, with experience spanning investment teams, corporate functions, portfolio leadership and talent strategy. Our work is shaped by long-standing relationships across the market, rigorous diligence, and a belief that executive search should feel like trusted advice, not a transaction.
Senior. Specialist. Accountable.
You work with the people whose names are on the door.
An experienced unit, with 20+ years average tenure, personally involved end-to-end on every mandate. No handoffs, no juniors learning on your search.
Trusted partner to leading firms.
Recognised as PE Wire Executive Search Firm of the Year (2026).
Selective client model. Minimal off-limits, broader access for our clients.
